Military veterans can access benefits thanks to new change

Military veterans will be able to prove they served in the forces and access a host of benefits with a smartphone under changes announced today.

Former servicemen and women will be able to download a "digital veteran card" so they can get help with work and housing.

This means they will no longer have to wait for a paper card to be printed and posted out.

Around 250,000 use the veteran card today and the digital version will be available next year.

Peter Kyle, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, said: "Our veterans have sacrificed so much for this country and we must make every effort to ensure veterans get the help and support they're entitled to.

"That's why we're working with the Office for Veterans Affairs to speed up access to essential services, whether it's housing or employment support by offering our heroes digital veteran cards which can be with them in a matter of minutes.

"This will cut the wait currently faced for physical copies, by offering a quick, convenient and straightforward route to get the support they deserve for serving our country."

The move was welcomed by the Royal British Legion and by former colonel and Military Cross-winner Al Carns, who now serves as the Ministry of Defence's minister for veterans and people.

He said: "I am deeply honoured to be responsible for ensuring our veterans get the support they need and deserve, not just at Remembrance but year-round. We're turning words into action to improve life for every veteran."

A key advantage of the digital card will be that veterans will be able to prove their status quickly if they get in touch with a military charity. They can also use it to apply for the defence discount card and the veteran rail card, which knocks a third off the cost of most rail journeys.

It should accelerate the housing support offered through Operation Fortitude, which deals with veterans experiencing homelessness. And it will also enable them to confirm that they served in the forces if they want to access the "going forward into employment" scheme which helps veterans find jobs in the civil service, the NHS and the justice system.