This will:
- Let public and charitable sector services recognise the service of a Veteran.
- Be proof that a Veteran has served in HM Armed Forces in line with the Government definition. (This is one day's service.)
The card will not be held by all Veterans as it is being rolled out in tranches. Also, some genuine Veterans in need may not have the capacity to apply for one.
For the latest updates, please visit: New veterans ID cards rolled out to service leavers (GOV.UK).
At the moment:
- There is no way for existing Veterans to easily prove that they have served.
- The burden on providers to verify if a person is a Veteran can be great, in both time and cost. This card will allow you to confidentially prove that you have served in the Armed Forces.
Important note: Do not take the absence of this ID as proof that a person is not a Veteran. For the time being, use your existing processes to verify their Veteran status.
If you are asked questions about the ID card, please refer Veterans to the Veterans UK helpline number. They can give you the relevant information:
- Phone: 0808 1914 218. (8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.) When closed, callers who need emotional support will be able to transfer to The Samaritans' 24-hour helpline.
- Website: Veterans UK.