Spouse/Partner Employment Your spouse or partner can receive assistance in finding employment or starting a business.

Eligibility check: What is your status?

• Child of a member of the Regular Armed Forces
• HM Armed Forces Veteran
• Spouse/Partner of a member of the Regular Armed Forces
• Bereaved Spouse/Partner of a member of the Regular Armed Forces
• None of these

Answer the questions to determine eligibility.

What’s it for?

This benefit aims to eliminate employment barriers for spouses, partners, and sometimes dependent children of Service personnel. The MOD collaborates with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and other organisations to offer free support, advice, and access to employment opportunities, including assistance for starting a business.

All these services are free, although you may need to cover costs for travel, accommodation, subsistence, or childcare if required.

What do they get?

Spouses/partners and dependent children may access support through various means, including:

• Forces Families Jobs: An online employment and training platform provided by the Families Federations for partners of currently serving UK Service personnel. It connects partners with employers, training providers, and other military-friendly organisations.
• Early access to the DWP Work and Health program for Service spouses and partners.
• Armed Forces champions in Jobcentre Plus.
• Free access to programs like the Royal British Legion Industries Lifeworks and the Forces Employment Charity Families Programme, offering military spouses and partners the skills and confidence to find employment and advance their careers.
• Support from external organisations like X-Forces, Recruit for Spouses, and the Wiltshire Council Enterprise Network (for companies based in Wiltshire) that also assist with family employment.

How do I claim?

Contact your Families Federation initially or visit the relevant website links provided under 'need more information.'

The British Army protects the United Kingdom’s interests at home and abroad, providing a safe and secure environment in which all British citizens can live and prosper.