- Over £31 million paid to 949 veterans as MOD doubles processing team to better address historic hurt of LGBT personnel
- New automated system and transparent application tracking introduced, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to supporting veterans
- Scheme closing December 2026 – eligible veterans urged to apply now
Veterans affected by the historic ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces are receiving financial recognition payments faster, one year after the scheme was announced.
The Ministry of Defence has listened to veterans and doubled its payments team and introduced automated processing to speed up applications to the Financial Recognition Scheme. Over £31 million has now been distributed to 949 applicants since payments began in December 2024, with more being processed.
To expedite processing times, the MOD has increased Independent Panel sittings to twice weekly and implemented new technology to handle applications more efficiently. Applicants can now track their application status through the FRS App, with postal updates continuing for those who prefer them.
Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Minister for Veterans and People said:
“The way that LGBT personnel were treated between 1967 and 2000 was shameful. Our Government is determined to deal with the historic injustices suffered by LGBT personnel. It is essential that we provide support quickly, which is why we have doubled the resources allocated to the Financial Recognition Scheme. I urge those affected to apply before the scheme closes in December 2026. We will continue to support our veterans as we work to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve.”
The scheme recognises the unacceptable treatment of LGBT personnel between 1967 and 2000. Priority has been given to elderly applicants, those with serious health conditions, and individuals facing significant financial hardship. Applications are otherwise processed in the order they were received.
Defence is committed to ensuring every application receives proper attention. The initial application check requires careful evidence-gathering and analysis, which can extend processing times for complex cases. All eligible individuals will receive the support they are entitled to.
Since December 2024, 1,302 people have applied to the scheme. The scheme closes in December 2026. LGBT veterans are urged to visit GOV.UK to check eligibility and apply for financial awards and other restorative measures.
The Financial Recognition Scheme follows the independent review chaired by Lord Etherton, which examined the experiences of personnel perceived to be LGBT during the ban period. The Government has completed 48 recommendations from the review.
The Financial Recognition Scheme was announced in December 2024 following publication of the Etherton Review into the treatment of LGBT personnel between 1967 and 2000.
For information on eligibility and how to apply, visit: LGBT veterans: support and next steps – GOV.UK
