Veterans’ Gateway – Defence Privilege Card and Opening Times

Category: News Publish date: 29/11/2017

What is the Veterans’ Gateway?

With a vast network of organisations supporting the Armed Forces community, finding the right one can take some navigating. The Veterans' Gateway want to make this easier and quicker by being the first point of contact for whatever support a Veteran and their family needs – wherever and whenever they need it.

Veterans’ Gateway is a partnership between The Royal British Legion, PoppyScotland, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, Combat Stress and service provider Connect Assist. As the gateway to a network of expert partners, they connect people with the right support quickly and easily, by assessing needs at the first point of contact.

Funded by The Armed Forces Covenant, this is the first time a group of this kind has come together formally to deliver a service to help the Armed Forces Community.

The Veterans' Gateway cover seven key areas:

• Housing
• Employment
• Finances
• Living independently
• Mental wellbeing
• Physical health
• Family and communities

Defence Privilege Card

The Defence Discount Service (DDS) offers members of the Armed Forces community, including Veterans, discounts both online and on the high street, as part of the Armed Forces Covenant across the UK.

The Defence Privilege Card is the official recognition card for members of DDS and allows its members to save on the high street in shops, restaurants and venues.

Thanks to a partnership with the Veterans’ Gateway, you can apply for a free Defence Privilege Card if you are a HM Armed Forces Veteran. The card usually costs £4.99. You can use this card in participating shops and restaurants nationwide to get a discount.

For those who apply through the Veterans’ Gateway, a free Defence Privilege Card is available until 2019 and is valid for five years. Thereafter, you will need to renew it. There is a cap on free cards available each year.

The Defence Privilege Card is available to:

• Serving Armed Forces Personnel
• Reserve Forces personnel
• Spouses/Partners of those currently serving
• HM Armed Forces Veterans
• MoD Civil Servants
• Cadet Forces (over the age of 16)
• War/Service Widow(er)s
• Bereaved Family Members
• NATO Personnel Serving in the UK

How to apply

If you are a HM Armed Forces Veteran, visit the Veterans' Gateway partnership page on the DDS website to apply for a free Defence Privilege Card. You will need to enter the password vetgateway at the bottom of this page.

If you are not a HM Armed Forces Veteran but are from one of the other groups above, visit the DDS website to sign up free for the Defence Discount Service.

Don’t forget! Veterans' Gateway are open throughout Christmas

Christmas isn’t easy for everyone. So if you’re not having a cracking time – get in touch. The Veterans’ Gateway can help 24/7, even during Christmas and bank holidays, with their team of advisors – many of whom have Forces Connections.

Ways to contact the Veterans’ Gateway
Call on 0808 802 1212
Text on 81212 – Send your details to request a call back
Click here to send an email
Click here to start a Live Chat