Have you been affected by Covid-19? We can help you


Gloved hands touching

No matter what challenges you face during Covid-19, the Veterans’ Gateway team is here to support you 24/7. 

Our experienced advisors (many of whom are also veterans) are available by live chat, phone, text or email (details at top of page). 

We will put you in touch with our vetted partners, all of whom fully understand the challenges for veterans.

Explore the self-help section on the Veterans’ Gateway  website. This covers all welfare needs of veterans, including housing, employment, finances, and much more.

Find the most relevant information for your area by selecting “your location” (text beside the search box)

How to avoid catching Covid-19

If you have a mobile the quickest way to protect yourself, and your loved ones, is to stay up to date by downloading the NHS Covid_19 app.

Also see the latest NHS guidelines on social distancing, to avoid catching and spreading the virus.

Above all, look after yourself by washing  your hands regularly, wearing a face mask in enclosed spaces and staying at least 2 metres apart, or 1 if you’re wearing a mask.

Managing self-isolation and social distancing

During this challenging time stay in touch with your GP for any veteran specific health advice. UK veterans are also entitled to priority access to NHS care for service related conditions. 

Here’s how you can get priority healthcare in England and Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland

If you haven’t registered with your doctor use Veterans’ Gateway Local Support, select Physical Health/GPs to quickly find details of your nearest GP.

You can also view local information on the Veterans’ Gateway app. The directory, which is easy to use, groups all NHS facilities across the country, and over 2,000 charitable organisations. 

We know that many veterans need to self-isolate  due to underlying health conditions. If you would like a friendly chat, our team can put you in touch with organisations that provide a ‘phone buddy’ support network.   

Also see armed forces social support groups in England and Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. These groups also include assistance from our expert partners, SSAFA and Combat Stress. 

Support for mental wellbeing

If self-isolation and the Covid-19 news cycle is causing you stress, there is a wealth of resources on Veterans’ Gateway to help with your mental wellbeing such as accessing support and bereavement.

Find out more about the type of support you can also get from the government and the full government response can be found on the GOV.UK website

Support from other veterans

Read our inspiring Veterans’ Stories and find out about the bravery of your ex-service colleagues and how they’ve overcome challenges since returning to civilian life.

Would you like to start your own business, for instance? Are you wondering how other veterans have coped with looking for employment and housing?

Travelling during the pandemic

If you need to travel to a job interview, or for some other acceptable reason see our newly added guide for the Veterans’ Railcard. This tells you everything you need to know about discounted travel for veterans, including who is eligible for the card, how you can apply for the railcard, and where you can use it. 

Support for financial queries

Due to the extension of the Furlough Scheme employees will receive 80% of their salary for hours not worked. Mortgages breaks will also be extended under the latest advice.

Many veterans will be worried about their finances and you can find support in our Financial help section to access information including advice on benefits plus money and debt advice.

If you need to save money on your food shopping find out how you can access foodbanks operating in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

Support for small businesses

The government has released specific guidance for claiming benefits during the outbreak, including guidance for the self-employed.

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable during the Coronavirus crisis. If you are a small business owner or work for a small business, The Federation of Small Businesses has information that can help you.

Follow Veterans’ Gateway on Twitter and Facebook . See bulletins and news for the latest information around events and veteran related news.