If you have been considering joining the UK army reserves or want to compare it with full-time service, one of the questions you may have asked yourself is whether you’d get a housing allowance as a reserve.
In most cases, reservists do not receive a housing allowance; however, there are some circumstances where it may be possible.
What are the types of military accommodation in the UK?
Before looking at how housing may apply to reservists in the UK, it’s important to explain the two main types of military accommodation available to members of the armed forces.
- Single Living Accommodation (SLA): An SLA is normally a single-person room or a place in barracks.
- Service Family Accommodation (SFA): Subsidised housing for personnel with partners or children
These are both forms of housing made available to military personnel by the Ministry of Defence, and rather than the benefit being in the form of cash allowances, housing costs are subsidised instead.
These options are available to full-time armed forces personnel and some full-time reservists, depending on individual circumstances.
The UK Ministry of Defence housing policy, JSP 464, covers all military personnel, not just the army, and states, “Service personnel are entitled to Single Living Accommodation (SLA) where a requirement exists for them to live at or near their duty station.”
Do army reservists get a housing allowance?
Many reservists are part-time. In fact, typical army reservists normally:
- Live in a civilian home
- Only train part-time
This exempts them from military housing. In fact, the official guidance states that reservists generally have no entitlement to SLA or SFA. They may be allowable in limited situations if space becomes available or service requires it.
Put simply, reservists maintain a normal civilian life alongside military service; therefore, they do not receive the range of benefits a full-time member of the military does.
When can reservists get housing support?
There are some situations where army reservists may be entitled to a form of housing support.
Full-time deployment
If you are mobilised, you are likely to be provided with accommodation. This could be barracks or operational housing. This is normally assigned to you rather than paid as an allowance.
Full-time reserve service
Some reservists take on FTRS roles. Full-Time Reserve Service is more like a full-time position, treating your role in the army more like regular employment.
Certain FTRS categories, such as Full Commitment roles, can make reservists eligible for SLA or SFA as long as specific criteria are met, such as whether you are required to live near your duty station. However, not all FTRS roles include housing. Home Commitment, for example, specifically states that no accommodation is provided.
What do FTRS categories mean?
Full-time Reserve Service (FTRS) is split into different commitment levels, and this directly affects housing entitlement:
- Full Commitment (FC): Works like a regular full-time role. You may be eligible for SLA or SFA if your duties require you to live near your unit.
- Limited Commitment (LC): A more flexible arrangement. Housing entitlement is case-dependent and based on your assignment.
- Home Commitment (HC): For roles carried out from your home location. No military housing entitlement is provided.
Surplus accommodation
Occasionally, there may be surplus army accommodation. This is never guaranteed and is purely reliant on availability. However, if available, reservists may be able to rent it at market or subsidised rates.
Housing comparison between regular army members and reservists
| Category | Service type | SLA entitlement | SFA entitlement | Housing allowance | Key notes |
| Regular army | Full-time | Yes (if required) | Yes (if eligible) | No | Core part of service |
| Army reserve | Part-time | No (temporary only) | No | No | Civilian housing |
| Army reserve (mobilised) | Temporary full-time | Yes | Usually not | No | Treated as regular army |
| FTRS (full commitment) | Full-time reserve | Yes (if required) | Possible | No | Similar to regular army |
| FTRS (Home commitment) | Home-based | No | No | No | No accommodation provided |
Accommodation is provided only where there is a requirement to live near your place of duty, not simply as a benefit or service. Referring back to JSP 464:
“Entitlement to SLA does not guarantee allocation; accommodation is subject to availability and operational requirements.”
Do reservists get any financial support for housing costs?
In simple terms, no. There is no financial support or housing allowance for accommodation costs. This means that mortgage support or rent assistance is not available.
However, in some circumstances, claims can be made for certain expenses that may indirectly reduce your living costs.
For example, travel expenses for training or duty may be reimbursed, and while on camp, food and accommodation are provided, therefore reducing expenditure at home.
For most army reservists, housing remains entirely civilian, with support such as SLA or SFA only applying in full-time or operational roles. Regardless of accommodation, looking after kit and personal belongings remains essential. At Trinity, we provide specially tailored military kit insurance that ensures your essential gear is protected no matter where your service takes you. If you’re in your own home or private renting our buildings and contents insurance includes kit cover. Contact our team today for your free quote on the best product for your protection needs.