The Veteran card is now available following the work from The Ministry of Defence and The Office for Veterans’ Affairs and Government Digital Services. The card enables veterans to confirm their armed forces status for access to public and charitable sector support; and give the recognition of their past service within HM Armed Forces.
The card is free but currently you need be a UK resident. For those living overseas you will be able to apply later in 2024.
It’s free to apply for and open to anyone who served, whether as a regular or reservist, in the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force. When you apply via https://www.gov.uk/veteran-card you will need your service number, your national insurance number, when you commenced your service and when you left and also a passport style photo that shows your head and shoulders. When you apply online you will also be required to use the Gov.uk one login, this is to prove identify and if you don’t have the one login you’ll be able to set one up. You just need some form of photo identification, such as your passport or driving licence, and an email address for the account set up.
Whilst on the subject of cards, have you read up on the benefits of the Veterans rail card?
For those that have served for at least one day in His Majesty’s UK Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) the Veterans Railcard will give a third off most rail fares including Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares. Unlike the Veteran Card the Veteran Railcard isn’t free, and costs £30 for 12 months with the three years card priced at £70. For those travelling by rail for work or pleasure, the initial outlay will quickly be covered with reduced fares.
The Veterans Railcard is available to buy online and by post. You can opt choose to have it digitally or an actual card posted to you.
For any help with the Veteran card or any other support needed you can call the Veterans UK Helpline on the following: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk Telephone: 0808 1914 218 Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm