Please visit: https://www.kenthomechoice.org.uk/content/advice-for-armed-forces-veterans-in-kent for further advice on support available to secure housing.
If you are a veteran, you can get advice to find somewhere to live from your local council. We can give you free advice on housing options, and advice if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
Veterans Aid provides immediate, practical support for UK veterans in crisis regardless of age, ethnicity, rank, gender or length of service. Call: 0800 012 6867 or landline 0207 828 2468 - 9am - 3pm, Monday to Friday. Online contact form also available here.
Haig Housing: Own over 1,500 properties across 50 locations in the UK. They provide support for ex-service personnel transitioning into civilian life or who just need a helping hand. They have an online application. Paper copies can be submitted, see website for more details. Phone: 020 8685 5777 (Mondays to Fridays, 9am – 5pm). Online enquiry form also available here.
Royal British Legion (RBLI): Provides accommodation options. In Kent there is the RBLI village in Aylesford, near Maidstone. Further information on this scheme can be found here. Call: 01622 795900 or Email: enquiries@rbli.co.uk for further information.
I am a disabled veteran and need help to secure housing
The Stoll Foundation: Provides housing and support to vulnerable and disabled veterans as well as their dependents, living in England. They provide a home for life if you need it, or help to find training and work to get back to independent living. Call 020 7385 2110 or Email: info@stoll.org.uk.
I need some extra support
Soldiers', Sailors', and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA): Offer a range of free, tailored services based around your and your family’s needs for as long as you need it, and regardless of time served in armed forces. Call 0800 260 6780 or live chat also available online.
The Confederation of Service Charities (Cobseo): Details the main providers of general needs and supported housing for the ex-service community in its Directory of Dedicated Services for Veterans.
I am a veteran and I am homeless
Contact your Council if you are homeless or due to leave the forces within the next 56 days. Locally you can do this by accessing the Councils website to complete an online self-assessment, which will give you some basic advice and information.
If you are assessed as needing more help you will be asked to complete a more detailed assessment. Once the second assessment is complete you will be contacted to arrange/complete a telephone assessment.
You will be given advice and support about other housing options and how to access them, including the private rented sector, you may also be able to access assistance with rent in advance and or a deposit guarantee payment, however it should be noted that financial assistance is at the discretion of the local authority.
Further information can be found here.
Looking for affordable private rented accommodation
This is likely to be your fastest solution to securing somewhere to live in the local area. Finances are often the biggest barrier so make sure you have followed the advice above and if you are still struggling you might need to look in more affordable areas of the country. For more information on the ways to secure private rented accommodation visit: https://www.kenthomechoice.org.uk/content/private-renting.
Applying to the Council’s Housing Register
If your home is unsuitable for you or if you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, you may be eligible to join your local council’s housing register. If your local Council is in Kent, you can apply online through the Kent Homechoice website at: www.kenthomechoice.org.uk. Further information on joining Folkestone & Hythe’s housing register can be found here: https://www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/housing/khc-social-affordable-housing. Please note that the demands for social housing via Councils’ housing registers is extremely high, and you are unlikely to be offered alternative accommodation quickly.