Service personnel may be eligible for various armed forces allowances based on specific circumstances, such as a new assignment or meeting certain service requirements. There are also a variety of helpful schemes and discount services available to service personnel and their families, read on to find out more.
1. Introduction
Service personnel may be eligible for various armed forces allowances based on specific circumstances, such as a new assignment or meeting certain service requirements. To determine eligibility, personnel should consult their Unit Personnel Office (UPO) and refer to JSP 752, which provides the most up-to-date information on armed forces pay and allowances.
2. Discover My Benefits (DMB)
Discover My Benefits is a user-friendly tool designed for Defence personnel, their families, and prospective recruits. It helps Service members and civil servants identify available support, benefits, and allowances for armed forces personnel.
3. MOD guide to expenses and allowances
The MOD produced a guide to expenses and allowances for Serving personnel and the support families could receive. This booklet holds a wealth of information to help both regular and reserve members of all three Services to better understand some of the most common expenses, allowances and other provisions that are available.
*Please note that this publication is not exhaustive but seeks to highlight some common expenses, allowances and provisions which personnel may encounter. Always refer to JSP 752 as it is the authoritative publication.*
4. Flexible Service
Flexible Service allows Regular personnel of the Armed Forces to ask to temporarily work part time and/or restrict their separation from home base. It is the latest step in the journey following the introduction of the Flexible Working Policy in 2015.
Implementation
This policy allows Regular members of the Armed Forces to seek:
- Part time working (reducing work routines);
- Restricted separation from home for no more than 35 days a year;
- Both.
Restrictions
Applications are limited in length to no more than 3 years continuously and no more than 4 years total in a 12 year rolling period. Applications are not guaranteed and operational capability will come first. While most benefits are unaffected, pay, pension and, in the case of part time working, leave are reduced proportionately.
Further Information
- Read a short summary of its terms and conditions in Homeport Spring ’19 (p.27)
- Watch an explanatory video produced by the MOD, and contact information should you have any questions.
- MOD has produced a ‘Discover My Benefits’ tool which allows you to explore the support available to you and your family.
- JSP 750 (Chapter 2) is also available via DII only for more information.
- ‘Flexible Working and You’ is a digital booklet produced by the MOD to provide Service personnel further information on the subject.
- Contact your Unit Personnel Office for advice.
- You can apply via JPA.
5. Forces Discounts
There are lots of online/high street armed forces discount offers available to you. Check out our offers and opportunities page for some examples and ideas.