As part of the Government’s Veteran’s Recognition Scheme, work is underway to roll out Veterans ID cards to existing Veterans as part of phase two of the plan.
The Veterans ID Card which was initially launched in February 2019, saw anyone leaving the UK armed forces from December 2018 onwards receive a Veterans ID Card, allowing them to utilise an array of services and benefits.
Now with the Veterans Strategy Action Plan recently published, all entitled ex-military personnel will look to receive the Veterans ID Card accordingly.
In an updated statement on the Government’s website it reads:
“The Veterans’ Recognition Scheme has a two-phase rollout. Phase 1 is complete; with Service leavers receiving a recognition card as part of the discharge process.
Phase 2 is to extend the scheme to existing veterans so that they can more quickly, easily and securely prove they served in the UK Armed Forces so they can access the services they need.
There is a need to future-proof the roll-out and ensure that we are giving ID cards only to those with verified service to guard against fraudulent use as veterans become able to access a wider range of benefits.
In the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan (2022-2024) the government committed to exploring the secure, digital verification of veterans’ status. This work is underway, and we are currently working with veterans and other stakeholders to ensure any solution meets the needs of all veterans. This will support delivery of the Phase 2 roll out of ID cards. The government is still committed to delivering ID cards but cannot give a timescale for final delivery as this work is in progress.”
The then Minster for Defence People and Veterans Tobias Ellwood said of the introduction of the Veterans ID Card:
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the ex-forces community, and we are working hard to ensure they receive the support they deserve.
These new cards celebrate the great commitment and dedication of those who have served this country, and I hope they can provide a further link to ex-personnel and the incredible community around them.”