The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

Things to know and help available 

Financial Services

• Avoid insurance cancellation fees and protect your ‘no claims’ bonus.
• The Armed Forces Railcard offers your family up to 1/3 off rail fares.
• Spouses/partners can apply for the Defence Discount Service and AF Rail Card.
• Joining Forces - 3 credit unions provide savings accounts and loans to the AF and their families.
• Avoid paying cancellation fees for broadband/media packages when posted overseas or to other parts of UK.

Education

• Links available to advice on ways to help maintain children’s education.
• Service Pupil Premium - currently £300 per year for children of Service Personnel (SP) in England.
• School Admissions Code provides information for children of Service Personnel (SP).
• You can apply for school places in advance when returning from overseas.
• Tax-free Childcare available to working families across the UK.

Accommodation 

• Affordable Home Ownership Schemes available through the government.
• Own Your Own Home provides a range of schemes for Service Personnel (SP).
• The Joint Service Housing Advice Office provides advice for SP and dependants.

Spousal Employment 

• A new scheme to support Spousal Employment was announced in September 2018.
• Defence Relationship Management and MOD’s Partner.
• Employment Steering Group exploring what more employers can do to support spouses.
• Department of Work and Pensions have initiatives linked to Jobcentre Plus services for spouses.
• It’s possible to claim NI credits for time spent accompanying your partner abroad.

BFPO Numbers

• MOD Enduring Families Free Mail Service (authorised for PJHQ named Ops).
• All 3 Credit reference agencies recognise BFPO numbers.
• Families and friends of SP can send packets up to 2 kg, free of charge, to PJHQ named Ops.
• This service is one-way only from the UK/BFPOs to PJHQ Ops.
• BFPO numbers can be converted to UK postcodes.

Healthcare 

• NHS for the Armed Forces – find out about healthcare and advice for Service Personnel (SP) and families.
• Ministry of Defence and Department of Health support services can be found on GOV.UK.
• Mental Health Support for the AF community available on GOV.UK and NHS Choices.
• The NHS can also provide mental health support through the Big White Wall.