Helping veterans to make a home in civilian society

Affordable housing

Take a look at affordable housing options. This includes renting through housing associations and new build affordable housing.

Homeless and housing advice 

If you're homeless, threatened with homelessness, or are getting ready for service discharge, you may be given extra housing priority for social housing. Contact our homeless team for advice.

Housing help and advice

There are lots of organisations that work with veterans that can help with finding you a home.

Council housing

Berneslai Homes

Berneslai Homes is an arms-length management organisation (ALMO) responsible for managing around 18,000 homes on our behalf. They support tenants and work together to create thriving communities. They're responsible for managing the waiting list and letting empty homes.

Who can apply

You can apply to join the housing register if one or more of the following apply:

• You're a serving or have served in the regular armed forces.
• You're a bereaved spouse, civil partners or adult children (where there's no spouse or civil partner) of members of the armed forces leaving services family accommodation following the death of their spouse or civil partner or parent.
• You're  a divorced, separated spouse or civil partner who need to move out of accommodation provided by the Ministry of Defence.

How to apply

Visit our council housing section to find out more and apply.

What priority you'll be awarded

Our lettings policy offers reasonable preference to those who are current or former members of the armed forces. Every application is assessed in line with their policy. Where a person has to leave armed forces accommodation and doesn't have any other accommodation to occupy, they may be awarded band 1. Former armed forces personnel (including surviving partner) in need of social housing, may be awarded band 2.

How the housing register works

Once you apply, Berneslai Homes will contact you and let you know what evidence they need to assess your application. This will include evidence that you've served or are serving in the armed forces. Once they've assessed your application they'll contact you in writing by either letter or email. They'll let you know:

• your application and bidding reference
• the priority band you're assessed for and the date this is from
• the size and type of property you qualify for
• information about how to apply
• when your application will next be reviewed
• your right to request a review

Once you're registered and you have your application number you can start bidding for available homes.

How to bid for homes

Berneslai Homes operate a choice-based lettings system. Each week they produce an advert of properties that are available to bid on, that can be viewed through your housing online account. The advert opens each Friday at 12:01am and closes on Tuesday at 12am.

Support with rehousing

Berneslai Homes recognises that not everyone can access the internet. If you're unable to apply for rehousing online you can contact 01226 787600. They'll help you complete an application.

They can also support you with applying for homes.

Deangate care home

Deangate care home has become the first in South Yorkshire to achieve Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status, ensuring armed forces veterans living at the care home will benefit from enhanced care and support. Find out more about Deangates' offer on their website.

Jobs and training

You can find out more in our employment, education and skill section.

Finding a local school 

You'll need to think about finding a school close to your new home. You can find a school in Barnsley and also take a look at our school admissions. 

GPs and dentists

You’ll need to register with a GP and dentist close to where you live. You can search to find a GP and find a dentist online. Tell your GP that you've served as this will help them to better understand any health conditions. They can also refer you to services for ex-forces. NHS guidance can help you to register with a GP. 

It's important to give your GP a copy of your military medical centre paperwork. This will help to make sure that your military health records are transferred to your NHS health record.  

You can find out more in our health and wellbeing section.

Bills

You'll need to pay:

• rent or mortgage
• Council Tax
• utility bills (electricity, gas and water)
• telecoms (phone, internet and TV)
• TV licence
• insurance

You can also take a look at the Which website for what bills you may have to pay.

There are organisations that can help advise what benefits you may be entitled to, this can help towards paying bills. Find out more in our help with finance and debt section.

Proof of service 

Any personnel who have left the military since December 2018 will be given a new ID card. The card gives you easier access to public and charitable support. This includes healthcare and housing, as well as retail discounts. 

Anybody who left service before December 2018 can now apply for a veteran’s ID card. To find out more and to apply visit GOV.UK for Veteran card or You can also get a copy of military service records.

Discount services

There are some discount schemes that could help you to save money on some services and goods, including the Blue Light Card and Defence Discount Service.

You can find out more in the armed forces discounts section.