Preventing homelessness when leaving the armed forces
If you are leaving HM armed forces you have the right to help with finding somewhere to live.
Types of assistance
Housing advice and assistance is available for people who are due to leave the armed forces or those who have left within the last five years. The type of assistance we can give depends on your situation.
Joint Service Housing Advice Office
You can get help through your housing advice office. They provide information and advice for you and your dependants, especially if you are about to return to civilian life. Joint Service Housing Advice Office: 01252 787574
Duty to refer
You can also be referred for housing assistance to any council by your housing advice officer (ask them about the new law called ‘duty to refer’). See our website for how they can make a referral on your behalf.
If you don't have anywhere to live, you can get help from your local council. You will have a priority need if you are vulnerable because of your time in HM armed forces.
Other organisations
Op FORTITUDE- Riverside Care and Support: 0800 952 0774
A government-backed pathway for veterans at risk of homelessness, offering support to stay in their current home or move into veteran-specific supported housing.
Help for Heroes: 0300 303 9888
Provides tailored mental health, physical health, welfare, financial, and community support for veterans and their families, helping them live well after service.
Royal British Legion: 0808 802 8080
Supports the Armed Forces community with housing advice, homelessness support, financial guidance, and access to wider welfare services.
Royal British Legion Industries: 01622 795900 - enquiries@rbli.co.uk
Provides inclusive housing, employment support, and care services for veterans, disabled people, and those facing long-term unemployment. Also runs Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company and the Lifeworks employment programme.
Veterans' Gateway: Veterans UK: 0808 802 1212 - veterans-uk@mod.uk www.veterans-uk.info
The first point of contact for veterans needing help with housing, mental wellbeing, finances, employment, and more — available 24/7.
Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation: 0207 385 2110
Provides high quality supported housing and specialist support services for vulnerable and disabled veterans to help them live independently.
Veterans Aid: 0800 012 68 67 - info@veterans-aid.net
Offers immediate, practical support for veterans in crisis, including emergency accommodation, food, clothing, and long-term help towards stable housing and recovery.