Aims/Priorities: Financial payments are available for LGBT veterans who served in HM Armed Forces between 27 July 1967 and 11 January 2000 and who have been affected by the Ban on LGBT personnel serving in HM Armed Forces. The scheme provides two types of payment to recognise the discrimination and the detriment suffered by LGBT personnel under the Ban:
- LGBT Dismissed or Discharged Payment. A payment for veterans who were dismissed or administratively discharged, including officers who were ordered or instructed to resign or retire by their respective Service Board, solely on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity during the Ban.
- LGBT Impact Payment. This is for those who were impacted in other ways. This LGBT Impact payment is open to all those who experienced pain and suffering under the Ban, including harassment, intrusive investigations and indeed in some cases imprisonment.
Who can apply: To be eligible, the applicant must have:
- Served in HM Armed Forces between 27 July 1967 and 11 January 2000.
- Been affected by the Ban on LGBT personnel serving in HM Armed Forces.
Applications from terminally ill veterans will be prioritised. The applicant will have the opportunity to declare that they have a terminal illness diagnosis when they apply and will need to submit evidence to support this.
This could include:
- A letter from their GP, consultant or other suitably qualified medical professional.
- Confirmation that they are in receipt of DWP Special Rules (SR1) allowance.
- A letter from a hospice care provider.
If an applicant lacks capacity or is unable to complete the application form themselves, a legal representative may complete and submit the application on the applicant’s behalf.
A number of charities have teamed up with the Financial Recognition Scheme to provide support, if needed, to veterans making an application. The details of these charities will be distributed shortly.
Grant amount: Two types of Financial Recognition Payments are available:
- LGBT Dismissed or Discharged Payment - £50,000.
- LGBT Impact Payment
- Level 1 - £1,000 to £5,000
- Level 2 - £5,001 to £10,000
- Level 3- £10,001 to £20,000
Application process: The guidance notes can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Applications can either be made by hard copy or via the dedicated online application platform which can be accessed through the Defence Gateway Platform.
A hard copy of the application form can be requested from the Veterans UK Helpline.
Dedicated advisers are available to provide support to applicants in completing the application. More information can be found on the Ministry of Defence's web page 'Were you Affected by the Armed Forces LGBT Ban?
Deadline: Saturday 12 December 2026.
Contact info: LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme guide: How to apply for a Financial Recognition Payment - GOV.UK
Website: Were You Affected by the Ban?