Abstract: This report presents the final findings of a project funded by the Forces in Mind Trust called Sanctions, Support and Service Leavers: Welfare conditionality and transitions from military to civilian life. This project represents the first substantive qualitative research in the UK to focus specifically on the experiences of veterans within the social security benefits system. Central to our project was the desire to establish an original evidence base to inform policy and practice in relation to veterans and their families who are trying to navigate the benefits system.
While most individuals achieve the transition to civilian life smoothly, some face significant challenges. Although numerous support services are available to those who need them, …