In a significant move to enhance support and recognition for military veterans, an injection of £3 million will expand the distribution of HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards, ensuring that thousands of veterans who left service before 2018 will have access to this vital identification. The cards are designed to simplify and expedite veterans’ access to crucial services from the NHS, charities, and local authorities, as well as granting eligibility for benefits like Defence Discount Service Cards and the Veterans Railcard.
Veterans’ Minister Johnny Mercer visited a facility in Gosport to witness firsthand the progress made in rolling out these essential ID cards and to meet with veterans who are already benefiting from the program. Speaking on the initiative, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, stated, “Veteran cards provide ex-service men and women with a tangible connection to the important contributions they have made to the defence of our nation. We are honouring our commitment to getting ID cards into the hands of veterans by the end of the year so that they can more easily access support.”
The HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards initiative was initiated in December 2018, with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) automatically issuing cards to all service leavers as part of their service leavers’ pack. Starting later this year, veterans who left service before 2018 will also have the opportunity to apply for this valuable ID card. Already, as of July 2023, 71,000 veterans have received cards, with production set to increase to 50,000 cards monthly for those who left service before 2018.
Lt Gen Sir Nicholas Pope, Chair of Cobseo, the Confederation of Service Charities, highlighted the importance of these cards, stating, “Veterans who need timely help, either from the state or from the charity sector, are often frustrated by delays in confirming their status. Veterans’ ID cards provide a significant step forward in speeding up this process and we look forward to supporting their delivery to the entire veteran community.”
