Northern Justice: Veteran discusses transferring his MoD pension

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In addition, as many as 6,000 serving soldiers are estimated to be claiming Universal Credit (UC).

The alarming analysis by Labour comes as charities deal with a rising number of veterans in need of help with food and heating bills.

Shadow veterans minister Rachel Hopkins said: “These shocking figures prove once again that the Government is failing our service community.

“Those prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice should not have to rely on benefits or charitable support.

“Ministers’ broken promises on employment support undermines our country’s moral responsibility to support its service personnel.

“Our veterans have served our country proudly, now the Government must get off the sidelines to deliver the support it deserves this winter.”

Department of Work and Pensions figures confirm 43,500 of all UC claimants stated that they had previously served in the Armed Forces, while 3,400 are currently serving.

As the figures only reflect information about 56 percent of the UC caseload, the true scale is estimated to be far higher. The Royal British Legion recently announced emergency grants for veterans and serving personnel.

In 12 months, it reported a 20 percent increase in requests for support with food and household costs.

Help for Heroes noted a 28 percent increase in referrals for grant funding support compared to last year. It paid out an average of £150 to help with food costs in the first half of the year but that has increased to £406.

The Government insists that not all veterans and service personnel claiming UC are doing so because they are on low pay, as UC also includes support for single parents. 

A Government spokesman said: “We are committed to ensuring those who serve and have served this country are cared for.

“For serving personnel we have introduced support that includes the biggest pay increase in 20 years, freezing daily food costs, providing generous accommodation subsidies and saving families up to £3,400 per child per year by extending wraparound childcare.

“We have also ensured support is provided to individuals leaving the armed forces, such as the government providing tax relief to employers who hire veterans, and making it easier to access civil service roles.

“Universal Credit is an in work benefit and is made up of different elements such as the previous child tax credit, therefore there are a number of reasons as to why someone may claim universal credit.”

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