Housing and related support for the Armed Forces community
There are a number of housing options to consider if you are looking for accommodation. Here you can find out about options for finding a home as well as what to do if you're homeless.
Social rented housing
Social housing is very scarce with most councils having long waiting lists. The Armed Forces Covenant means that you will not be disadvantaged by not having a local connection, however, it will not mean that you get to the top of the list.
Even if you get to the top of the waiting list, it could still be many months/years before you get a house. It is worth remembering that, if you leave Service Family Association (SFA) and are homeless, the council will have a duty of care to put a roof over your head. However, this may be a hostel or B&B which isn’t ideal for a family.
Residents of Southampton can apply for council and housing association housing by joining the Housing Register. See Find a home.
Serving and former members of the Armed Forces will qualify if they fall within one or more of the statutory reasonable preference categories. More information can be found in the council's housing allocations policy.
Please contact Housing Allocations:
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The following housing associations also offer housing options specifically for people who have served in the Armed Forces:
Private rented housing
Renting from a private landlord is another option for finding somewhere to live. Everything you need to know about renting a home from a private landlord, including what questions to ask and your rights and responsibilities, can be found in the government's How to rent checklist.
Affordable home ownership
Affordable home ownership is homes for sale and rent, below market levels, for eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. The government runs the following home ownership schemes:
Homelessness
If you're homeless, or threatened with homelessness, the Council may be able to help. For more information read Are you at risk of homelessness?
SPACES is a national service offering accommodation placement advice to single personnel discharged from the Armed Forces. Call 0174 883 3797.
Further help
If you have an enquiry about:
- Your Service Family Accommodation, you can contact Pinnacle on 0800 707 6000 (opt 3) or email: hello@pinnacleservicefamilies.co.uk
- Forces Help To Buy, you can contact the Joint Personnel Administration Centre (JPAC) Helpline on 0800 085 3600 or 0141 224 3600
- Issues with loss of entitlement/notice to vacate Service Family Accommodation or if you need a reference for housing, these should be addressed to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO): DIORDAccn-LOETeam@mod.gov.uk
If you are a serving member of the Armed Forces due to be discharged (for any reason), are a family member of serving personnel or a veteran and need help to source accommodation or have other issues, such as health, debt or unemployment, you can get more support and extra help from Defence Transition Services.
Defence Transition Services provide holistic support to service leavers who will face challenges before, through and beyond transition. They will support individuals and/or their families from two years before, through to two years after transition as necessary.
Veterans Gateway
Telephone: 0808 802 1212
Forces Families Federations
Armed Forces Welfare Services
These can provide signposting to relevant departments and assist with any personal concerns via their casework teams:
Naval Service Family and People Support
Tel: 0800 145 6088
Email: navynps-peoplesptnsfpsptl@mod.gov.uk
Army Welfare Service
Tel: 0190 488 2053
SSAFA (for RAF personnel)
Tel: 03000 111 723
Email: psswsRAF@ssafa.org.uk
SSAFA provides practical and emotional support to serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families in a wide range of areas including housing. Call 023 8077 0640
RBL supports the Armed Forces Community and those affected by disability, health conditions or social welfare needs. Help includes the provision of welfare, healthcare, housing, employment and development opportunities. Call 0162 279 5900.
Veterans UK runs a helpline that provides assistance on many issues including benefits, housing and welfare. Call 0808 191 4218.
Veterans Aid helps veterans who are in crisis with accommodation, addictions, mental health problems, access to training and education and Foreign and Commonwealth issues. Call 0800 012 6867.
Shelter offer free, expert housing advice to anyone. Call 0808 800 4444.
Citizens Advice Bureau offer online and telephone advice. Call 03444 111 444.
Blind Veterans UK helps vision impaired Armed Forces and National Service veterans to relearn vital life skills and provides them with the tools they need to be independent in their own homes. They offer new learning, training and recreation opportunities and provide long-term nursing, residential and respite care. Call 0800 389 7979.
Furnishings
Assistance with furnishings may be sought through military charities, such as SSAFA and The Royal British Legion.
Solent Armed Forces Covenant Partnership Drop In Centres
There are drop in centres across the region offering advice and information to armed forces veterans and their families. They provide social support and access to a range of welfare and mental health services. They’re open to former members of the British Armed Forces and Reserves and their direct family members, including the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy.
Southampton
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from: 2pm – 9pm
At the Southampton Veterans Drop-In-Centre, Woodley Road, Woolston, Southampton, SO19 9DW
Contact: call 023 8044 6032 or visit Southampton Veterans Trust
Gosport
Monday to Friday from: 10am – 2pm
At Veterans Hub Sharpes Cafe, High Street, Gosport, PO12 1BT
Contact: call 023 9258 3099 or visit Gosport cafe hub for veterans
Isle of Wight
The third Wednesday of every month from: 12pm – 4pm
At the Riverside Centre, the Quay, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2QR
Contact: call 023 9273 1767 or visit Veterans Outreach Support
Portsmouth
The first Wednesday every month from: 2pm – 6pm
At the Royal Maritime Club, Queen Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3HS
Contact: call 023 9273 1767 or visit Veterans Outreach Support
