LGBT veterans affected by the former ban on homosexual personnel serving in the UK Armed Forces have been given a final 100-day reminder to apply for government recognition and
compensation before the scheme closes.
The deadline for applications is 12 December 2026, with eligible veterans able to seek a package of restorative measures introduced following an independent review into the impact of the Armed Forces’ LGBT ban, which remained in place between 1967 and 2000.
The government has launched a final appeal urging former service personnel who were dismissed, discharged or otherwise harmed because of the policy to come forward.
Under the scheme, veterans who were forced to leave the Armed Forces because of the ban may qualify for a £50,000 Financial Recognition Payment. Those who experienced additional harm, including investigations, harassment or disciplinary proceedings, may also be entitled to an Impact Payment of up to £20,000.
The government says the measures are intended to acknowledge the personal and professional damage caused by a policy that affected thousands of LGBT people who served, or sought to serve, in the British military.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: “No one should face persecution or have to hide who they are. The ban caused lasting harm to many brave personnel who served our country.
I hope all eligible veterans come forward before the application deadline closes in 100 days, and urge everybody across our armed forces and LGBT+ communities to spread the word”.
Equalities Minister Simon Lightwood described the removal and exclusion of LGBT personnel from the Armed Forces as a “shameful chapter” in British history.
He said the government wanted the experiences of affected veterans to be formally recognised and stressed that such discrimination must not be repeated.
The programme also offers a range of non-financial forms of recognition. Eligible veterans can request an official letter of apology, replacement service items and the opportunity to take part in a restoration ceremony.
One of those affected is Jean, who served in the British Army as a physical training instructor with the Women’s Royal Army Corps.
Her military career was brought to an abrupt end after she was investigated under the LGBT ban. She has said the experience damaged her confidence, sense of identity and self-worth, with consequences that continued long after she left the Army.
Jean has since applied for restorative measures. Although she described the process as challenging at times, she said it had helped her begin to talk openly about her experience and understand that the shame associated with what happened was never hers to bear.
The government is now encouraging veterans who may qualify for the scheme, as well as their families, friends and community organisations, to share information about the final application window.
Eligible applicants can find further information and apply through the government’s dedicated Affected by the Ban service on GOV.UK.
