Help with finance and debt

The armed forces community is financially self-supporting and resilient. We want to offer you the support and guidance you need to make sure you're financially stable.

Armed forces compensation

Find out more about claiming for compensation with GOV.UK, if while serving in the armed forces:

  • you got an injury or illness
  • an existing condition you had was made worse

Constant Attendance Allowance

You can apply for Constant Attendance Allowance if you're disabled and need daily care.

Discounts on services and goods

Defence Discount Service

The Defence Discount Service gives members of the armed forces community discounts both online and on the high street.

Members of the armed forces community can take their membership card into shops, restaurants and other venues to get a discount.

Find out more about the Defence Discount Service.

Blue Light Card

As armed forces personnel, you can get discounts online and on the high street by applying for a Blue Light Card. Find out more about applying for a Blue Light Card.  

Veteran's Rail Card 

A new railcard to provide discounted rail travel to veterans and their families will be available from 11 November 2020. Find out more about the Veteran's Rail Card.

Financial help if you're disabled

Find out about the wide range of financial support that relates to to disability. This includes benefits, tax credits, payments, grants and concessions. Find out more about the benefits you could receive.

You may qualify for reduced price travel with a disabled person's travel pass or disabled person's railcard. 

Find out more about our Blue Badge scheme which provides a badge so you can park in marked parking spaces closer to the place you're visiting. 

Grants and personal funds

Barnsley's ex service personnel fund

This fund aims to help people who have served in our armed forces and who are now in need of help. This could be through disability, sickness, old age or poverty. Small grants of around £300 are available, which are assessed by the trustees.

You can get more advice on the fund and help to complete the application form from the fund caseworker, Danny Beever on 07938 009495. He may ask for estimates or invoices if the application is for a specific purpose. You may need to provide details including bank statements to support your application.

You can download Barnsley's ex-services application form to apply and return it with any supporting information. The address is: Council Governance Unit, Barnsley Council, PO Box 364, Barnsley, S70 9GG. You can also email it to our governance team at governance@barnsley.gov.uk.

DWP

Department for Work and Pensions can offer you financial support and guidance to the armed forces community. Find out more about DWP's financial support.

Turn2Us 

Turn2Us provides a benefits calculator, a grant search and advice about armed forces pension and compensation schemes. 

Find out more about Turn2Us, or use their find an advisor service.

Help to manage your money

Citizens Advice 

If you're currently serving in the armed forces, are a veteran or dependent, there is a range of financial advice for you.

Find out more about: 

Forces Compare

Forces Compare help those who serve, or have served, to find the best insurance and finance options. This is done through a panel of specialist lenders. Find out more about Forces Compare.

Joining Forces Credit Union

The Ministry of Defence is supporting three credit unions to join forces. They offer saving accounts and loans to the armed forces and its veterans:

Find out more about the Joining Forces Credit Union service.

Keeping your home warm

The following services can help you keep your home warm and make sure you’re not spending too much on your energy bills:

  • Better Homes Barnsley offer heating and insulation for homeowners and private tenants.
  • Warm Homes Service offer advice on keeping your home warm, staying healthy and saving money on your energy bills.

Help with the rising cost of living

Many people are having difficulties due to the rising cost of living. You might not realise you're entitled to some help. You can find out about the range of local help that's available, as well as national support, on our More Money in Your Pocket webpage.

In response to the cost of living crisis, the government has also launched a campaign to let everyone know what help is available. This is called Help for Households.