A new Digital Veteran Card will soon be available to former service personnel, simplifying the process of proving veteran status and enhancing access to essential support services.
This initiative is set to reduce waiting times and offer a more seamless experience for veterans seeking assistance.
Faster Access to Support Services
The introduction of the Digital Veteran Card is aimed at expediting the support process for those who have left the armed forces. From housing assistance to employment opportunities and rail discounts, the new digital card will provide faster, more convenient access to a range of essential services. Expected to launch next year, the digital card can be downloaded instantly, making it especially convenient for smartphone users.
Timely Announcement Ahead of Remembrance
The announcement of the Digital Veteran Card comes just before this year’s Remembrance weekend, a time when the nation pauses to honor the sacrifices of service men and women. Under the new system, veterans will be able to download their digital card as soon as they apply, allowing them to access support services while their physical card is being processed and posted.
Supporting Over 250,000 Veterans
Currently, the Veteran Card is used by around 250,000 former service personnel across the UK. The digital version will simplify proving veteran status and make accessing support services quicker and more efficient.
Government Commitment to Supporting Veterans
The government’s focus on using technology to streamline public services aims to make life better for everyone in the country.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the importance of supporting veterans, stating:
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much for this country and we must make every effort to ensure veterans get the help and support they’re entitled to.
“That’s why we’re working with the Office for Veterans Affairs to speed up access to essential services, whether it’s housing or employment support by offering our heroes digital Veteran Cards which can be with them in a matter of minutes.
“This will cut the wait currently faced for physical copies, by offering a quick, convenient and straightforward route to get the support they deserve for serving our country.”
Ensuring Year-Round Support
Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns, added:
“This is a government committed to delivering for all those who serve and have served. I am deeply honoured to be responsible for ensuring our veterans get the support they need and deserve, not just at Remembrance but year-round. We’re turning words into action to improve life for every veteran.
“That is why former serving personnel will soon have a choice on how to access and use their veteran card. Whether a physical card or a digital card on smartphones, we’re ensuring that all veterans will have easier access to support services and wider benefits including discounts and cheaper rail travel.”
Streamlined Access to Services
The digital card will enable veterans to swiftly prove their status when seeking help from military charities or accessing support services like Op FORTITUDE for housing, NHS health services, or job centers for employment support. Hannah Pearce, Director of Campaigns, Policy, and Research at The Royal British Legion, welcomed the initiative, stating:
“We support the introduction of the digital HM Armed Forces Veteran Card and any measure that improves access to services and benefits for the Armed Forces community. The ability to access and use the card quickly is a significant advancement.”
Additional Benefits
Veterans will also be able to confirm their service when applying for the ‘Going Forward into Employment’ scheme, which helps them find roles within the Civil Service, NHS, and justice sector. The digital card can be used to apply for the Defence Discount Card, which offers various retail discounts, and the Veteran Railcard, providing a third off rail travel on most journeys.
This modernized approach marks a significant step forward in recognizing the service of veterans and ensuring they receive the support and benefits they have earned. Photo by Jpbarrass, Wikimedia commons.