Defence Update on Long-term relationships: Closing the gap on allowances

Long-term relationships: Closing the gap on allowances

If you’re in a long-term relationship, a range of allowances and support are now available to you – the same as your married or civil-partnered colleagues.

What’s changed?

Many allowances were only available to Service Personnel who were married or in a civil partnership. That wasn’t fair – not everyone wants to get married, even when they’re in a committed relationship.

From 1 May 2026, if you are in a Long-Term Relationship (Established) – known as an LTR(E) – you can claim allowances and provisions that were previously unavailable to you, just like your married colleagues.

Sarah Houghton, Director Armed Forces People Policy said:
“This is a real step forward for our people and their families. Around 20,000 Service Personnel are set to benefit – with those in long-term relationships being treated the same way as married colleagues, for ten allowances.”

Which allowances and provisions are affected?

The following are now available to Service Personnel in an LTR(E):

• Disturbance Expense (DE)
• Duty Travel
• Get You Home (Travel)
• Home to Duty Travel
• HM Forces Railcards
• Longer Separation Allowance (LSA)
• MOD Passport provisions
• Movement and Storage of Personal Effects (MSPE)
• Subsistence

This means, for example, that when you move home for service reasons, you can now claim expenses that reflect your real situation living with a partner – rather than being treated as single.

HM Forces Railcards and MOD-provided UK passports for service travel can also be extended to your partner, where eligibility criteria are met.

Are there still some allowances not covered?

Scotland: MyGov Scot Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods

Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods are payments that help towards the costs of being pregnant or looking after a child.
About Best Start Grant

The 3 Best Start Grant payments are:

Pregnancy and Baby Payment

Pregnancy and Baby Payment helps with the costs of having a baby. You can apply for this payment during pregnancy to help prepare for your baby's arrival, or after your baby is born.

Early Learning Payment

If your application is successful you'll get £319.80 to help with the costs of early learning. You can get the payment when your child is aged between 2 years old and 3 years and 6 months old. To get this payment your child does not need to go to nursery.

School Age Payment
School Age Payment is a payment of £319.80 per child. It helps with the costs of preparing for school when your child is first old enough to start primary school.

Defence Update: Your move, better supported - Fairer moving costs for UK PASH users

Your move, better supported:

Fairer moving costs for UK PASH users

Moving home is never easy, but the Armed Forces are making it a little simpler and fairer.

If you live in Single Living Accommodation (SLA) – in a Mess, Barrack Block or equivalent – and you need to move your things when posted to another unit, there are two ways you can get help:

• UK Private Arrangements Self Help Scheme (UK PASH) – you arrange your own move and claim back some of the costs
• Self Pack Service (SPS) – your unit helps move your belongings through stores

What's changing?

UK PASH remains a popular choice – used by over 1,500 Service personnel last year – and from 1 May 2026, it’s getting even better.

Right now, you can claim back up to £298.56 for things like van hire, a trailer, packing boxes, or a removal firm. That cap isn't changing.

But here's the new bit: you can now also claim Motor Mileage Allowance (MMA) on top of the £298.56. MMA is paid at 25p per mile for one return trip – including any required detours, like picking up a hired van.

In short, you get:

• up to £298.56 for your moving costs
• 25p for every mile you drive

Why does this matter?

Moving further away costs more money. But until now, everyone got the same cap – no matter how far they had to travel. That wasn't fair, especially as personnel don't always get to choose their posting – moving to where Defence needs them.

This change means longer moves get more support. It's a practical improvement that better reflects the costs involved in Service life.

Part of Your Offer

The Armed Forces Offer is about making sure that the people who serve our country are treated fairly and looked after well, with real support when life gets disrupted – like when you need to move home to serve at a new location.
Further information

Full details and information on all the rules around removal support are available in JSP 752, Chapter 12, Section 4.

Serve & Protect Credit Union: Free financial webinars this May

🎲 Harmful Effects of Gambling with GamCare
Date: Tuesday 5th May
Time: 12:00-13:00
What to Expect: Discover the financial impacts of harmful gambling with representatives from GamCare.

🌍 Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills
Date: Friday 8th May
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Tips for living a greener life to save money and protect the planet!

📆 Planning Ahead: Wills, Trusts and LPA Explained
Date: Tuesday 12th May
Time: 12:00-13:30
What to Expect: Find out about Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney, Trusts, and Probate with representatives from Estates Planning Seminars.

🐖 Saving Made Simple: Practical Tips to Boost Your Savings
Date: Wednesday 13th May
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Explore 10 practical savings methods that anyone can apply to build a healthy savings cushion.

✍️ Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money
Date: Thursday 14th May
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Create a budget that meets your short and long-term financial goals, plus tips to cut your spending.

🛡️ Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters
Date: Wednesday 20th May
Time: 12:00-13:00
What to Expect: Understand why financial resilience matters and hear some simple, practical tips to help you improve it.

🚀 Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score
Date: Thursday 21st May
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Understand the importance of looking after your credit score, plus actionable tips to improve yours.

💸 Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application
Date: Thursday 28th May
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Understand what happens throughout the journey of a loan application, some of the key factors lenders evaluate, and what to do before you apply.

💛 Best Kept Secret in Finance: The Credit Union Difference
Date: Friday 29th May
Time: 12:00-12:45
What to Expect: Learn how credit unions' people-focused approach benefits communities worldwide.

To find out more or to register for a webinar, please go to: Webinars - Serve & Protect

Stop Loan Sharks Week 2026: 11 -17 May

Loan sharks play games with people’s lives

– let’s make it game over

Loan sharks don’t always look like villains. Sometimes, they change
character, switch tactics and reinvent themselves - just like players in an
online game.

But this isn’t a game. And the consequences are real.

A loan shark, also known as an illegal money lender, is someone who lends
money without proper authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority
(FCA). That means they don’t have to follow the rules that exist to protect
borrowers. They set their own terms, charge what they want, and stack the
game against you from the very start.

Loan sharks often appear friendly at first can - they reinvent themselves to
look like a trusted friend, a neighbour, another parent at the school gates or
someone recommended by family. But behind the friendly avatar, is
someone playing a dangerous game with people’s lives.

When they offer to do you a favour by lending you money when you need it,
it can feel like an easy option. But once you’ve pressed ‘start’, the game has
begun and things can quickly spiral out of control.
If borrowers struggle to keep up with repayments, what began as a helping
hand can turn into intimidation, threats or even violence. And in real life,
there’s no pause or exit button, just constant pressure and fear.

Knowing the warning signs can help you recognise when something isn’t
right. You could be dealing with a loan shark if:

KCC: The Kent Money Advice Hub

 

'People go to the Money Advice Hub  with a lot on their shoulders, and they finish the call with an instant sense of relief and an increase in confidence.'

Are you worrying about money? The Kent Money Advice Hub could help you.

 
Click HERE for more information

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub

April’s offers from Motorfinity

Have a look at this month’s offer sheets including some of our latest models, top discounts, and new models – all available with the new registration plate!

Exclusive webinar invitation - Financial Inclusion in the Public Sector, by Serve + Protect Credit Union

Register for free today!

We are pleased to invite you to an exclusive webinar on Tuesday 28th April 2026 at 13:00

Discover the key insights from our 2026 Financial Resilience Survey, which generated responses from 7,647 Serve and Protect members from January to February 2026.

In this webinar we break down the findings of the survey to uncover the common financial challenges facing public sector employees in 2026. From difficulty accessing responsible financial products, to preparing and coping with financial emergencies, you will be equipped with the knowledge of what is impacting your people today.

Don't miss this opportunity to better understand and support your colleagues.

Read the full Financial Resilience Report 2026

Serve and Protect Credit Union Cash ISA 2026/27 - Guaranteed Tax-Free Return of 3.85%

Serve and Protect Fixed Cash ISA | Guaranteed Tax-Free Return of 3.85%

Serve and Protect Credit Union have launched a Fixed Cash ISA for the 2026/27 tax year giving employees within the Police, Prison, Military, Fire and Health Services the opportunity to earn a guaranteed tax-free return of 3.85% AER (Annual Equivalent Rate).

• Minimum effort, maximum return: Start depositing from as little as £5 and up to a maximum of £20,000 for the 2026/27 tax year.
• Attractive returns: Enjoy a guaranteed tax-free return of 3.85% AER, allowing you to earn more from your savings effortlessly.
• Safety assured: Rest easy knowing your savings are protected up to £120,000 by the FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme).

For people, not profit.

Serve and Protect Credit Union prides itself on being more than just a financial institution. As a not-for-profit, by opening an account, you can make a real impact to the lives of those who serve and protect our nation. Your support provides crucial funds to help fellow colleagues seeking affordable credit.

For more information or to apply please visit: Serve and Protect | Tax-Free Savings with a Fixed Cash ISA

MoneyHelper free webinar: Retirement planning for Gen-Z, Wed 20th May at 2pm

To register:

https://shorturl.at/MJr7C

MoneyHelper: Understanding debt and getting the help you need

A tough topic, but such a vital one to talk about, Debt Advice. 

Across the UK there are hundreds of thousands of people struggling with the burden of problem debt. Debt can be a taboo topic, difficult to talk to family or friends about, and many people are left feeling isolated and anxious, and many of them simply do not know where or how to reach out for help and support. This month’s article outlines some of the demographics around debt, signs to look out for and where to go for help. Please, do not suffer in silence, there is free and impartial, fully regulated support available. Let MoneyHelper support you on a journey a debt free future and more positive financial future.

For more Information please CLICK HERE

Hampshire: Forces Connect South East

Forces Connect South East

Hampshire County Council is proud to be part of Forces Connect South East

Forces Connect South East is a cross border partnership comprising Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex County Councils, Brighton and Hove, Medway Councils and Sussex NHS.

It is a two-year Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Covenant Funded Programme aimed at making it easier for servicemen and women and their families, as well as reservists and veterans, to access public sector services including healthcare, housing, schools, financial advice and support to find jobs.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub.

Catterick: LLoyds Banking Group is at Catterick Library alternate Weds from 8th Apr

Lloyds Banking Group will be at Catterick Library tomorrow (Wednesday 8th April) between 10am-4pm.
Community bankers will be available to help you with banking services and account support.

If you can, please call ahead to let us know you are coming. You can contact Catterick Library on 01609 534595.

Can’t make this one? They’ll be back again on Wednesday 22nd April for all your banking needs.

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Forces Cars Direct: April Car Offers – Save on Your Next Vehicle

It’s April, and there are some fantastic offers available to you this month, including the brand new Jaecoo 8 with a saving of £9,619 and the Nissan Juke with a saving of £5,251.

Our team is on hand to help you make the best decision when choosing your next new car and to guide you through the exclusive savings available.

To view all of this month’s offers, please visit the link below: https://www.forcescarsdirect.com/special-offers/monthly-offers

Wifinity Armed Forces Offers: eSIM for travel and deployment, and SFA Forces Fibre

The current MOD offers from Wifinity include:

Low cost eSIM for deployment and travel - Wifinity | Explore our low cost eSIM plans

• Cheapest options on the market for MOD personnel and families going abroad
• 10% discount for MOD personnel and families using code HIVE10
• 20% discount for existing Wifinity customers. Customers can log into their ‘My Account’ to get their code

Ultrafast broadband flexible for families into SFA homes - Wifinity Forces Fibre

• Monthly rolling contracts available
• Cheaper than major providers such as BT
• Faster installation times than the UK average
• 26% faster speeds than the UK average
• Currently available at Kendrew, Chicksands, Lyneham, Marham and Aldershot
• Further SFA sites being rolled out in 2026
• Get your first 2 months free when sign up for 12-month plan

Department for Work & Pensions Update

Do you know your State Pension age?

DWP is running a campaign to encourage everyone to check their State Pension age on GOV.UK.

Between April 2026 and March 2028, the State Pension age will gradually rise from 66 to 67, affecting those born on or after 6 April 1960.

Use the free State Pension age calculator on GOV.UK  to find your State Pension age — you just need your date of birth. You can also use the Check your State Pension forecast tool to see how much you might get and if you can increase it, for example, by filling any gaps in your record.

Remember, your State Pension doesn't start automatically. The Pension Service will write to you around four months before you reach State Pension age to invite you to apply.

*HIVE note* For Service community spouses and partners with NI gaps due to overseas postings, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-insurance-credits-for-partners-of-armed-forces-personnel-overseas. There is information on NI credits that may apply, and an online form to complete.

Introducing Tax Confident

HMRC has launched ‘Tax Confident’ – a new website designed to help customers fill their tax knowledge gaps.

The website offers simple, easy to understand information on tax basics through engaging formats. Current resources are aimed at pensioners and small business owners, but there's something useful for everyone.

GOV.UK remains the place for detailed guidance but Tax Confident helps customers feel ready to take that next step. Find out more at Tax Confident.

South West: MoneyHelper SW - Family and Care finances

 

Big money decisions often need to be made when looking after family members, expecting a baby, or you’ve got family problems like illness, divorce, or bereavement.

MoneyHelper have got easy-to-understand guides to help you. MoneyHelper from the Government’s Money and Pensions Service exists to help anyone across the South West with free, independent, and impartial money and pensions guidance.

Please click here to read these guides online

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVE

Wales: Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to £6000 a year

A new Defence scheme to transform support for forces families with young children will be rolled out across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland from September 2026, the Defence Secretary announced on 20th March 2026.

This major boost for UK Armed Forces families will save forces families living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland up to £6,000 per year for each child and will help with the cost of living as they serve to protect the nation.

It will be delivered through the Ministry of Defence’s existing Early Years childcare reimbursement scheme and will ensure that eligible working UK Armed Forces families receive the same Government funded childcare support as forces families in England.

This government promised to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, and this support is another major step to deliver on that pledge. Childcare is cited as one of several factors affecting Armed Forces retention and morale and this government is on a mission to fix the recruitment crisis. The announcement was made by Defence Secretary John Healey MP on a visit to meet families at Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh.

To read the whole article on the .Gov website: Transformative new childcare support will save Defence families up to £6000 a year

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements over Easter

Department for Work and Pensions (including Jobcentre Plus) arrangements are different over Easter in England, Scotland and Wales:

On Friday 3 April offices and phone lines are closed
On Monday 6 April offices and phone lines are closed

From Tuesday 7 April offices and phone lines are open as usual

To make sure people get their payment on a day when our offices are open, arrangements have been made to make some payments early.

If the expected payment date is Friday 3 April or Monday 6 April, then benefits will be on Thursday 2 April.

If the expected payment date is not shown, customers will get their money on their usual payment date.

Serve and Protect Credit Union - Latest Free Financial Educational Webinars

Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills 🌍💸 (New Title for 2026)

Eco-friendly savings webinar | April and May 2026 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE

Green Living: Simple Eco-Friendly Tips to Lower Your Bills | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Budgeting 101 📝 📢

Budgeting explained webinar | April and May 2026 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 👇

Budgeting 101: Take Control of Your Money | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Saving Made Simple 💷✅

Tips to boost savings webinar | April and May 2026 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 👇

Saving Made Simple: Practical Habits to Boost Your Savings | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Credit Score 101 🚀📊

Tips to boost your score webinar | April and May 2026 Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 👇

Credit Score 101: Tips to Boost Your Score | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters (New Title for 2026) ☔🛡️

Preparing for the unexpected webinar | April and May Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 👇

Financial Resilience: Ready When it Matters | Serve and Protect Credit Union

Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application 🔍💸 (New Title for 2026)

Key things to know webinar | April and May Dates Released | Limited Availability | Learn more and register for FREE 👇

Borrow Smarter: Tips to Strengthen Your Loan Application | Serve and Protect Credit Union