Click on poster above to enlarge
July 14, 2025
Defence update - Simplifying overseas service finances
Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.
When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.
Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time and providing welcome reassurance, by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin.
These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice – whether you’re posted abroad or keeping a home across borders.
Easier claims with more flexibility
From 1 July 2025, eligible personnel assigned to Brunei, USA, Kenya, and select European and Rest of World locations (administered by the Global Support Organisation) can opt into the Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial.
This initiative combines existing Disturbance Expense Overseas, Respite Provision, and Overseas Private Vehicle Provision allowances into a single, non-taxable lump sum payment – and there’s no requirement for expenses receipts to be provided before claiming.
The GMA Calculator gives a real-time, tailored estimate of how much you will receive, and you can use the allowance however you see fit – with JSP 752 providing guidance on expenses the combined allowances can contribute towards.
Planning made simple
The new Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR) tool instantly calculates personalised allowance estimates for those preparing for overseas assignments. Simply enter basic details about your assignment location, family status, and accommodation type to receive immediate values for applicable overseas allowances.
This tool removes the need for time-consuming paperwork and manual calculations, reducing risk of errors and providing greater certainty and reduced stress, during what can be a challenging transition period.
Supporting family connections
For eligible unaccompanied and single Service personnel, with family homes in Europe while permanently assigned in the UK, the Get You Home (Travel to Europe) trial scheme has been extended until June 2026. This provides contributions for up to two return journeys to your European residence, per month.
Qualifying European countries include Cyprus, Germany and France and can be used towards travel via flights, ferry, rail or road.
Disturbance Expenses rate uplift
From 1 July 2025, eligible Service personnel moving to the UK from overseas can claim the same, higher ‘overseas rate’ for Disturbance Expenses as those moving overseas from the UK.
More information
· Read about the new allowance updates and explore the calculation tools on defnet and Defence Connect.
· Visit discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk – to access the ‘Families Hub’ and information on what’s included in ‘Your Offer’.
Planning made simple
The new Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR) tool instantly calculates personalised allowance estimates for those preparing for overseas assignments. Simply enter basic details about your assignment location, family status, and accommodation type to receive immediate values for applicable overseas allowances.
This tool removes the need for time-consuming paperwork and manual calculations, reducing risk of errors and providing greater certainty and reduced stress, during what can be a challenging transition period.
Supporting family connections
For eligible unaccompanied and single Service personnel, with family homes in Europe while permanently assigned in the UK, the Get You Home (Travel to Europe) trial scheme has been extended until June 2026. This provides contributions for up to two return journeys to your European residence, per month.
Qualifying European countries include Cyprus, Germany and France and can be used towards travel via flights, ferry, rail or road.
Disturbance Expenses rate uplift
From 1 July 2025, eligible Service personnel moving to the UK from overseas can claim the same, higher ‘overseas rate’ for Disturbance Expenses as those moving overseas from the UK.
More information
· Read about the new allowance updates and explore the calculation tools on defnet and Defence Connect.
· Visit discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk – to access the ‘Families Hub’ and information on what’s included in ‘Your Offer’.
July 9, 2025
NAAFI Fund Dives Deep to Support Injured Veterans and Service Personnel
The recent trip to the Maldives was an undeniable success: injured veterans, finding much-needed therapy in the serene embrace of the ocean, experiencing the wonders of marine life. This unique form of rehabilitation offers a sense of weightlessness, freedom, and an incredible connection to nature that can be profoundly healing.
But it wasn’t just the veterans who benefited, Diving with the Injured are also supporting service personnel who had the invaluable opportunity to reflect and unwind after what has undoubtedly been a very challenging year. The calming influence of the underwater environment, coupled with the camaraderie of the expedition, provided a much-needed break and a chance to recharge.
To read NAAFI Fund’s Blog post in full, please go to: https://naafi.co.uk/project/making-a-splash/
To find out more about NAAFI Fund, please visit: https://naafi.co.uk/
July 7, 2025
Scotland: Scottish Childminding Association - Will your little one soon be eligible for ELC funded hours?
For some families, this may be the first time your child has been looked after in a professional setting, for others you may be looking to prepare them for the routine of school.
It's a big decision.
Here are some reasons why a childminder could be perfect for your family:
💠Tailored support - Childminding has the lowest adult-to-child ratios of all childcare options
💠Quality, home-based setting - Evidence has shown childminding can enhance a child’s early learning, confidence and social development
💠Flexible, blended and wraparound care options to fit around family life
💠Mix of ages which enhances social skills, development and confidence
💠Tailored support - Childminding has the lowest adult-to-child ratios of all childcare options
💠Quality, home-based setting - Evidence has shown childminding can enhance a child’s early learning, confidence and social development
💠Flexible, blended and wraparound care options to fit around family life
💠Mix of ages which enhances social skills, development and confidence
St Andrews: Families First are looking for volunteers, interested in getting involved?
Whether you’re keen to meet new people, use your experience, or try something new, this could be a great fit for you (or someone you know).
Pop along to one of their info sessions on Monday 21st July to find out more, or get in touch - email vc@familiesfirststandrews.org.uk.
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
July 2, 2025
Fife: Sam's Fife Mental Health Drop-in
click on image to enlarge
Sam's is available to anyone aged 16yrs plus and no longer in school education.
Sam's is one to one mental health support .. not a group.
Kirkcaldy
Sam's Fife, Greener Kirkcaldy, 8 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XT
Mondays and Fridays: 12 noon - 8pm
Tel: 07971 892886
Leven
Sam's Fife, Forth Street Hall, Forth Street, Leven KY8 4PF
(across road from the Greig Institute)
Saturdays: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 07568 127735
Dunfermline
Sam's Fife, Going Forth,
First House Woodmill Road, Dunfermline KY11 4SS
Sundays: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 07725 214012
Information provided by Leuchars HIVE
Dover: Kent Army Cadets, Dover detachment needs you
Looking for a new hobby and a way to make new friends whilst challenging yourself? We need you!
The ACF isn’t just about marching around the drill square. We offer cadets and adult volunteers an exciting programme of activities and events over the course of the year.
There is also the opportunity to embark on overseas exchanges, adventurous training, expeditions and sports competition, to name but a few of the options available. You might even want to learn a new musical instrument in our band.
Click HERE for more information
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
July 1, 2025
Chatham: Brompton Play Club at the Lampard Centre - Mondays 1600hrs - 1730hrs (Term Time Only)
Play Club at the Lampard Centre is held every Monday, excluding Bank Holidays from 4pm till 5.30pm.
Booking is on a week-by-week basis. £1 per week per child.
Please email anthony-lee.peat101@mod.gov.uk to book a place (limited places).
Information provided by South East HIVE Hub
It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins
It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins
From 1 July, eligible Service personnel are now invited to register for a new overseas allowance that offers an easier claims process and greater flexibility on spending.
Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) is being trialled as a new way to receive a financial contribution towards expenses that arise when you move to or from an overseas permanent assignment in:
• Brunei – 2 Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) and Brunei Garrison Staff (incl. 667 Sqn, 5AAC) only
• USA – British Defence Staff US (BDSUS) administered locations only
• Kenya – British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) Garrison Staff only
• Europe/ Rest of World (RoW) – Global Support Organisation (GSO) administered locations only
The new Global Mobility Allowance Calculator (accessible via defnet or Defence Connect) gives a real-time, tailored estimate of the GMA allowance you will receive, and a comparison of GMA trial versus non-trial allowances.
The tool simplifies what would be a complex and time-consuming calculation process and enables you to make informed decisions about your assignment – including considerations on family support, cost of living and financial planning.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)