I was impacted.
If you were impacted by the Armed Forces LGBT Ban, you may be eligible for a financial recognition payment of up to £20,000 through the LGBT Impact Payment.
This payment is for veterans whose service was affected by the Ban between 27th July 1967 and 11th January 2000, including those who experienced harassment, investigations, disciplinary action or other forms of unfair treatment.
Application deadline:
Saturday 12th December
Support is available
every step of the way.
You don’t have to complete your application alone.
Many applicants find it helpful to talk through their experiences with a trained adviser before submitting their application, particularly when writing their testimony.
Support is available over the phone and, where needed, face-to-face assistance can also be arranged.
Fighting with Pride – Support from trained advisors who understand.
Talk to trained advisers who can answer your questions, explain the schemes, help you understand what you may be eligible for and support you throughout your application.
Find out more
Royal British Legion – Practical guidance with your application.
Receive one-to-one support from trained advisers who can guide you through the application process, help you complete your application and answer any questions along the way.
Find out more
MOD Veterans Service – Request a paper application or access welfare support.
If you would prefer to apply using a paper application form, or need additional welfare support, the MOD Veterans Services can help you access the information and assistance you need.
Find out more
How to apply.
Please follow the steps below. You can apply online or request paper application form if you would prefer.
You can apply for both the Impact Payment and the Dismissed or Discharged Payment if both are applicable to your experience.
Do you need support before starting your application?
If you’re unsure which scheme to apply for, or you’d like support with your application, a trained adviser can guide you through the process.
I want to apply online.
If you’re applying online, you’ll first need to register for a Defence Gateway account. This is used to identify you and confirm your military service during the period of the Ban.
You should receive your Defence Gateway login details via email within one working day of submitting your registration request. Please follow the instructions within this email to log in for the first time.
I already have a Defence Gateway account.
If you already have an existing Defence Gateway account, please ensure you use this to login and do not register for a new one.
For detailed guidance on this step, please click here .
I want to apply by paper application form.
To apply using a paper application form, please contact the MOD Veterans Services who will post a paper form and freepost envelope to you.
Email:
veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Freephone (UK only):
0808 1914 218
8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
Telephone (overseas):
+44 1253 866 043
8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
Complete your application.
Once you’ve received your Defence Gateway login details, you can begin your application.
You’ll be asked to:
- Provide your personal and service details
- Choose the payment you’re applying for
- Explain what happened to you by writing a testimony
- Upload any supporting evidence you have
Your application is automatically saved as you go, so you can take a break and come back whenever you’re ready.
Complete your application.
Once you’ve received your paper form, you can begin your application.
You’ll be asked to:
- Provide your personal and service details
- Choose the payment you’re applying for
- Explain what happened to you by writing a testimony
- Attach any supporting evidence you have
Before you post your application
- Remember to take a copy of your completed application form
- Only send copies of supporting evidence (please don’t send originals)
- Please put your return address and/or postcode on the back of the envelope
Write your testimony.
Your written testimony is an important part of your application and helps the Independent Panel understand your experiences.
You don’t need to write everything at once, and support is available if you would like help preparing your testimony.
Tips for writing your testimony:
- Take your time – you don’t need to complete it in one sitting
- Draft your notes in a Word document first over the course of a few days
- Ask someone you trust to read through it if you feel comfortable doing so
- Use clear language and avoid military acronyms where possible
If you’re unsure where to start, speak to one of the support organisations before submitting your application. They can guide you through how to put your testimony together and answer any questions you might have.
Updating your online application.
You can make changes to your online application within 2 weeks of it being submitted, up until the application deadline on 12th December 2026. After this period, your application will move to the initial application check phase and can no longer be edited.
The Financial Recognition Scheme will let you know when your application starts undergoing its initial application check
Been longer than 2 weeks?
If you need to make minor amendments or updates after the application has entered the initial application check phase, please contact the LGBT Financial Recognitions Scheme as soon as possible, by either:
- Email: LGBT-FRScheme@mod.gov.uk
- Post: Freepost LGBT FR SCHEME
Post your form and supporting evidence.
Post the application form and copies of your supporting evidence in the return envelope to the: Financial Recognition Scheme – Freepost LGBT FR SCHEME.
This address is for UK-based applicants only.
I am an overseas applicant.
If you are an overseas applicant, a different free to post return address must be used. Please contact the MOD Veterans Services Helpline using the details below, for further information:
- Phone number: 0044 1253 866 043
- Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Your application is reviewed.
Once you’ve submitted your application online or sent it by post, the scheme team will gather the relevant service records and supporting evidence needed to assess your application.
You do not need to source military records yourself.
Your testimony, alongside your service records and any supporting evidence, will then be considered by an Independent Panel, separate from the Ministry of Defence.
You’ll receive a decision.
Once your application has been assessed, you’ll receive a decision letter explaining the outcome.
If your application is successful, you’ll be asked to confirm your acceptance and your bank details before payment is made. Payments of up to £20,000 are available through the Impact Payment.
Were you affected by the Ban in other ways?
Dismissed or Discharged Payment.
If you were dismissed or discharged because of the Armed Forces LGBT Ban, then you can also apply for the Dismissed or Discharged Payment.
Non-Financial Restorative Measures.
Find out about official letters of apology, restoration ceremonies, replacement military items and other restorative measures for everyone affected by the Ban.
Hear from others who’ve applied for the Impact Payment.
Frequently asked questions.
The Schemes are for people who:
- served in HM Armed Forces during the period of the Ban: 27 July 1967 to 11 January 2000
- and were affected by the Ban on LGBT personnel whilst serving in HM Armed Forces.
There are two financial recognition payment routes:
- Dismissed or Discharged Payment for those dismissed or discharged because of the Ban.
- Impact Payment for those who were affected in other ways, for example, experienced harassment, investigations, disciplinary action or other forms of mistreatment.
These are official forms of recognition available to everyone affected by the Ban. They include official letters of apology, restoration ceremonies, replacement military items and more.
No. The scheme is a form of recognition for the harm caused by the Armed Forces LGBT Ban. It is not a compensation scheme.
Persons of Sufficient Interest can apply for Non-Financial Restorative Measures on behalf of a deceased affected veteran, however, the Financial Recognition Scheme is only intended for those who were directly affected, so applications can only be accepted for living veterans or personnel.
If you served before 27 July 1967, please visit this FAQ guide specifically for pre-1967 veterans.
The scheme is open to anyone who was impacted by the LGBT Ban, regardless of their actual sexual orientation or gender identity. This means that veterans or personnel who experienced mistreatment under the policy due to the perception of others are able to apply.
Because of the time that has passed and the way records were kept, it isn’t possible to identify everyone who may have been affected. That’s why the scheme is open to applications from anyone who believes they are eligible.
Applications close on 12 December 2026 at 11:59pm. Applications can take a few days, or possibly longer if you choose to attach supporting documents, so try to give yourself as much time to complete your application before the deadline.
The application process depends on which scheme you are applying for:
- Financial Recognition Scheme (both Dismissed or Discharged Payment & Impact Payment): apply online through Defence Gateway or request a paper application form.
- Non-Financial Restorative Measures: complete the relevant online form, either for yourself or on behalf of a deceased next of kin or loved one.
Support is available if you are unsure which route applies to you or need help completing your application.
Yes. Your online application is automatically saved, so you can complete it at your own pace. You can also make changes to your online application within 2 weeks of submitting it, up until the application deadline on the 12th December.
Yes. If you’d prefer not to apply online, you can request a paper application form from the MOD Veterans Services who will post one out to you with a Freepost envelope.
Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Freephone (UK only): 0808 1914 2 18 (8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday)
Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043 (8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday)
If you are applying for the Dismissed or Discharged Payment Scheme you do not have to provide a written account or testimony unless you choose to do so. It is not mandatory for the assessment of your application.
If you are applying for the Impact Payment Scheme then you will need to provide a written account (testimony) of what happened. We understand that this can be a difficult experience and encourage applicants to seek support when putting your testimony together. The below organisations have trained advisers to assist you with this:
Fighting With Pride
Royal British Legion
MOD Veterans Services
When writing your testimony, detail the experiences you had as a result of the Ban while you were serving. Take your time – there is no rush to complete your application. Many applicants choose to fill-in their application over multiple days rather than trying to complete it in one go.
Support putting your testimony together is available if you need it, as we understand this may be an emotionally challenging process. The below organisations have trained advisers to assist you with this:
Fighting With Pride
Royal British Legion
MOD Veterans Services
You do not need to provide any evidence, but please include as much detail as possible in your written account when applying for the Impact Payment. If you do decide to provide evidence, include it with your application. Your service records will also be considered as part of the assessment.
The following support organisations have trainer advisers who can provide you with guidance on writing the necessary evidence:
Fighting With Pride
Royal British Legion
MOD Veterans Services
The way your application is assessed depends on which payment you apply for.
- Dismissed or Discharged Payment: Your application will be assessed by trained civil servants using your service records and any supporting evidence you provide. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a flat-rate payment.
- Impact Payment: Your application will be assessed by an Independent Panel, separate from the Ministry of Defence. They’ll consider your service records, written testimony and any supporting evidence to understand how the Ban affected your service. Payments are made at different levels, depending on the impact experienced.
The full scheme rules are available here.
Yes. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for both payment schemes. Also, anyone affected by the Ban can apply for non-financial restorative measures.
No. Most people can apply without legal representation. If someone lacks the capacity to apply themselves, a legal representative can apply on their behalf.
For financial recognition, yes. Registering your interest helped inform the design of the schemes but is not an application for a financial recognition payment.
If you believe you’re eligible, you’ll need to complete the relevant application.
You do not need to apply again for Non-Financial Restorative Measures.
Yes. You can make changes to your online application within 2 weeks of it being submitted, up until the application deadline on 12th December 2026. After the 2 weeks, if you need to make changes, please contact the Financial Recognition Scheme team at: LGBT-FRScheme@mod.gov.uk. Once the application deadline has passed, no changes to applications can be made.
You can still apply. If you don’t remember all of your service details, your records can usually be identified using information such as your date of birth and National Insurance number. If more information is needed, you’ll be contacted.
No. Financial recognition payments are exempt from income tax and will not affect means-tested benefits.
Yes. There is an appeals process if you believe a decision has been made incorrectly. You can appeal your application online or request a hard copy form from the MOD Veterans Services.
Yes. Applications from terminally ill veterans will be expedited where supporting evidence is provided. More information is available here.
If you apply online, you can track your application’s progress through the online system. If you apply by post, you’ll receive updates using your preferred method of contact.
You’ll receive a decision letter explaining the outcome. If you’re awarded a financial recognition payment, you’ll be asked to confirm your acceptance and your bank details before payment is made.
The time it takes to assess an application varies depending on the type of payment you’re applying for and the evidence needed to support your application.
You’ll be kept informed throughout the process, and will receive updates as your application progresses.
Yes. Your application will be handled confidentially and only shared with those involved in assessing your application.
Support is available from three different organisations to guide you through the application process. Trained advisers from Fighting with Pride, Royal British Legion and MOD Veterans Services can answer questions, explain the schemes, help you understand what you may be eligible for and support you in putting your application together.
They offer online, phone and in-person support should you need practical assistance.
A trained adviser can talk through your circumstances and explain which scheme or schemes you may be eligible for. There are three support organisations that can help:
Fighting With Pride
Royal British Legion
MOD Veterans Services
Yes. Practical support is available if you need help completing your application, either over the phone or, where appropriate, in person. You can request support from Fighting with Pride, Royal British Legion and MOD Veterans Services.
You do not need your service records to apply. Your service records will be collated and considered as part of the assessment process. The following support organisations have trainer advisers who can provide you with guidance on writing the necessary evidence:
Fighting With Pride
Royal British Legion
MOD Veterans Services
We understand that revisiting your experiences may be difficult. You don’t have to go through the process alone.
Support is available before, during and after your application. Whether you’d like to talk things through before you begin, need help writing your testimony, or simply want someone to listen, trained advisers are here to help.
Support is available over the phone, and where needed, face-to-face assistance can also be arranged. If you need practical guidance with your application or emotional support along the way, help is available at every stage from the below organisations:
Fighting With Pride
Royal British Legion
MOD Veterans Services
My question isn’t listed. Where can I get more help?
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, further guidance is available at the below links:
- Official Financial Recognition Scheme FAQ guide
- LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme Factsheet
- GOV.UK Financial Recognition Application Hub
- GOV.UK Non-Financial Restorative Measures FAQ Page
Alternatively, please contact the scheme team on the below details:
- Email: LGBT-FRScheme@mod.gov.uk
- Post: Freepost LGBT FR SCHEME (Please include your return address and/or postcode on the back of the envelope.)
Find the information that’s right for you.
Choose any of the below options that best reflect your experience to learn more about the schemes and how to apply. You can apply for all of the schemes if they apply to you.
Dismissed or Discharged payment.
If you were dismissed or discharged because of the LGBT Ban, you can apply for a financial recognition payment of £50,000 through the Dismissed or Discharged Payment (LGBT DD Payment).
Find out more
Impact
payment.
If you were affected by the Ban in other ways while serving, for example, you experienced harassment, investigations, disciplinary action or other forms of mistreatment, you can apply for a financial recognition payment of up to £20,000 through the Impact Payment.
Find out more
Non-financial
scheme.
Everyone affected by the Ban can request forms of non-financial restorative measures. These include the opportunity to receive an official letter of apology, replacement service items, a restoration ceremony, and other forms of restorative recognition.
Find out more