Housing

When you leave the armed forces, your options for where you can live include:

• buying a property
• renting a property
• getting support if you are homeless or at risk of being homeless

Read about Scottish housing people leaving the armed forces and ex-service personnel on gov.scot.

Buying a property

If you want to buy a home when you leave the armed forces, but cannot afford to on your own, there are several schemes that can help you.

Some of these schemes give priority to veterans, including the:

• Open Market Shared Equity Scheme
• New Supply Shared Equity Scheme

Read about the legal process for buying a house or flat. It helps make sure both you and seller are protected during the sale.

Renting a property

If you're looking to rent a property, you can get information and advice on:

• renting from a private landlord
• how to apply for housing from a local council or housing association – also known as social housing

If you apply for social housing, a landlord may ask you for a copy of your Certificate of Cessation of Entitlement to Occupy Service Accommodation. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will give this to you 6 months before you leave the armed forces.

If you’re struggling to pay your rent

There is support available if you cannot pay your rent.

Claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit

If you're renting from a private landlord and you're finding it hard to pay the rent, housing support may be available to you.

If you're on a low income, you may be entitled to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit. How much you get depends on your income and circumstances. It can pay for all or part of your rent. 

Read our guide on how to claim Housing Benefit.

You can also find out if you're entitled to Universal Credit on the GOV.UK website.

Claim Local Housing Allowance

If you already get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, Local Housing Allowance (LHA) might also be available to you. This depends on:

• where you live
• your income, and
• your personal circumstances

You may be eligible to apply for LHA if you:

• rent from a private landlord and are on a low income
• get Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit

Find out if you can claim LHA.

Claim a Discretionary Housing Payment

If you already get Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, but still can't afford to pay your rent, you may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

A Discretionary Housing Payment can be made if you:

• claim Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit, but it doesn't cover all your rent
• need help with removal costs
• need help with a rent deposit

Find out how to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment.

Homelessness

If you have not been discharged yet and you have nowhere to stay when you leave, speak to a member of your welfare team.

For veterans who are homeless or in need, Scottish Veterans Residences provide support and accomodation.

You can find general support and advice on our 'if you’re homeless or have nowhere safe to stay' page.  

Housing for veterans with disabilities

If you have a disability and you need help to find housing that meets your needs, there are organisations that can help.

Military Matters provides support and advice to service men and women, veterans and their families. They support people with any disability  to solve housing problems, including those with:

• mental health problems
• learning disabilities
• physical disabilities

Visit the Military Matters website to find out more about accessible housing.

Care equipment and adapting for your home

You may require adaptations to your home when you leave the armed forces.

To apply for care equipment, you should get in touch with your local council. 

You can also get general information on services for people with disabilities from Disability Information Scotland.

Visit the Disability Information Scotland website to access information.