UK government expedites payments for LGBTQ+ veterans mistreated under past ban
July 11, 2025The UK government is accelerating financial support for LGBTQ+ military personnel who were discharged, dismissed, or mistreated due to their sexuality between 1967 and 2000. Improvements to the government's financial recognition scheme aim to provide faster assistance to those affected.
Gov.uk lists the key changes, including an increase in dedicated staff to expedite application reviews and process payments more quickly. The government has nearly doubled the size of the team by adding five additional workers. Furthermore, an automated payment system is under construction to streamline the process, reduce administrative delays, and minimize errors.
Independent Panel sittings will also double to twice per week to accelerate the review of cases, particularly those seeking recognition payments of up to £20,000 for pain and suffering directly related to the ban.
"We deeply regret the treatment of LGBT serving personnel between 1967 and 2000 which was wholly unacceptable," said Al Carns MP, Minister for Veterans and People. "We’re taking decisive action to ensure LGBT veterans receive the recognition they deserve."
As of today, July 11, 2025, the Ministry of Defence has completed 42 of the 49 recommendations from Lord Etherton’s review, with plans to complete two other remaining recommendations by the end of the year.
The government encourages all affected veterans to apply through the GOV.UK portal, emphasizing its commitment to implementing Lord Etherton’s recommendations and rectifying historical wrongs.