Profile of the Ex-Service Community in the UK

Summary: This is the first of a series of reports on the ex-Service community in the UK. This UK report sets out, for the first time: current and comprehensive estimates of the size of the ex-Service community in the UK, their demographic profile, including their age, gender, ethnic origin, household size, military service connections, length of service, working status and their social grade; their personal circumstances including their happiness, standard of living, transport, socialising, health, disability and caring responsibilities; their welfare needs including the problems they face such as difficulties with self-care,
mobility, relationships, housing, finances, employment and dealing with authorities. This report estimates the current size of the ex-Service community, both veterans and their dependants to be just over 10.5 million people in the UK, and with a more elderly profile than the general population. Our research has confirmed that the majority of recent veterans report that they fare well after leaving the services. A minority, 6% of the adult ex-Service community (veterans and their dependants), are currently experiencing difficulties and not receiving the help, advice or support they need. This is equivalent to around half a million people with unmet welfare needs.