Guidance

Veterans of the LGBT Ban: apply for non-financial restorative measures - FAQs

Updated 12 December 2024

Information and answers on the review, support, services and restorative measures available for LGBT veterans.

1. Why do those affected have to apply?

or, Why is the government not proactively awarding restorative measures?

Due to the length of time that has passed since the Ban was lifted, and differences in record keeping at the time, the Government has no comprehensive way of identifying those impacted by the Ban.

The Government encourages those affected to identify themselves through the application a forms at Veterans of the LGBT Ban: apply for non-financial restorative measures.

2. What recommendations have been accepted?

The Government has accepted the intent behind all of the 49 recommendations, noting that two will be delivered in different ways to the wording in the report. Read Defence’s response to the LGBT Independent review at LGBT veterans: support and next steps.

The Government has carefully considered the intent behind each recommendation and engaged with members of the affected community to listen to their views and develop the approaches together where appropriate.

The Government has engaged with those impacted by the Ban, organisations, networks and other government departments to ensure that we were guided by the voices of those affected, ensuring that the response is comprehensive and provides the best outcomes for those involved.

You can check which restorative measures you are eligible for by reading the Applying for restorative measures information guide at Veterans of the LGBT Ban: apply for non-financial restorative measures.

3. How do I apply for non-financial restorative measures?

You can check which restorative measures you are eligible for by reading the Applying for restorative measures information guide at Veterans of the LGBT Ban: apply for non-financial restorative measures.

The guide contains detailed information on the measures, eligibility and expected timelines.

Those affected can apply for restorative measures by completing the relevant application form at Veterans of the LGBT Ban: apply for non-financial restorative measures.

4. How long will it take to receive my non-financial restorative measures?

You will receive confirmation of your application by email or post. The time it will take to process your application depends on the measures applied for. But all applicants should receive contact from Defence within 6 months of applying.

You can also choose how you receive your restorative measures. Through a service ceremony / event or via postal delivery. This may also impact the time it takes to receive your restorative measure. More information can be found in the Applying for restorative measures information guide.

5. When can I apply for the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme?

The Government announced the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme on 12 December 2024. The application process opened on 13 December 2024.

Veterans of the LGBT Ban: Financial Recognition Scheme

6. What will Defence/the Government do about potential criminal behaviour reported in the testimonies?

The Government is aware that some testimonies contain allegations of potential criminal behaviour toward LGBT personnel while serving under the Ban. Defence condemns any criminal behaviour in the Armed Forces and fully supports any veteran that wishes to report a crime. Crimes should be reported to the veteran’s local Civilian Police Force.

7. I served in the Armed Forces, am I eligible for any services or support?

Anyone who has served in the Armed Forces, and their families, can access a number of services and support.

The Government encourages anyone that was impacted by Ban to explore the support, services and restorative measures available to veterans at Veterans of the LGBT Ban: apply for non-financial restorative measures.

8. Can LGBT veterans have historical convictions for same-sex offences Disregarded?

Defence supports the extension to the Home Office’s Disregard and Pardon scheme, which enables anyone convicted or cautioned for consensual same-sex sexual activity under the repealed laws to apply to have them ‘disregarded’ – meaning it would be wiped from their criminal records and not required to be disclosed.

The extended scheme covers any repealed service offence under which service personnel were convicted or cautioned for having engaged in sexual activity with persons of the same sex.

Affected veterans are invited to confirm their eligibility and apply for a Disregard by completing the Home Office’s application form and sending it to Disregards Case Working Team by email or post.

9. Can LGBT veterans who forfeited their medals have these restored?

Yes. An announcement on 16 February 2021 invited any former service personnel who had forfeited medals as a result of disciplinary action pre-2000 relating to their sexual orientation or gender identity to apply to have them restored. It remains a requirement that anyone with a conviction must first have obtained a disregard from the Home Office.

We invite any personnel who were discharged from service due to their sexuality, to apply to have their forfeited medals restored once any related convictions have been Disregarded.

10. How do I apply to have my medals restored?

Medals removed through a conviction for same-sex sexual activity can only be restored following a successful Disregard application to the Home Office.

We invite any personnel who were discharged from service due to their sexual orientation or gender identity to apply to have their forfeited medals restored once any related convictions have been Disregarded.

11. Are LGBT veterans entitled to a deferred pension?

During the period of the ban, the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 75 (AFPS 75) was the only pension scheme for regular members of the Armed Forces. A separate scheme for non-regular permanent staff of the reserve forces was also in place. 

Before 1 April 1975 there was no deferred pension. If a veteran left before reaching the 16-year (Officer) or 22-year (other rank) immediate pension point, they had no entitlement to a pension. 

From 1 April 1975 deferred pensions were introduced: members who left after this date with at least 5 years’ qualifying service, and who were at least age 26 on leaving, were entitled to a deferred pension, which could be claimed when they reached age 60.  

Veterans are encouraged to seek clarification of their pension rights via Armed forces pensions.

12. Will veterans discharged from Service due to their sexuality have pension rights restored/be awarded additional pension rights?

Veterans are encouraged to seek clarification of their pension rights via Armed forces pensions.

Pension schemes are governed by legislation which dictates that pensions must be calculated for the number of years and days served. While it is deeply regrettable that some veterans’ service was cut short due to historic policy, there is no method or authority by which Defence can award additional pension rights for time not served.

13. What has Defence done to improve the experiences of LGBT personnel?

Defence has made great strides since 2000, removing barriers and delivering initiatives to improve the experience such as zero tolerance to unacceptable behaviour, provision of LGBT+ Allies training, a guide for parents of LGBT+ children, and several thriving LGBT+ staff networks, all of which improve the experience of our LGBT+ Personnel. 

Defence also published and remains dedicated to achieving the aims laid out in its Diversity and Inclusion strategy: A Force for Inclusion 2018-2030.

You can find further information on the services, restorative measures and support available to all LGBT veterans by visiting LGBT veterans: support and next steps.