Of paramount importance to the Association is the facilitation of aftercare for ex-officers and soldiers and benevolence for all who require assistance.
The quickest way to prove that you are entitled to welfare support is having your Red Discharge Book that shows that you were in the Services.
If you have lost your book, please go to https://www.gov.uk/get-copy-military-service-records
You can ask for a copy of all records held on you which should give sufficient information to prove your service.
Once located please put it somewhere in an accessible safe place where you and your next of kin can find it.
Your circumstances may have changed, and you need help... A lot of us have been there, through no fault of our own, don't be ashamed to ask for help. Please remember, The Association is there to help you.
Opened for applications on 31 August 2021. Details about the scheme and how to make an application are available on the Victims’ Payments Board website at www.victimspaymentsboard.org.uk
The scheme will remain open for applications until 31 August 2026 (unless that is extended by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland). The scheme is being administered, on behalf of the Victims’ Payments Board, by the Department of Justice and Capita have been contracted to undertake assessments on the degree of permanent disability sustained by an applicant as the result of a Troubles-related incident. All decisions on entitlement and payments from the scheme are a matter for the Victims’ Payments Board.
There are three separate application flows available on the portal. You should select the flow that best fits with your particular circumstances:-
Each of the online application flows facilitate the uploading of supporting information that you may wish to submit along with your application.
Did you have a SERPS pension whilst serving?
The State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme was designed by the Government to top up the State Pension. It existed from 1978 to 2002, when it was replaced by the State Second Pension, and both schemes were often known as the additional state pension. Many of those serving in the Armed Forces who were in occupational pension schemes chose to opt out of SERPS during the 1980s and 1990s. This was known as “contracting out” and instead these people redirected their National Insurance contributions into a personal pension, and you think there is a chance you might have a missing SERPS pension, it is well worth checking because a missing pension could make a big difference to your retirement income.
See the following link on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans#contact-details
If you are going through hard times, or you know of one of our members whose life is in difficulties and you want to access the support of the Association, the first step is to contact SSAFA on 0845 7141 or go to the SSAFA website
Please note: As of 2021, South East Regional Hub has been set up as a Regional Point of Contact for SSAFA. This is in place to support all SSAFA Branches within the South East area.
Tel: 0204 566 9126 Email: southeast.region@ssafa.org.uk
If you wish to ask for advice in the meantime, the agencies listed below are available to assist:
SSAFA - Lifelong support for our forces & their families Tel 0207 403 8783 www.ssafa.org.uk
BLESMA - Enabling limbless veterans to lead independent & fulfilling lives Tel 0208 590 1124
Blind Veterans UK Tel 020 7723 5021
ABF The Soldiers Charity - Never ending support for our soldiers since 1944 Tel 020-7901-8900
Army Welfare Service - Welfare support service for servicemen & women Tel 01980 615975
The Association will assist families with the funeral of a member in the form of the provision of the Regimental Coffin Drape and a Bugler, if available but this is not always possible.
For assistance please contact the Secretary at queensregimentalassociation@gmsil.com