Guidance

Getting additional support when leaving the armed forces

Find out how Defence Transition Services can help you and your family get additional support when leaving the armed forces.

What help you can get

If you or a family member are facing challenges leaving the armed forces and adjusting to civilian life, Defence Transition Services (DTS) may be able to help.

Support should always be sought through your unit in the first instance, who should be able to help in most cases. DTS is in place to provide additional support for those with the most acute transition needs.

DTS can help you access support with:

  • mental health
  • physical health
  • drugs and alcohol misuse
  • training, education and employment
  • housing, accommodation and relocation
  • finance, debt and benefits
  • family or relationship breakdown
  • supporting agencies

DTS will work with you to understand your situation and identify your needs so that we can help you access the right support from the right provider.

They will help you understand what support is available and help you access it, either by signposting you to a different organisation or working with you on a casework basis.

How to get help

There are 2 ways to make a referral.

In-service referrals

If you are within the chain of command of another service leaver (or in a transition, resettlement or welfare-related role in their unit), you can refer them on their behalf using the form below:

DTS: In-service referral form

If you are unsure whether you should make a referral, speak to your chain of command within your unit or email DBSVets-DTS[email protected].

If you wish to refer yourself

If you wish to refer yourself, or have been approached by someone to act on their behalf, use the form below:

DTS: Self-referral form

Contractors without an MODNet email address should use the self-referral form.

After contacting us

We will contact you within 5 working days for an initial discussion to identify the next steps.

Contact us

For any queries, email:
DBSVets-DTS[email protected]

More about Defence Transition Services

The work of Defence Transition Services is unpinned by the Defence Holistic Transition Policy, which can be found below:

Updates to this page

Published 12 September 2024

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