Practical guideHousingMen1 minute read
Veterans and housing
Help for people leaving service.
Leaving the forces means leaving more than a job. For many people it also means leaving the place they lived, the people they lived alongside, and a system that took care of the basics. Some veterans find housing straightforward. Others find themselves sofa surfing, in debt, or sleeping rough months or years after leaving.
Why it can go wrong
- Service housing ends when service ends, sometimes quickly
- Civilian rental markets can be confusing after years of military life
- Relationship breakdown after service is common and often means losing a home
- Mental health problems, injury or drinking can make work and rent harder to keep
- Pride can stop people asking for help until things are serious
Before you leave, if you can
- Ask the resettlement or transition service what housing help exists
- Find out whether you have any priority for social housing where you plan to live
- Build a small savings buffer for a deposit
- Get your documents in order: ID, service records, references
If you are already struggling
Many countries have charities and government services specifically for veterans, including emergency housing, supported housing and help with deposits. Other veterans who have been through it are often the best people to point you to them.
Asking is not failing
You spent your service looking after others. Letting a service look after you for a while is not weakness.
See resources for your country, and If you have nowhere to sleep tonight if things are urgent.
