This Guide provides information on various topics related to separation and financial protection, specifically for individuals in the Armed Forces community.

1.Protecting Your Financial Position:** If you've separated from your partner and are concerned about financial matters or child custody, it's important to take immediate action and seek legal advice. You can find free or affordable legal help on the Citizens Advice website.

2.Service Family Accommodation (SFA): Separating from your spouse or partner may affect your entitlement to SFA. Various circumstances such as retirement, redundancy, discharge, or separation can impact your accommodation rights. It's advisable to consult with your local Service Commander or refer to detailed guidance on the GOV.UK website.

3.Alternative Accommodation and Homelessness:** If your separation may lead to homelessness, there's support available, even if you're not roofless but living in unsafe housing or "sofa surfing." You can learn more about support for homelessness on this page.

4. Applying for Council/Social Housing: If you anticipate needing new accommodation after your separation, council housing (social housing) could be an option. You can explore eligibility and application details through Citizens Advice.

5. Housing Benefit: Your separation may lead to increased financial responsibilities. Housing Benefit may assist you in covering rent expenses. Details about eligibility criteria can be found on the GOV.UK website or through Citizens Advice.

6. Protecting Your Financial Position:** Sudden separation can raise concerns about finances, especially if you share joint accounts or agreements. It's crucial to protect yourself and your finances. The MoneyHelper website offers information and advice in such situations.

7. Armed/Reserve Forces Pension Schemes:** Separating from a spouse or civil partner may impact your pension, and it's important to address this before finalizing divorce or partnership dissolution. The Ministry of Defence provides guidance on Armed Forces pensions on the GOV.UK website.

8. Economic Abuse: This section emphasizes the importance of making independent financial decisions and identifies economic abuse, which can take various forms, such as controlling finances, spending money without consent, damaging property, or preventing access to education or work. There are resources available for those experiencing economic abuse.

9. Domestic Abuse: The page acknowledges that domestic and financial abuse are crimes and should be reported to the police. It highlights specific support and guidance for the Armed Forces community in dealing with domestic abuse.

Overall, the guide offers comprehensive information and resources to support individuals going through separation within the Armed Forces community, addressing various aspects of financial and housing concerns.

For over 100 years, the Royal British Legion has been fighting on behalf of our Armed Forces community. We believe that no-one who has served to protect our freedom should be disadvantaged because of the sacrifices they have made. The men and women of the Armed Forces play an extraordinary role in protecting our country, as well as providing support to other nations through peace keeping, conservation and humanitarian work.

We provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.Our support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over. From providing expert advice and guidance, to recovery and rehabilitation, through to transitioning to civilian life – we are by their side of veterans and their families every step of the way. 

We campaign and advocate for the rights and fair treatment of all those who have served and their families - and through our championing of Remembrance, ensure that their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.