Veterans Welfare Service
The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) provides professional help and advice to veterans, their families and dependants, as well as those supporting veterans.
Who we are
The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) provides one-to-one support to veterans, their families and dependants through a network of welfare managers across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
We work with the Royal Navy, the British Army, the Royal Air Force, local authorities, voluntary organisations, service charities and Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees to promote independence and maintain dignity.
We may be able to help you with:
- the transition from service to civilian life
- advising bereaved families
- any changes in disablement
- completing any forms if needed
What we do
We support veterans and their dependants. Our focus is to provide assistance following a change in situation that may have resulted in a welfare need, such as:
- leaving the services
- bereavement
- changes in disablement
- changes affecting income or finances
- changes affecting housing
Who we can assist
We can assist:
- veterans (anyone who has served in armed forces, regular or reserves, including National Servicemen), their families and dependants
- anyone who is eligible for, or in receipt of compensation from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme or the War Pensions Scheme
- service personnel who are to be medically discharged or have an enduring welfare requirement on discharge
- bereaved families of service personnel
How we can help
Help and guidance can be provided either by telephone or face-to-face, through a national network of welfare managers.
You should call one of our veterans welfare centres in the first instance. A welfare manager will then be designated your caseworker.
The welfare manager will the either call you by telephone or, if appropriate, a home visit will be arranged.
We will:
- ask about the situation and identify any welfare needs
- use this information to identify what type of assistance is needed and available from different sources
- provide advice and practical help towards meeting the needs identified
Services we can offer include:
- help with applying for the War Pension Scheme and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- help with applying for any armed forces pension to which there may be an entitlement
- giving information and advice about benefits available and help with applications
- making referrals to social services organisations or other voluntary organisations to apply for their services
Our partners
We work alongside:
- in-service welfare providers
- local authorities
- voluntary organisations
- service charities
- the Department for Work and Pensions
This ensures that those leaving the armed forces, as well as existing veterans and their families, receive all the information and assistance they need to access the appropriate services and benefits.
Working together with Defence Recovery Capability
Our staff are part of the Defence Recovery Capability Team, working with personal recovery units and personal recovery centres to provide a joined-up service that supports wounded, injured and sick personnel who are on the recovery pathway.
If you need help
There are 4 veterans welfare centres that provide advice and support across the UK. If you need help, phone or email the welfare centre nearest to where you live, or contact the Veterans UK helpline.
Centurion (London, South-East and South-West England)
Telephone: 02392 702232
Email: Veterans-UK-VWS-South@mod.gov.uk
Kidderminster (South and Central Wales, Midlands and East England)
Telephone: 01562 825527
Email: Veterans-UK-VWS-Wales-Mid@mod.gov.uk
Norcross VWC (North-West England, Yorkshire and Humber, North Wales and Isle of Man)
Email: Veterans-UK-VWS-North@mod.gov.uk
Glasgow (Scotland, North-East England, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland)
Email: Veterans-UK-VWS-Scot-NI@mod.gov.uk
Veterans UK helpline
Freephone (UK only):0808 1914 2 18
Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043
Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Normal service: 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday