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Written question asked by Harriet Cross (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Louise Sandher-Jones (Labour) on Monday, 8 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Veterans: Unemployment Benefits

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's policy is on ensuring that veterans in receipt of the War Pension Unemployability Supplement have access to the same passported benefits as recipients of equivalent Department for Work and Pensions income-replacement benefits.

Answer

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the importance of supporting veterans in receipt of the War Pension Unemployability Supplement (UnSupp) and continues to work with relevant parties to ensure veterans receive appropriate support. However, responsibility for passported benefits remains with the relevant government department, devolved administration, or organisation responsible for those benefits. These operate independently of MOD compensation schemes.

The MOD does not have a policy to extend passported benefits to UnSupp recipients. However, those who claim UnSupp may be eligible for additional War Pension Scheme benefits, including Invalidity Allowance and Comforts Allowance.

Currently, while recipients of the War Pension UnSupp do not automatically qualify for the same passported benefits as those receiving equivalent income-replacement benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, they may still be eligible to apply for such benefits.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
6211
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Unemployment benefits War pensions Veterans
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk