Health & Welfare
Find out how we help look after your health and welfare, including when you have children. Answer questions if you want to see what you may be entitled to
Healthcare
As a member of the Armed Forces you have access to free primary health care by the Defence Medical Services. We do our best to ensure you are ready and medically fit to go where you are required in the UK and throughout the world and compensate you for any injury, illness or death which is caused by service.
- No eligibility information available
Medical Care
As a member of the Armed Forces, you get free primary healthcare provided by the MOD
- No eligibility information available
Dental care
As a member of the Armed Forces, you’re entitled to free dental care
- No eligibility information available
Reimbursement of Medical and Dental Expenses
If you have to pay for medical treatment that would normally be paid for by the Service, you can reclaim the cost
- No eligibility information available
Free Eyesight Tests and Spectacles
Gain access to free eyesight tests and spectacles if you need them for working with Display Screen Equipment
- No eligibility information available
PAL Personal Accident and Life Insurance
Get reliable and affordable personal accident insurance and optional life & critical illness insurance for you and your family
- No eligibility information available
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Receive compensation for any injury, illness or death which is caused by service.
- No eligibility information available
War Pension scheme
Receive compensation for any injury, illness or death which is caused by service before 6 April 2005
Well-being
Good health includes looking after your emotional and mental health. This is what the Armed Forces offers to ensure we're supporting you with your wellbeing.
- No eligibility information available
Welfare
A comprehensive support package covering Wellbeing, Personal Support and Community & Family Support
- No eligibility information available
Deployment Welfare Package
The MOD provides a comprehensive support package to ensure your wellbeing when you’re deployed
- No eligibility information available
Rest and Recuperation Leave and Post Operational Leave
If you've been on continuous operational service for four months or more, you could be eligible for time off to recover and, on return from the operation, reconnect with family and friends.
- No eligibility information available
Mental Health
As a Service person you and your family can get free access to additional mental health advice and support
- No eligibility information available
Relationship Counselling
As a member of the Armed Forces you can get free access to relationship and family counselling
Parenthood
We understand that introducing a new member to the family is a life-changing commitment. We want to help you by offering a number of different schemes, giving you time off work for both parents, ensuring you get Maternity Allowance even when you are not based in the UK and helping with the cost of childcare in term-time.
- No eligibility information available
Armed Forces Occupational Maternity Scheme
As a member of the Armed Forces you are entitled to 52 weeks maternity leave and may be eligible for 39 weeks statutory maternity pay - this applies to servicewomen giving birth, and those adopting or entering a surrogacy arrangement.
- No eligibility information available
Ex-gratia payment in lieu of Maternity Allowance
If you can’t claim Maternity Allowance, you may be eligible for this allowance instead
- No eligibility information available
Time off for adoption and antenatal appointments
If you’re due to give birth or in the process of adopting, you can get paid time off for appointments
- No eligibility information available
Paternity Leave
You can take up to two weeks of paid time off following the birth or adoption of a child - in line with the statutory paternity leave provision.
- No eligibility information available
Shared Parental Leave
You can share maternity leave with your partner following the birth or adoption of a child - this is available to servicewomen giving birth, and those adopting or entering a surrogacy arrangement.
- No eligibility information available
Adoption Leave Scheme
If you adopt a child and are the primary adopter, you get 52 weeks adoption leave and may be eligible for 39 weeks statutory pay.
- No eligibility information available
Parental Leave
Allows 18 weeks of unpaid leave for each parent of each child and adopted child, up to the child’s 18th birthday.
- No eligibility information available
Wraparound Childcare
Get funding for the cost of up to 20 hours of before and after school care for your 4 to 11-year-old children (4-16 year old children if in receipt of certain disability allowances).
Further Help
Armed Forces and RAF charities provide additional impartial support and independent advice to you and your family. Whether you need support with your finances, an overseas deployment, accommodation, relationships, or your health, they are ready to help.
- No eligibility information available
Charities
RAF and Armed Forces charities provide additional impartial support and independent advice to you and your family
- No eligibility information available
HIVE/RN Family and People Support
As MOD’s Tri-Service Information Service, the Army & RAF HIVEs and the Royal Navy Family & People Support team provide you with information on a wide range of subjects
- No eligibility information available
RAF Families Federation
The RAF Families Federation provides confidential and independent advice and support to RAF personnel and their families.
Government benefits calculator
You may also be entitled to a number of Government benefits. Click below to use the Government calculators and find out more
Government benefits calculator