The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has already paid out £31 million (approx. AU$63 million) to 949 LGBTQIA+ veterans wrongfully dismissed under discriminatory policies between 1967 and 2000 — and hundreds more are set to receive compensation.
The payments are part of the LGBT Veterans Independent Review and the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme, launched in 2024 to acknowledge and repair the harm caused by the military’s historic ban on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender personnel.
Over 400 Veterans Still to Be Compensated
So far, priority has been given to elderly applicants, those with terminal illnesses or significant health issues, and individuals experiencing financial hardship. Eight terminally ill veterans were among the first to receive payments under a fast-tracked process.
The MoD has confirmed that a further 400 veterans are still awaiting compensation and is urging others to come forward before the scheme closes on 13 December 2026.
A Historic Injustice
Although homosexuality was decriminalised in England and Wales in 1967, the UK military continued to enforce a ban on LGBTQIA+ service members until it was lifted in 2000. Thousands lost their careers, pensions, honours, and dignity due to their sexuality or gender identity.
Veterans who were dismissed or discriminated against can now apply for a minimum of £50,000 tax-free, with additional payments of up to £20,000 depending on the personal impact of their discharge.
‘Please Come Forward’, Says Veterans Minister
Louise Sandher-Jones, UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Veterans, addressed the importance of the scheme in a statement to Attitude magazine:
“Each application represents a veteran who deserves our recognition, and each decision is handled with the care and attention their service merits.”
“To any veteran reading this: you served your country with distinction, and you deserve recognition. Please come forward.”
She acknowledged that rebuilding trust with the community is challenging:
“Many carry the weight of past mistreatment. Rebuilding that trust takes consistent effort… We’re working through media, NHS partners, veteran organisations, and employers to connect with those affected.”
Due to limited historical record keeping, the MoD cannot independently identify all impacted veterans, making self-identification essential for the process to be as fair and inclusive as possible.
A Symbolic Step Forward
Earlier this year, King Charles III unveiled the UK’s first memorial dedicated to LGBTQIA+ veterans, marking 25 years since they were allowed to serve openly in the military.
