Welfare
Welfare can take a variety of different forms – but in essence it is the state of being or doing well; a condition of health, happiness, and comfort, wellbeing or prosperity.
If you’re struggling with welfare, reach out to us!
The Portsmouth VOS Drop-In takes place on the first Wednesday of every month from 1400 to 1700 (new registrations welcome to arrive from 1330) in the Royal Maritime Hotel, Queen Street, Portsmouth.
If you’d like to see us at the Isle of Wight VOS Drop-In that takes place on the third Wednesday of every month from 1200 to 1600 in the Riverside Centre (Community Action IOW), The Quay, Newport PO30 2QR, get in touch beforehand and we’ll arrange to be there.
We look forward to seeing you there.
If you are unable to attend one of our Drop-Ins, please contact us and we will arrange a suitable time to see you.
We offer:
Practical support and information – this may include:
- Help with forms
- Benefits such as PIP, Universal Credit & Council Tax Benefit
- Funding (via SSAFA/RBL)
- War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation Scheme claims
Housing issues - Debt and financial problems
- LGBT+ claims
We operate a ‘no wrong door’ policy, so if we can’t help, we will be able to introduce you to someone who can.
We accept referrals for veterans from the UK Armed Forces and Merchant Navy, along with their spouses, partners and carers.
We also take referrals from Service units, DCMHs, PRUs, and Recovery Cells for Serving personnel who are transitioning from the UK Armed Forces, especially those leaving on medical or administrative discharge, who intend to settle in our area of operation.
To make a referral, please call the office on 02392 731767 (Monday – Friday 0900 – 1700, excluding Public Holidays), or email: welfare@vosuk.org
Please note that you will need the consent of the person you are referring before you refer.
We work closely with VOS Clinical and Wellbeing teams as well as partner agencies to ensure you receive the best possible support.
As well as supporting veterans, we also support their carers, spouses and partners.
Homelessness
If you are homeless, or in danger of becoming homeless, we will support you, but we are not a crisis service or housing provider.
Your first steps should be:
Contact your local authority’s homelessness team, and tell them that you are a veteran.
- Portsmouth: www.portsmouth.gov.uk
- Gosport: www.gosport.gov.uk
- Fareham: www.fareham.gov.uk
- Havant: www.havant.gov.uk
Contact Op Fortitude: 0800 9520774
Preserved Pensions
Did you know? Many veterans who served in the British military often don’t know about or claim their ‘preserved pensions.’
We’ve created a downloadable information pack to help you check eligibility, with links to the official MOD pensions website and Veterans UK, details of how to obtain a pension forecast, and more.
Click the button below to download our pensions information pack now.
