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UK Government launches LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme for veterans affected by military homosexuality ban

The UK Government has today announced a £75 million LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme for LGBT+ veterans who served under the British Armed Forces homosexuality ban, which will see those affected receive up to £70,000 each.

It was also announced that LGBT+ veterans, dismissed or discharged due to their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, can apply to have their rank restored and discharge reason amended.

This is hugely welcome news. For many veterans, the ban caused devastating and lasting harm, with their military careers abruptly cut short and their dignity stripped away.

During research for my Anything But Uniform report, which amplified voices in the veteran community that are often overlooked, I heard first-hand accounts from LGBT+ veterans about their profound sense of rejection and injustice. They described harrowing, degrading and humiliating experiences, and were subjected to conduct which is, thankfully, almost inconceivable in military service today.

For some, the traumatic treatment they endured led to lifelong struggles, including poor mental health, addiction, and even homelessness.

These individuals had made the personal sacrifices associated with serving our country and dedicated their careers to upholding values of freedom that they themselves were denied.

While no measure can undo the harm inflicted, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme marks an essential step toward justice and reconciliation. It acknowledges the failures of the past and offers a tangible gesture of redress.

Above all, I hope this scheme helps those affected to feel seen, valued, and welcomed back into the veteran community - where they always belonged.

Today’s announcement is the latest step in implementing Lord Etherton’s review, which looked at the appalling treatment of LGBT+ serving personnel between 1967 and 2000.

The Scheme will see LGBT+ veterans who were dismissed or discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identify receive £50,000, with additional payments of up to £20,000 available for veterans and Service Personnel who were negatively affected by the ban on LGBT personnel from 1967 to 2000 during their time in Service.

The payments announced today (Thursday 12 December) will be exempt from income tax and means tested benefits, ensuring LGBT veterans benefit from the full amount available.

Applications for the Financial Recognition Scheme opened on 13 December 2024 and will close on 12 December 2026.

A number of charities have teamed up with the Financial Recognition Scheme to provide support, if needed, to veterans making an application. 

The Veterans Welfare Service can provide support on this and veterans in Scotland can contact them at Veterans-UK-VWS-Scot-NI@mod.gov.uk. 

One of the support organisations, Fighting with Pride, the LGBT+ veterans charity, has published a guide on its website and is urging applicants not to rush their application, recommending that they first take time to gather necessary information and draft strong supporting narratives. Once an application is submitted, there is only a two-week window to make any amendments or additions, as it then progresses to the initial application check phase. The charity has also advised that the application process may be triggering and is encouraging veterans who are worried, distressed or unsure of any detail within their application to get in touch or speak with their regional FWP Veterans Community Worker.

The Ministry of Defence has set aside a £90,000 fund for key charities to support LGBT+ veterans with their applications and further information about the recipient organisations will be publicised in due course.

Read more about announcement and the Financial Recognition Scheme here.