LGBT veterans affected by the ban on serving in the UK armed forces between 1967 and 2000 can apply for financial recognition of up to £70,000: a £50,000 recognition payment, plus an impact payment of up to £20,000 for further harms. Applications are free through the official GOV.UK route and close on 12 December 2026.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 3 SEPTEMBER 2026
- Eligible veterans can claim a £50,000 financial recognition payment, plus an impact payment of up to £20,000.
- It applies to those affected by the ban on LGBT personnel in the UK armed forces between 1967 and 2000.
- Applications are free through the official GOV.UK route and close on 12 December 2026.
LGBT veterans restorative measures: what you can claim
| Measure | Detail |
| Financial recognition payment | £50,000, for those dismissed or discharged because of the ban |
| Impact payment | Up to £20,000, for further harms such as investigation, harassment or disciplinary action |
| Maximum total | Up to £70,000 |
| Who is eligible | Veterans affected by the LGBT ban between 1967 and 2000 |
| Non-financial measures | Official apology letter, replacement service items, restoration ceremony |
| How to apply | Free, at affectedbytheban.campaign.gov.uk |
| Deadline | 12 December 2026 |
Source: Ministry of Defence and GOV.UK, September 2026
KEY FACTS
- Eligible veterans can claim a £50,000 financial recognition payment (MoD).
- An additional impact payment of up to £20,000 covers further harms such as investigation, harassment or disciplinary action.
- The measures apply to those affected by the ban on LGBT personnel in the UK armed forces between 1967 and 2000.
- Non-financial measures include an official apology letter, replacement service items and a restoration ceremony.
- Applications are free through the official GOV.UK route and close on 12 December 2026.
What the recognition scheme provides
The government has introduced restorative measures for veterans affected by the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the UK armed forces between 1967 and 2000. At the centre are two payments: a financial recognition payment of £50,000 for those dismissed or discharged because of the ban, and an impact payment of up to £20,000 for those who experienced further harms, such as investigation, harassment or disciplinary action. Together these can total up to £70,000. The scheme followed an independent review into the impact of the ban.
Who is eligible
The measures are open to veterans who were affected by the ban while it was in force, between 1967 and 2000. That includes those dismissed or discharged because of their sexuality or gender identity, and those who were investigated, harassed or subject to disciplinary action even if they were not discharged. Eligibility for the £50,000 recognition payment and the separate impact payment is assessed against what a veteran experienced, and a person may qualify for one or both. The official application service sets out the full eligibility criteria.
How to apply, free, before the deadline
Applications are made free of charge through the official government service at affectedbytheban.campaign.gov.uk. There is no need to pay anyone to apply on your behalf. The deadline is firm: applications close on 12 December 2026, which the Ministry of Defence has described as a final call to eligible veterans. Because assessment takes time and the window is now short, veterans who think they may qualify are urged to start an application well before the deadline rather than close to it, and to encourage others who served to do the same.
Non-financial recognition and support
The scheme is not only financial. Eligible veterans can also request an official letter of apology, the replacement of service items such as medals and berets removed at the time, and a restoration ceremony. The measures are intended as formal recognition of a period the government has called a shameful chapter in the country's history. Applying can be difficult for those revisiting painful experiences, and support is available through the application service to help people through the process; no one has to go through it alone.
RELATED GUIDES
DISCLAIMER
This article is editorial information based on Ministry of Defence and GOV.UK sources. It is general information, not legal or financial advice. Eligibility and payment amounts are assessed by the official scheme; apply free through the GOV.UK route and confirm details there before the 12 December 2026 deadline.
Frequently asked questions
How much can LGBT veterans claim
Up to £70,000 in total: a £50,000 financial recognition payment for those dismissed or discharged because of the ban, plus an impact payment of up to £20,000 for further harms.
Who is eligible for the payments
Veterans affected by the ban on LGBT personnel in the UK armed forces between 1967 and 2000, including those dismissed, discharged, investigated, harassed or subject to disciplinary action.
How do I apply
Apply free through the official government service at affectedbytheban.campaign.gov.uk. You do not need to pay anyone to apply for you.
What is the deadline
Applications close on 12 December 2026. The Ministry of Defence has issued this as a final call to eligible veterans.
Are there non-financial measures too
Yes. Eligible veterans can request an official apology letter, replacement service items such as medals, and a restoration ceremony.
SOURCES
- GOV.UK: LGBT veterans, affected by the ban (apply) – accessed 3 September 2026
- GOV.UK / MoD: 100 days left to apply for financial recognition – accessed 3 September 2026
