SSAFA Short Breaks are free, residential activity breaks for families currently serving in the Armed Forces who have a child (aged 5–18) with an additional need and/or disability. These breaks offer families a chance to spend quality time together, enjoy inclusive activities, and build confidence and resilience. Families will be responsible for their own travel costs; however, if this presents a challenge, the SSAFA team may be able to support.
Who Can Apply?
- Families with children aged 5–18, where at least one child has an additional need and/or disability.
- Children must be dependents of a current serving person or reservist.
- At least one parent must attend the break.
- Families must not have attended a SSAFA Short Break in the last five years.
This year, SSAFA is introducing a two-stage application process for Short Breaks applications. We will prioritise families where the need is greatest. This assessment helps us understand your situation and make sure support is offered fairly and where it can have the most impact. Every family deserves access to support that reflects their lived reality. For military families with children who have additional needs and disabilities, that support must be flexible, respectful, and emotionally safe. This assessment helps us understand what that looks like for you and your family and helps us determine if SSAFA’s Short Breaks can meet that need at this time, when considered in relation to other applications.
Stage 1 – Basic Eligibility
Families complete an online form to confirm they meet the core criteria. Only those who pass Stage 1 will be invited to Stage 2. Apply for Stage 1 SSAFA Short Breaks 2026.
