A Call to Former RAMC Personnel
Did you serve with the Corps between 1967 and 2000? If so, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme may apply to you, and time is short. Applications close at 11:59pm on Saturday 12 December 2026. After that, the door shuts for good.
The RAMC Association wants every former Corps member who served under the Ban to hear about this. Many already know. However, some do not, and others have decided it is not for them without checking. This post explains who can apply, what the payments are, and where to get free help.
What is the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme?
Between 27 July 1967 and 11 January 2000, the Armed Forces banned LGBT personnel from serving. As a result, people faced investigation, harassment and dismissal because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Members of our own Corps were among them.
Following the LGBT Veterans Independent Review in 2023, the Government created the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme. The MOD opened it on 13 December 2024. It is a recognition scheme rather than a compensation scheme. In other words, it formally acknowledges the harm the Ban caused.
The two payments
The Scheme offers two separate payments. You can apply for one or both.
- Dismissed or Discharged Payment: £50,000. This is a flat-rate payment for those dismissed or administratively discharged because of the Ban. It also covers officers ordered or instructed to resign or retire by their Service Board.
- Impact Payment: up to £20,000. This recognises other harm suffered while serving, such as harassment, intrusive investigations or disciplinary action. An Independent Panel sets the level:
- Level 1: £1,000 to £5,000
- Level 2: £5,001 to £10,000
- Level 3: £10,001 to £20,000
So a veteran who qualifies for both could receive up to £70,000. Both payments are free of income tax. They also do not affect means-tested benefits.
Who can apply to the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme?
To qualify, you must have:
- served in HM Armed Forces between 27 July 1967 and 11 January 2000, and
- been affected by the Ban.
You do not need to identify as LGBT. The Scheme is open to anyone who was mistreated because others perceived them to be LGBT. Equally, you do not need a lawyer. Most people apply on their own or with free charity support.
Don’t rule yourself out: why RAMC veterans hold back
We know some former Corps members have talked themselves out of applying. Often, their reason does not hold up. Here are the doubts we hear most.
“I left voluntarily, bought myself out or applied for PVR”
This does not stop you applying for the Impact Payment. That payment looks at how the Ban affected you while you served, up to the day you left. How you left is a separate matter. Indeed, many people left early precisely because of the pressure the Ban created.
“My records are incomplete, or I can’t remember my dates”
You do not need your service records to apply. Instead, the Scheme gathers them for you. If you cannot recall your service dates, apply anyway. Your date of birth and National Insurance number usually let the team find your file.
“I’m not sure what happened to me counts”
This is the most common doubt. Yet you do not have to decide it yourself. The Independent Panel weighs your account alongside your records. If in doubt, apply before 12 December and let the Scheme make the decision.
“I live overseas”
You can apply online from anywhere in the world. Alternatively, Veterans UK will post you a paper form with free return envelopes. The Scheme also pays into overseas bank accounts.
How to apply for the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme
You can apply online or on paper. Either way, start soon, because registration and writing your account take time.
Online (recommended)
- Register for a Defence Gateway account through the official GOV.UK Scheme page.
- Wait for your login details by email. They may arrive within a day, but allow up to 10 days.
- Sign in, open the LGBT FRS app and complete the form.
- Write your account and upload any evidence you have.
The form saves as you go, so you can take breaks. In addition, you can edit it for two weeks after you submit it.
On paper
Ask Veterans UK for a hard copy form:
- Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
- Freephone (UK): 0808 1914 218
- Overseas: +44 1253 866 043
- Lines open 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday
Keep a copy of your completed form. Also, send only copies of documents, never originals.
Writing your account
For the Impact Payment, your written account carries real weight. Therefore, take your time and draft it over a few days. Use plain language and spell out military terms. The panel may not know what a CMT or a Field Ambulance was.
Free help is available
You do not have to face this alone. Two charities work directly with the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme and offer free, confidential support. They can explain your options, help with the form and guide you as you write your account.
- Royal British Legion: 0808 802 8080 or info@britishlegion.org.uk
- Fighting With Pride: 0203 981 3810 or info@fightingwithpride.org.uk
- Veterans Welfare Service: through the Veterans UK helpline above
Revisiting these memories can be painful. So please lean on a trusted friend, family member or adviser if you need to.
Key points to know
- The deadline is fixed. The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme closes at 11:59pm on 12 December 2026.
- Payments are for living veterans only. Families cannot claim a payment for someone who has died. However, they can apply for non-financial measures, such as an official letter of apology.
- Terminally ill applicants go first. Declare this on your form with supporting evidence.
- You can appeal if you disagree with the outcome.
By late August 2026, nearly 1,700 people had applied and the Scheme had paid out over £57.8 million. Even so, the MOD believes many affected veterans still do not know it exists.
How you can help spread the word
Older veterans, and those who have lived abroad for years, may never have seen the online publicity for the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme. That is why word of mouth matters so much. A call from an old comrade may be what finally reaches them.
If you know a former RAMC colleague who served under the Ban, please:
- share this post with them directly
- mention the Scheme at branch meetings and reunions
- offer to help them make that first phone call
The MOD’s awareness campaign also offers a free ally toolkit with posters and social media graphics.
Take the first step today
The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme is a chance to put on record what happened and have it formally recognised. If you served with the Corps under the Ban, please do not self-reject. Apply before 12 December 2026, and let the Scheme make the decision.
