I worked for my employer for one year before leaving for a new job.  I was making contributions to a workplace pension during my time in employment. I want to take these contributions out. Will I be able to get a refund on the pension contributions I made?

If you were in a defined benefit pension scheme for less than 2 years, you might be able to either:

Workplace pensions

About workplace pensions

A workplace pension is a way of saving for your retirement that’s arranged by your employer.

Some workplace pensions are called ‘occupational’, ‘works’, ‘company’ or ‘work-based’ pensions.

How they work

A percentage of your pay is put into the pension scheme automatically every payday.

In most cases, your employer also adds money into the pension scheme for you. You may also get tax relief from the government.

Joining a workplace pension

All employers must provide a workplace pension scheme. This is called ‘automatic enrolment’.

Your employer must automatically enrol you into a pension scheme and make contributions to your pension if all of the following apply:

you’re classed as a ‘worker’

you’re aged between 22 and State Pension age

you earn at least £10,000 per year

you usually (‘ordinarily’) work in the UK (read the detailed guidance if you’re not sure)

When your employer does not have to automatically enrol you

Your employer usually does not have to automatically enrol you if you do not meet the previous criteria or if any of the following apply:

you’ve already given notice to your employer that you’re leaving your job, or they’ve given you notice

you have evidence of your lifetime allowance protection (for example, a certificate from HMRC)

you’ve already taken a pension that meets the automatic enrolment rules and your employer arranged it

you get a one-off payment from a workplace pension scheme that’s closed (a ‘winding up lump sum’), and then leave and rejoin the same job within 12 months of getting the payment

more than 12 months before your staging date, you left (‘opted out’) of a pension arranged through your employer

you’re from an EU member state and are in a EU cross-border pension scheme

you’re in a limited liability partnership

you’re a director without an employment contract and employ at least one other person in your company

You can usually still join their pension if you want to. Your employer cannot refuse.

If your income is low

Your employer does not have to contribute to your pension if you earn these amounts or less:

£520 a month

£120 a week

£480 over 4 weeks

What happens when you’re automatically enrolled

Your employer must write to you when you’ve been automatically enrolled into their workplace pension scheme. They must tell you:

the date they added you to the pension scheme

the type of pension scheme and who runs it

how much they’ll contribute and how much you’ll have to pay in

how to leave the scheme, if you want to

how tax relief applies to you

Delaying your enrolment date

Your employer can delay the date they must enrol you into a pension scheme by up to 3 months.

In some cases they may be able to delay longer if they’ve chosen either:

a ‘defined benefit’ pension

a ‘hybrid’ pension (a mixture of defined benefit and defined contribution pensions) that allows you to take a defined benefit pension

Your employer must:

tell you about the delay in writing

let you join in the meantime if you ask to

What your employer cannot do

Your employer cannot:

unfairly dismiss or discriminate against you for being in a workplace pension scheme

encourage or force you to opt out

What you, your employer and the government pay

The amount you and your employer pay towards the pension depends on:

what type of workplace pension scheme you’re in

whether you’ve been automatically enrolled in a workplace pension or you’ve joined one voluntarily (‘opted in’)

Use the Money Advice Service’s contributions calculator to work out how much you and your employer will put in.

Tax relief

The government will usually add money to your workplace pension in the form of tax relief if both of the following apply:

you pay Income Tax

you pay into a personal pension or workplace pension

Even if you do not pay Income Tax, you’ll still get an additional payment if your pension scheme uses ‘relief at source’ to add money to your pension pot.

If you’ve been automatically enrolled

You and your employer must pay a percentage of your earnings into your workplace pension scheme.

How much you pay and what counts as earnings depend on the pension scheme your employer has chosen. Ask your employer about your pension scheme rules.

In most automatic enrolment schemes, you’ll make contributions based on your total earnings between £6,240 and £50,270 a year before tax. Your total earnings include:

salary or wages

bonuses and commission

overtime

statutory sick pay

statutory maternity, paternity or adoption pay

Workplace pension contributions

| The minimum your employer pays | You pay | Total minimum contribution

From April 2019 | 3% | 5% | 8%

These amounts could be higher for you or your employer because of your pension scheme rules. They’re higher for most defined benefit pension schemes.

In some schemes, your employer has the option to pay in more than the legal minimum. In these schemes, you can pay in less as long as your employer puts in enough to meet the total minimum contribution.

If you’ve voluntarily enrolled in a workplace pension

Your employer must contribute the minimum amount if you earn more than:

£520 a month

£120 a week

£480 over 4 weeks

They do not have to contribute anything if you earn these amounts or less.

How your take-home pay changes

Joining a workplace pension scheme means that your take-home income will be reduced. But this may:

mean you’re entitled to tax credits or an increase in the amount of tax credits you get (although you may not get this until the next tax year)

mean you’re entitled to an income-related benefit or an increase in the amount of benefit you get

reduce the amount of student loan repayments you need to make

Payments using salary sacrifice

You and your employer may agree to use ‘salary sacrifice’ (sometimes known as a ‘SMART’ scheme).

If you do this, you give up part of your salary and your employer pays this straight into your pension. In some cases, this will mean you and your employer pay less tax and National Insurance.

Ask your employer if they use salary sacrifice.

Protection for your pension

How your pension is protected depends on the type of scheme.

Defined contribution pension schemes

If your employer goes bust

Defined contribution pensions are usually run by pension providers, not employers. You will not lose your pension pot if your employer goes bust.

If your pension provider goes bust

If the pension provider was authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and cannot pay you, you can get compensation from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

Trust-based schemes

Some defined contribution schemes are run by a trust appointed by the employer. These are called ‘trust-based schemes’.

You’ll still get your pension if your employer goes out of business. But you might not get as much because the scheme’s running costs will be paid by members’ pension pots instead of the employer.

Defined benefit pension schemes

Your employer is responsible for making sure there’s enough money in a defined benefit pension to pay each member the promised amount.

Your employer cannot touch the money in your pension if they’re in financial trouble.

You’re usually protected by the Pension Protection Fund if your employer goes bust and cannot pay your pension.

The Pension Protection Fund usually pays:

100% compensation if you’ve reached the scheme’s pension age

90% compensation if you’re below the scheme’s pension age

Fraud, theft or bad management

If there’s a shortfall in your company’s pension fund because of fraud or theft, you may be eligible for compensation from the Fraud Compensation Fund.

Contact one of the following organisations if you want to make a complaint about the way your workplace pension scheme is run:

the Pensions Advisory Service

the Pensions Ombudsman

Managing your pension

Your pension provider will send you a statement each year to tell you how much is in your pension pot. You can also ask them for an estimate of how much you’ll get when you start taking your pension pot.

What you see on your payslip

You do not need to do anything to get tax relief at the basic rate on your pension contributions. There are 2 types of arrangements:

net pay

relief at source

Check with your employer or pension provider which arrangement your workplace pension uses. This determines what you’ll see on your payslip.

‘Net pay’

Your employer takes your contribution from your pay before it’s taxed. You only pay tax on what’s left. This means you get full tax relief, no matter if you pay tax at the basic, higher or additional rate.

The amount you’ll see on your payslip is your contribution plus the tax relief.

You will not get tax relief if you do not pay tax, for example because you earn less than the tax threshold.

‘Relief at source’

Your employer takes your pension contribution after taking tax and National Insurance from your pay. However much you earn, your pension provider then adds tax relief to your pension pot at the basic rate.

With ‘relief at source’, the amount you see on your payslip is only your contributions, not the tax relief.

You may be able to claim money back if:

you pay higher or additional rate Income Tax

you pay higher or top rate Income Tax in Scotland

Tracing lost pensions

The Pension Tracing Service could help you find pensions you’ve paid into but lost track of.

Nominate someone to get your pension if you die

You may be able to nominate (choose) someone to get your pension if you die before reaching the scheme’s pension age. You can do this when you first join the pension or by writing to your provider.

Ask your pension provider if you can nominate someone and what they’d get if you die, for example regular payments or lump sums. Check your scheme’s rules about:

who you can nominate - some payments can only go to a dependant, for example your husband, wife, civil partner or child under 23

whether anything can change what the person gets, for example when and how you start taking your pension pot, or the age you die

You can change your nomination at any time. It’s important to keep your nominee’s details up to date.

Sometimes the pension provider can pay the money to someone else, for example if the person you nominated cannot be found or has died.

Taking your pension

Most pension schemes set an age when you can take your pension, usually between 60 and 65. In some circumstances you can take your pension early. The earliest is usually 55.

Some companies offer to help you get money out of your pension before you’re 55. Taking your pension early in this way could mean you pay tax of up to 55%.

If the amount of money in your pension pot is quite small, you may be able to take it all as a lump sum. You can take 25% of it tax free, but you’ll pay Income Tax on the rest.

How you get money from your pension depends on the type of scheme you’re in.

Defined contribution pension schemes

You’ll need to decide how to take your money if you’re in a defined contribution pension scheme.

Defined benefit pension schemes

You may be able to take some money as a tax-free lump sum if you’re in a defined benefit pension scheme - check with your pension provider. You’ll get the rest as a guaranteed amount each year.

Changing jobs and taking leave

If you change jobs

Your workplace pension still belongs to you. If you do not carry on paying into the scheme, the money will remain invested and you’ll get a pension when you reach the scheme’s pension age.

You can join another workplace pension scheme if you get a new job.

If you do, you might be able to:

carry on making contributions to your old pension

combine the old and new pension schemes

Ask your pension providers about your options.

If you move jobs but pay into an old pension, you may not get some of that pension’s benefits - check if they’re only available to current workers.

If you worked at your job for less than 2 years before you left

If you were in a defined benefit pension scheme for less than 2 years, you might be able to either:

get a refund on what you contributed

transfer the value of its benefits to another scheme (a ‘cash sum transfer’)

This depends on the type of defined benefit scheme and its rules. Check with your employer or the pension scheme provider.

Paid leave

During paid leave, you and your employer carry on making pension contributions.

The amount you contribute is based on your actual pay during this time, but your employer pays contributions based on the salary you would have received if you were not on leave.

Maternity and other parental leave

You and your employer will continue to make pension contributions if you’re getting paid during maternity leave.

If you’re not getting paid, your employer still has to make pension contributions in the first 26 weeks of your leave (‘Ordinary Maternity Leave’). They have to carry on making contributions afterwards if it’s in your contract. Check your employer’s maternity policy.

Unpaid leave

You may be able to make contributions if you want to - check with your employer or the pension scheme provider.

If you become self-employed or stop working

You may be able to carry on contributing to your workplace pension - ask the scheme provider.

You could use the National Employment Saving Trust (NEST) - a workplace pension scheme that working self-employed people or sole directors of limited companies can use.

You could set up a personal or stakeholder pension.

You can get help with your workplace pension options.

If you want to leave your workplace pension scheme

What you do if you want to leave a workplace pension depends on whether you’ve been ‘automatically enrolled’ in it or not.

If you have not been automatically enrolled

Check with your employer - they’ll tell you what to do.

If you’ve been automatically enrolled

Your employer will have sent you a letter telling you that you’ve been added to the scheme.

You can leave (called ‘opting out’) if you want to.

If you opt out within a month of your employer adding you to the scheme, you’ll get back any money you’ve already paid in.

You may not be able to get your payments refunded if you opt out later - they’ll usually stay in your pension until you retire.

You can opt out by contacting your pension provider. Your employer must tell you how to do this.

Reducing your payments

You may be able to reduce the amount you contribute to your workplace pension for a short time. Check with both your employer and your pension provider to see if you can do this and how long you can do it for.

Opting back in

You can do this at any time by writing to your employer. They do not have to accept you back into their workplace scheme if you’ve opted in and then opted out in the past 12 months.

Rejoining the scheme automatically

Your employer will automatically re-enrol you in the scheme. They must do this either every 3 years (from the date you first enrolled), or they can choose to do it sooner. They’ll write to you when they do this.

When you do not rejoin automatically

If you no longer qualify for the scheme, you will not be automatically re-enrolled.

If you chose to leave the scheme in the 12 months before the date you would have been re-enrolled, your employer does not have to automatically re-enrol you. But they can choose to re-enrol you.

Get help

For questions about the specific terms of your workplace pension scheme, talk to your pension provider or your employer.

You can get free, impartial information about your workplace pension options from:

the Money Advice Service

the Pensions Advisory Service

Pension Wise if you’re in a defined contribution pension scheme

You can get impartial advice about workplace pensions from an independent financial adviser. You’ll usually have to pay for the advice.

For general questions on workplace pensions contact the DWP Workplace Pension Information Line.

Only use the information line if you’re a worker - employers should contact The Pensions Regulator.

Problems with being ‘automatically enrolled’

Contact the The Pensions Regulator if you have concerns about the way your employer is dealing with automatic enrolment.

The Pensions Advisory Service may also be able to help you.

If you’re already paying into a personal pension

Check whether it’s better for you to:

carry on with just your personal pension

stop paying into your personal pension and join your workplace pension

keep paying into both

If you’re saving large amounts in pensions

You may have to pay a tax charge if your total savings in workplace pensions and any other personal pension scheme go above your:

lifetime allowance - £1,055,000

annual allowance - usually the lowest out of £40,000 or 100% of your annual income

If you start taking your pension pot your annual allowance could drop to as low as £4,000.

If your pension scheme is closing

This can happen if your employer decides they do not want to use a scheme anymore or they can no longer pay their contributions. What happens to the money you paid in depends on the pension scheme you’ve joined.

If you’ve been automatically enrolled, your employer cannot close a pension scheme without automatically enrolling you into another one.

If you’re getting a divorce

You and your spouse or partner will have to tell the court the value of each of your pension pots. You then have different options to work out what happens to your pension when you get a divorce.

get a refund on what you contributed

Workplace pensions

About workplace pensions

A workplace pension is a way of saving for your retirement that’s arranged by your employer.

Some workplace pensions are called ‘occupational’, ‘works’, ‘company’ or ‘work-based’ pensions.

How they work

A percentage of your pay is put into the pension scheme automatically every payday.

In most cases, your employer also adds money into the pension scheme for you. You may also get tax relief from the government.

Joining a workplace pension

All employers must provide a workplace pension scheme. This is called ‘automatic enrolment’.

Your employer must automatically enrol you into a pension scheme and make contributions to your pension if all of the following apply:

you’re classed as a ‘worker’

you’re aged between 22 and State Pension age

you earn at least £10,000 per year

you usually (‘ordinarily’) work in the UK (read the detailed guidance if you’re not sure)

When your employer does not have to automatically enrol you

Your employer usually does not have to automatically enrol you if you do not meet the previous criteria or if any of the following apply:

you’ve already given notice to your employer that you’re leaving your job, or they’ve given you notice

you have evidence of your lifetime allowance protection (for example, a certificate from HMRC)

you’ve already taken a pension that meets the automatic enrolment rules and your employer arranged it

more than 12 months before your staging date, you left (‘opted out’) of a pension arranged through your employer

you’re from an EU member state and are in a EU cross-border pension scheme

you’re in a limited liability partnership

you’re a director without an employment contract and employ at least one other person in your company

You can usually still join their pension if you want to. Your employer cannot refuse.

If your income is low

Your employer does not have to contribute to your pension if you earn these amounts or less:

£520 a month

£120 a week

£480 over 4 weeks

What happens when you’re automatically enrolled

Your employer must write to you when you’ve been automatically enrolled into their workplace pension scheme. They must tell you:

the date they added you to the pension scheme

the type of pension scheme and who runs it

how much they’ll contribute and how much you’ll have to pay in

how to leave the scheme, if you want to

how tax relief applies to you

Delaying your enrolment date

Your employer can delay the date they must enrol you into a pension scheme by up to 3 months.

In some cases they may be able to delay longer if they’ve chosen either:

a ‘defined benefit’ pension

a ‘hybrid’ pension (a mixture of defined benefit and defined contribution pensions) that allows you to take a defined benefit pension

Your employer must:

tell you about the delay in writing

let you join in the meantime if you ask to

What your employer cannot do

Your employer cannot:

unfairly dismiss or discriminate against you for being in a workplace pension scheme

encourage or force you to opt out

What you, your employer and the government pay

The amount you and your employer pay towards the pension depends on:

what type of workplace pension scheme you’re in

whether you’ve been automatically enrolled in a workplace pension or you’ve joined one voluntarily (‘opted in’)

Use the Money Advice Service’s contributions calculator to work out how much you and your employer will put in.

Tax relief

The government will usually add money to your workplace pension in the form of tax relief if both of the following apply:

you pay Income Tax

you pay into a personal pension or workplace pension

If you’ve been automatically enrolled

You and your employer must pay a percentage of your earnings into your workplace pension scheme.

salary or wages

bonuses and commission

overtime

statutory sick pay

statutory maternity, paternity or adoption pay

Workplace pension contributions

| The minimum your employer pays | You pay | Total minimum contribution

From April 2019 | 3% | 5% | 8%

If you’ve voluntarily enrolled in a workplace pension

Your employer must contribute the minimum amount if you earn more than:

£520 a month

£120 a week

£480 over 4 weeks

They do not have to contribute anything if you earn these amounts or less.

How your take-home pay changes

Joining a workplace pension scheme means that your take-home income will be reduced. But this may:

mean you’re entitled to an income-related benefit or an increase in the amount of benefit you get

reduce the amount of student loan repayments you need to make

Payments using salary sacrifice

You and your employer may agree to use ‘salary sacrifice’ (sometimes known as a ‘SMART’ scheme).

Ask your employer if they use salary sacrifice.

Protection for your pension

How your pension is protected depends on the type of scheme.

Defined contribution pension schemes

If your employer goes bust

If your pension provider goes bust

Trust-based schemes

Some defined contribution schemes are run by a trust appointed by the employer. These are called ‘trust-based schemes’.

Defined benefit pension schemes

Your employer is responsible for making sure there’s enough money in a defined benefit pension to pay each member the promised amount.

Your employer cannot touch the money in your pension if they’re in financial trouble.

You’re usually protected by the Pension Protection Fund if your employer goes bust and cannot pay your pension.

The Pension Protection Fund usually pays:

100% compensation if you’ve reached the scheme’s pension age

90% compensation if you’re below the scheme’s pension age

Fraud, theft or bad management

Contact one of the following organisations if you want to make a complaint about the way your workplace pension scheme is run:

the Pensions Advisory Service

the Pensions Ombudsman

Managing your pension

What you see on your payslip

You do not need to do anything to get tax relief at the basic rate on your pension contributions. There are 2 types of arrangements:

net pay

relief at source

Check with your employer or pension provider which arrangement your workplace pension uses. This determines what you’ll see on your payslip.

‘Net pay’

The amount you’ll see on your payslip is your contribution plus the tax relief.

You will not get tax relief if you do not pay tax, for example because you earn less than the tax threshold.

‘Relief at source’

With ‘relief at source’, the amount you see on your payslip is only your contributions, not the tax relief.

You may be able to claim money back if:

you pay higher or additional rate Income Tax

you pay higher or top rate Income Tax in Scotland

Tracing lost pensions

The Pension Tracing Service could help you find pensions you’ve paid into but lost track of.

Nominate someone to get your pension if you die

who you can nominate - some payments can only go to a dependant, for example your husband, wife, civil partner or child under 23

whether anything can change what the person gets, for example when and how you start taking your pension pot, or the age you die

You can change your nomination at any time. It’s important to keep your nominee’s details up to date.

Sometimes the pension provider can pay the money to someone else, for example if the person you nominated cannot be found or has died.

Taking your pension

How you get money from your pension depends on the type of scheme you’re in.

Defined contribution pension schemes

You’ll need to decide how to take your money if you’re in a defined contribution pension scheme.

Defined benefit pension schemes

Changing jobs and taking leave

If you change jobs

You can join another workplace pension scheme if you get a new job.

If you do, you might be able to:

carry on making contributions to your old pension

combine the old and new pension schemes

Ask your pension providers about your options.

If you worked at your job for less than 2 years before you left

If you were in a defined benefit pension scheme for less than 2 years, you might be able to either:

get a refund on what you contributed

transfer the value of its benefits to another scheme (a ‘cash sum transfer’)

This depends on the type of defined benefit scheme and its rules. Check with your employer or the pension scheme provider.

Paid leave

During paid leave, you and your employer carry on making pension contributions.

Maternity and other parental leave

You and your employer will continue to make pension contributions if you’re getting paid during maternity leave.

Unpaid leave

You may be able to make contributions if you want to - check with your employer or the pension scheme provider.

If you become self-employed or stop working

You may be able to carry on contributing to your workplace pension - ask the scheme provider.

You could set up a personal or stakeholder pension.

You can get help with your workplace pension options.

If you want to leave your workplace pension scheme

What you do if you want to leave a workplace pension depends on whether you’ve been ‘automatically enrolled’ in it or not.

If you have not been automatically enrolled

Check with your employer - they’ll tell you what to do.

If you’ve been automatically enrolled

Your employer will have sent you a letter telling you that you’ve been added to the scheme.

You can leave (called ‘opting out’) if you want to.

If you opt out within a month of your employer adding you to the scheme, you’ll get back any money you’ve already paid in.

You may not be able to get your payments refunded if you opt out later - they’ll usually stay in your pension until you retire.

You can opt out by contacting your pension provider. Your employer must tell you how to do this.

Reducing your payments

Opting back in

Rejoining the scheme automatically

When you do not rejoin automatically

If you no longer qualify for the scheme, you will not be automatically re-enrolled.

Get help

For questions about the specific terms of your workplace pension scheme, talk to your pension provider or your employer.

You can get free, impartial information about your workplace pension options from:

the Money Advice Service

the Pensions Advisory Service

Pension Wise if you’re in a defined contribution pension scheme

You can get impartial advice about workplace pensions from an independent financial adviser. You’ll usually have to pay for the advice.

For general questions on workplace pensions contact the DWP Workplace Pension Information Line.

Only use the information line if you’re a worker - employers should contact The Pensions Regulator.

Problems with being ‘automatically enrolled’

Contact the The Pensions Regulator if you have concerns about the way your employer is dealing with automatic enrolment.

The Pensions Advisory Service may also be able to help you.

If you’re already paying into a personal pension

Check whether it’s better for you to:

carry on with just your personal pension

stop paying into your personal pension and join your workplace pension

keep paying into both

If you’re saving large amounts in pensions

You may have to pay a tax charge if your total savings in workplace pensions and any other personal pension scheme go above your:

lifetime allowance - £1,055,000

annual allowance - usually the lowest out of £40,000 or 100% of your annual income

If you start taking your pension pot your annual allowance could drop to as low as £4,000.

If your pension scheme is closing

If you’ve been automatically enrolled, your employer cannot close a pension scheme without automatically enrolling you into another one.

If you’re getting a divorce


My father passed away 3 years ago after a long service of 30 years with the UK Merchant Navy, as a remembrance gift for my mother i wanted to give her a gift of a veteran seafarers badge that would have been bestowed on him as an honour. I think he would really appreciate the acknowledgement Am I able to order  on my dads behalf a Merchant Navy Seafarers badge now that my father has passed away?

You can apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge if you:

Apply for a veterans badge or a medal

Apply for a veterans badge

You can get an armed forces veterans badge if you’ve served in any of the UK armed forces - there’s no fee.

Eligibility

You can apply if you were in the:

army

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Royal Air Force (RAF)

volunteer or regular reserves

You cannot apply if you:

served in the armed forces of another country

served alongside the UK armed forces, for example in the Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force

If you’re applying on behalf of someone who’s died

You can only apply on behalf of a veteran who’s died if you get either:

a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension

compensation under the Survivors Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP)

How to apply

Download and fill in the application for an armed forces veterans badge.

You can also call the enquiries line to get a paper application form sent to you.

You’ll need to give as much information on the form as possible, such as:

the force you served in, for example the army or Royal Navy

service number

period of service

Post the form to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office - the address is on the form. Do not send the form by email.

After you’ve applied

You’ll usually get your veterans badge within 6 to 8 weeks of applying.

You can also apply for a medal if you’re eligible.

If you lose your badge, you can apply for a replacement.

Get help

If you need to contact MOD about your veterans badge application, you can phone, fax or send an email to dbs-modmo-vetsbadge@mod.gov.uk.

You cannot apply for a veterans badge by email.

Apply for a medal

You can apply for a medal if you served in the armed forces and are eligible.

Find out the types of medal the Ministry of Defence (MOD) issues.

You can only apply for World War 1 medals if the original was returned.

Eligibility

You can apply if you were awarded a medal for service in any of the following:

the army

the Royal Navy

the Royal Marines

the Royal Air Force (RAF)

the Home Guard

the reserve forces

You must meet the eligibility requirements for the medal you’re applying for.

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply on behalf of a veteran if you have lasting power of attorney.

If the veteran has died, you must be the official next of kin. The general rules for the official next of kin are:

the person’s spouse or civil partner has the first claim to the medal, and then the eldest child

if there’s no spouse or child, the parent is entitled to apply

if there’s no spouse, child or parent, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply

How to apply

Download and fill in the medal application form.

Apply through your unit if you’re still serving in the armed forces.

If you’re applying on behalf of someone else, you must include a copy of either your lasting power of attorney or a death certificate.

Post the form, along with any supporting documents, to the MOD Medal Office - the address is on the form. Do not send the form by email.

After you’ve applied

You’ll usually get your medal within 12 weeks of sending the application form.

You can apply for a replacement medal if the original’s been stolen or accidentally destroyed, for example in a fire.

Get help

If you need to contact MOD about your medal application, email dbs-medals@mod.gov.uk.

Replace a badge or medal

You can get the first replacement veterans badge for free.

You may be able to get a replacement medal - it depends how it was lost. You’ll have to pay for the replacement medal plus a fee.

Replace a veterans badge

Follow the instructions for applying for a veterans badge - you can use the same form.

You’ll usually get your replacement veterans badge within 6 to 8 weeks of applying.

You do not have to pay a fee if it’s the first veterans badge you’re replacing.

Replace a medal

You can only get a replacement medal from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) if it was stolen or destroyed, for example in a fire or flood. The medal must have been awarded for service after World War 1.

You’ll need to show proof by providing a copy of either a:

police crime report

successful insurance claim listing the individual items

You can also buy replacement medals from a licensed medal dealer.

How to apply

Download and fill in the medal application form to ask for a replacement medal. Post the form to the MOD Medal Office, along with:

a letter explaining how the medal was stolen or destroyed

a copy of the police report or insurance claim

The address is on the form.

Contact your unit’s human resources (HR) department if you’re currently serving in the armed forces.

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a letter from the Medal Office - usually within 10 working days of when your application’s received.

You’ll be told how much the replacement will cost and how to pay if your application’s successful. The cost depends on the type of medal. It includes an administration fee.

You’ll get the replacement within 4 weeks from the Medal Office getting your payment.

Apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge

You can apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge if you:

were a Merchant Navy seafarer or fisherman

served in a vessel used to support the UK Armed Forces

If you’re applying on behalf of someone who’s died

You can only apply on behalf of a veteran who’s died if you get a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension.

How to apply

You can apply for a badge through the Merchant Navy Association.

Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

If you’re a member of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, apply for the armed forces veterans badge.

Apply for a UK merchant navy medal

You can apply for a UK merchant navy medal if you were a member of the merchant navy and you:

served in a vessel used to support the UK armed forces

meet the eligibility requirements for the medal you’re applying for

How to apply

Complete the application form and send it to the address on the form. You’ll also need to send your seaman’s discharge book.

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply for someone else if either:

they’ve died

you have lasting power of attorney

You must include a copy of the death certificate or your lasting power of attorney.

If the veteran has died, you must be the official next of kin. The general rules are:

the person’s spouse or civil partner has first claim to the medal, and then the eldest child

if there’s no spouse or child, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a decision within 30 working days of your application being received.

Get help

Email seafarers_registry@mcga.gov.uk if you need help with your application.

Replace a lost or stolen medal

You’ll need to complete the application form if your medal is lost or has been stolen.

If you want to appeal or complain

You can write to or email the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office if you want to:

appeal a decision

complain about how you’ve been treated

You should include any new evidence you have if you make an appeal.

were a Merchant Navy seafarer or fisherman

Apply for a veterans badge or a medal

Apply for a veterans badge

Eligibility

You can apply if you were in the:

army

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Royal Air Force (RAF)

volunteer or regular reserves

You cannot apply if you:

served in the armed forces of another country

If you’re applying on behalf of someone who’s died

You can only apply on behalf of a veteran who’s died if you get either:

a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension

compensation under the Survivors Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP)

How to apply

Download and fill in the application for an armed forces veterans badge.

You can also call the enquiries line to get a paper application form sent to you.

You’ll need to give as much information on the form as possible, such as:

the force you served in, for example the army or Royal Navy

service number

period of service

After you’ve applied

You’ll usually get your veterans badge within 6 to 8 weeks of applying.

You can also apply for a medal if you’re eligible.

If you lose your badge, you can apply for a replacement.

Get help

You cannot apply for a veterans badge by email.

Apply for a medal

You can apply for a medal if you served in the armed forces and are eligible.

Find out the types of medal the Ministry of Defence (MOD) issues.

You can only apply for World War 1 medals if the original was returned.

Eligibility

You can apply if you were awarded a medal for service in any of the following:

the army

the Royal Navy

the Royal Marines

the Royal Air Force (RAF)

the Home Guard

the reserve forces

You must meet the eligibility requirements for the medal you’re applying for.

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply on behalf of a veteran if you have lasting power of attorney.

if there’s no spouse or child, the parent is entitled to apply

if there’s no spouse, child or parent, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply

How to apply

Download and fill in the medal application form.

Apply through your unit if you’re still serving in the armed forces.

After you’ve applied

You’ll usually get your medal within 12 weeks of sending the application form.

Get help

If you need to contact MOD about your medal application, email dbs-medals@mod.gov.uk.

Replace a badge or medal

You can get the first replacement veterans badge for free.

Replace a veterans badge

You’ll usually get your replacement veterans badge within 6 to 8 weeks of applying.

You do not have to pay a fee if it’s the first veterans badge you’re replacing.

Replace a medal

You’ll need to show proof by providing a copy of either a:

police crime report

successful insurance claim listing the individual items

You can also buy replacement medals from a licensed medal dealer.

How to apply

a letter explaining how the medal was stolen or destroyed

a copy of the police report or insurance claim

The address is on the form.

After you’ve applied

You’ll get the replacement within 4 weeks from the Medal Office getting your payment.

Apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge

You can apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge if you:

were a Merchant Navy seafarer or fisherman

served in a vessel used to support the UK Armed Forces

If you’re applying on behalf of someone who’s died

How to apply

You can apply for a badge through the Merchant Navy Association.

Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Apply for a UK merchant navy medal

served in a vessel used to support the UK armed forces

meet the eligibility requirements for the medal you’re applying for

How to apply

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply for someone else if either:

they’ve died

you have lasting power of attorney

You must include a copy of the death certificate or your lasting power of attorney.

If the veteran has died, you must be the official next of kin. The general rules are:

if there’s no spouse or child, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a decision within 30 working days of your application being received.

Get help

Email seafarers_registry@mcga.gov.uk if you need help with your application.

Replace a lost or stolen medal

You’ll need to complete the application form if your medal is lost or has been stolen.

If you want to appeal or complain

You can write to or email the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office if you want to:

appeal a decision

complain about how you’ve been treated

You should include any new evidence you have if you make an appeal.

Apply for a veterans badge or a medal

Apply for a veterans badge

Eligibility

You can apply if you were in the:

army

Royal Navy

Royal Marines

Royal Air Force (RAF)

volunteer or regular reserves

You cannot apply if you:

served in the armed forces of another country

If you’re applying on behalf of someone who’s died

You can only apply on behalf of a veteran who’s died if you get either:

a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension

compensation under the Survivors Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP)

How to apply

Download and fill in the application for an armed forces veterans badge.

You can also call the enquiries line to get a paper application form sent to you.

You’ll need to give as much information on the form as possible, such as:

the force you served in, for example the army or Royal Navy

service number

period of service

After you’ve applied

You’ll usually get your veterans badge within 6 to 8 weeks of applying.

You can also apply for a medal if you’re eligible.

If you lose your badge, you can apply for a replacement.

Get help

You cannot apply for a veterans badge by email.

Apply for a medal

You can apply for a medal if you served in the armed forces and are eligible.

Find out the types of medal the Ministry of Defence (MOD) issues.

You can only apply for World War 1 medals if the original was returned.

Eligibility

You can apply if you were awarded a medal for service in any of the following:

the army

the Royal Navy

the Royal Marines

the Royal Air Force (RAF)

the Home Guard

the reserve forces

You must meet the eligibility requirements for the medal you’re applying for.

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply on behalf of a veteran if you have lasting power of attorney.

if there’s no spouse or child, the parent is entitled to apply

if there’s no spouse, child or parent, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply

How to apply

Download and fill in the medal application form.

Apply through your unit if you’re still serving in the armed forces.

After you’ve applied

You’ll usually get your medal within 12 weeks of sending the application form.

Get help

If you need to contact MOD about your medal application, email dbs-medals@mod.gov.uk.

Replace a badge or medal

You can get the first replacement veterans badge for free.

Replace a veterans badge

Follow the instructions for applying for a veterans badge - you can use the same form.

You’ll usually get your replacement veterans badge within 6 to 8 weeks of applying.

You do not have to pay a fee if it’s the first veterans badge you’re replacing.

Replace a medal

You’ll need to show proof by providing a copy of either a:

police crime report

successful insurance claim listing the individual items

You can also buy replacement medals from a licensed medal dealer.

How to apply

a letter explaining how the medal was stolen or destroyed

a copy of the police report or insurance claim

The address is on the form.

After you’ve applied

You’ll get the replacement within 4 weeks from the Medal Office getting your payment.

Apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge

You can apply for a UK merchant seafarers veterans badge if you:

were a Merchant Navy seafarer or fisherman

served in a vessel used to support the UK Armed Forces

If you’re applying on behalf of someone who’s died

How to apply

You can apply for a badge through the Merchant Navy Association.

Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary

Apply for a UK merchant navy medal

served in a vessel used to support the UK armed forces

meet the eligibility requirements for the medal you’re applying for

How to apply

If you’re applying for someone else’s medal

You can apply for someone else if either:

they’ve died

you have lasting power of attorney

You must include a copy of the death certificate or your lasting power of attorney.

If the veteran has died, you must be the official next of kin. The general rules are:

if there’s no spouse or child, the eldest grandchild is entitled to apply

After you’ve applied

You’ll get a decision within 30 working days of your application being received.

Get help

Email seafarers_registry@mcga.gov.uk if you need help with your application.

Replace a lost or stolen medal

You’ll need to complete the application form if your medal is lost or has been stolen.

If you want to appeal or complain

You can write to or email the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office if you want to:

appeal a decision

complain about how you’ve been treated

You should include any new evidence you have if you make an appeal.


My farther was murdered a few weeks ago whilst walking in the streets and I want to know how the investigation is going and if any progress has been made. I have some lead from a neighbour and want to submit the evidence What support can I get being closely effected by a crime?

You may get extra support if you:

After a crime: your rights

Your rights

You have the right to contact the police and be kept informed about the investigation if you’re:

the victim of a crime

a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

You have different rights if you’re the victim of a crime in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When you report the crime

The police must give you:

written confirmation of the crime you’ve reported

a crime reference number

contact details for the police officer dealing with your case

They must also:

tell you clearly what will happen next

tell you how often they’ll give you an update on their investigation

carry out a ‘needs assessment’ to find out what support you should get

ask a victim support organisation to contact you within 2 days

They must also ask if you want to write a statement about how the crime has affected you. This is called a ‘victim personal statement’. It can be used later when the court is deciding on a punishment.

During the police investigation

The police must give you updates on their investigation, and tell you within 5 days when a suspect is:

arrested or charged

set free or released on bail

given a caution, reprimand, final warning, or penalty notice

When the police have finished their investigation, they can pass the information to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who then decide if there’s enough evidence to take the case to court.

If the police or the CPS decide to drop the charge, they must tell you within 5 days. You can ask for a review if you disagree with their decision.

Privacy

The police might give some information about the crime to the media to help with the investigation. They’ll normally ask your permission before they do this.

If you’ve been the victim of a sexual assault or rape, it’s against the law for anyone to publish your name, photo or anything else that could identify you.

If the case goes to court

Your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must tell you immediately where and when the trial will be.

If you’re asked to give evidence, the police will pass your details to a Witness Care Officer who will support you before and during the trial.

If the defendant is found guilty, you may be able to read your victim personal statement to them.

After the trial ends, your Witness Care Officer must tell you:

the verdict - within 24 hours

what sentence the offender gets - if they’re found guilty

if the offender appeals their conviction or sentence

You can also:

claim compensation - if the crime was violent

get free help and advice from the Victims’ Information Service or Victim Contact Scheme

meet the offender (‘restorative justice’) - contact your local victim support organisation to arrange this

If the crime was serious or you're vulnerable

You may get extra support if you:

are the victim of a serious crime

are under 18

have a mental health condition or lack mental capacity

have a disability

are a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

have been a victim of crime repeatedly - for example you’re being targeted, harassed or stalked

Serious crimes

You’re the victim of a serious crime if it was:

arson with intent to endanger life

attempted murder

domestic abuse

kidnapping or false imprisonment

a hate crime

human trafficking

a sexual offence

terrorism

wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent

What support you’ll get

You’re entitled to:

get information quicker - usually within 24 hours

protection in court if you need to give evidence

specialist help and advice

a Family Liaison Officer - if you’re a close relative of the victim

Contact the police officer dealing with your case or your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about getting this extra help.

Make a complaint

You can complain if you’ve been:

treated unprofessionally, disrespectfully or insensitively

discriminated against

The Victim’s Code has full details of how the police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other organisations should treat you if you’re the victim of crime.

Make your complaint to the organisation you want to complain about. For example:

the police

the CPS or your Witness Care Officer

the court

The organisation must confirm they’ve received your complaint within 10 days.

If you do not agree with the decision

You can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if you do not agree with the decision about your complaint.

After a crime: your rights

Your rights

You have the right to contact the police and be kept informed about the investigation if you’re:

the victim of a crime

a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

You have different rights if you’re the victim of a crime in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When you report the crime

The police must give you:

written confirmation of the crime you’ve reported

a crime reference number

contact details for the police officer dealing with your case

They must also:

tell you clearly what will happen next

tell you how often they’ll give you an update on their investigation

carry out a ‘needs assessment’ to find out what support you should get

ask a victim support organisation to contact you within 2 days

During the police investigation

The police must give you updates on their investigation, and tell you within 5 days when a suspect is:

arrested or charged

set free or released on bail

given a caution, reprimand, final warning, or penalty notice

Privacy

If the case goes to court

Your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must tell you immediately where and when the trial will be.

If the defendant is found guilty, you may be able to read your victim personal statement to them.

After the trial ends, your Witness Care Officer must tell you:

the verdict - within 24 hours

what sentence the offender gets - if they’re found guilty

if the offender appeals their conviction or sentence

You can also:

claim compensation - if the crime was violent

get free help and advice from the Victims’ Information Service or Victim Contact Scheme

meet the offender (‘restorative justice’) - contact your local victim support organisation to arrange this

If the crime was serious or you're vulnerable

You may get extra support if you:

are the victim of a serious crime

are under 18

have a mental health condition or lack mental capacity

have a disability

are a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

have been a victim of crime repeatedly - for example you’re being targeted, harassed or stalked

Serious crimes

You’re the victim of a serious crime if it was:

arson with intent to endanger life

attempted murder

domestic abuse

kidnapping or false imprisonment

a hate crime

human trafficking

a sexual offence

terrorism

wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent

What support you’ll get

You’re entitled to:

get information quicker - usually within 24 hours

protection in court if you need to give evidence

specialist help and advice

a Family Liaison Officer - if you’re a close relative of the victim

Contact the police officer dealing with your case or your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about getting this extra help.

Make a complaint

You can complain if you’ve been:

treated unprofessionally, disrespectfully or insensitively

discriminated against

Make your complaint to the organisation you want to complain about. For example:

the police

the CPS or your Witness Care Officer

the court

The organisation must confirm they’ve received your complaint within 10 days.

If you do not agree with the decision

You can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if you do not agree with the decision about your complaint.

After a crime: your rights

Your rights

You have the right to contact the police and be kept informed about the investigation if you’re:

the victim of a crime

a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

You have different rights if you’re the victim of a crime in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When you report the crime

The police must give you:

written confirmation of the crime you’ve reported

a crime reference number

contact details for the police officer dealing with your case

They must also:

tell you clearly what will happen next

tell you how often they’ll give you an update on their investigation

carry out a ‘needs assessment’ to find out what support you should get

ask a victim support organisation to contact you within 2 days

During the police investigation

The police must give you updates on their investigation, and tell you within 5 days when a suspect is:

arrested or charged

set free or released on bail

given a caution, reprimand, final warning, or penalty notice

Privacy

If the case goes to court

Your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must tell you immediately where and when the trial will be.

If the defendant is found guilty, you may be able to read your victim personal statement to them.

After the trial ends, your Witness Care Officer must tell you:

the verdict - within 24 hours

what sentence the offender gets - if they’re found guilty

if the offender appeals their conviction or sentence

You can also:

claim compensation - if the crime was violent

get free help and advice from the Victims’ Information Service or Victim Contact Scheme

meet the offender (‘restorative justice’) - contact your local victim support organisation to arrange this

If the crime was serious or you're vulnerable

You may get extra support if you:

are the victim of a serious crime

are under 18

have a mental health condition or lack mental capacity

have a disability

are a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

have been a victim of crime repeatedly - for example you’re being targeted, harassed or stalked

Serious crimes

You’re the victim of a serious crime if it was:

arson with intent to endanger life

attempted murder

domestic abuse

kidnapping or false imprisonment

a hate crime

human trafficking

a sexual offence

terrorism

wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent

What support you’ll get

You’re entitled to:

get information quicker - usually within 24 hours

protection in court if you need to give evidence

specialist help and advice

a Family Liaison Officer - if you’re a close relative of the victim

Contact the police officer dealing with your case or your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about getting this extra help.

Make a complaint

You can complain if you’ve been:

treated unprofessionally, disrespectfully or insensitively

discriminated against

Make your complaint to the organisation you want to complain about. For example:

the police

the CPS or your Witness Care Officer

the court

The organisation must confirm they’ve received your complaint within 10 days.

If you do not agree with the decision

You can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if you do not agree with the decision about your complaint.

attempted murder

After a crime: your rights

Your rights

You have the right to contact the police and be kept informed about the investigation if you’re:

the victim of a crime

a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

You have different rights if you’re the victim of a crime in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When you report the crime

The police must give you:

written confirmation of the crime you’ve reported

a crime reference number

contact details for the police officer dealing with your case

They must also:

tell you clearly what will happen next

tell you how often they’ll give you an update on their investigation

carry out a ‘needs assessment’ to find out what support you should get

ask a victim support organisation to contact you within 2 days

During the police investigation

The police must give you updates on their investigation, and tell you within 5 days when a suspect is:

arrested or charged

set free or released on bail

given a caution, reprimand, final warning, or penalty notice

Privacy

If the case goes to court

Your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must tell you immediately where and when the trial will be.

If the defendant is found guilty, you may be able to read your victim personal statement to them.

After the trial ends, your Witness Care Officer must tell you:

the verdict - within 24 hours

what sentence the offender gets - if they’re found guilty

if the offender appeals their conviction or sentence

You can also:

claim compensation - if the crime was violent

get free help and advice from the Victims’ Information Service or Victim Contact Scheme

meet the offender (‘restorative justice’) - contact your local victim support organisation to arrange this

If the crime was serious or you're vulnerable

You may get extra support if you:

are the victim of a serious crime

are under 18

have a mental health condition or lack mental capacity

have a disability

are a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

have been a victim of crime repeatedly - for example you’re being targeted, harassed or stalked

Serious crimes

You’re the victim of a serious crime if it was:

arson with intent to endanger life

attempted murder

domestic abuse

kidnapping or false imprisonment

a hate crime

human trafficking

a sexual offence

terrorism

wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent

What support you’ll get

You’re entitled to:

get information quicker - usually within 24 hours

protection in court if you need to give evidence

specialist help and advice

a Family Liaison Officer - if you’re a close relative of the victim

Contact the police officer dealing with your case or your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about getting this extra help.

Make a complaint

You can complain if you’ve been:

treated unprofessionally, disrespectfully or insensitively

discriminated against

Make your complaint to the organisation you want to complain about. For example:

the police

the CPS or your Witness Care Officer

the court

The organisation must confirm they’ve received your complaint within 10 days.

If you do not agree with the decision

You can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if you do not agree with the decision about your complaint.

You’re entitled to:

After a crime: your rights

Your rights

You have the right to contact the police and be kept informed about the investigation if you’re:

the victim of a crime

a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

You have different rights if you’re the victim of a crime in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When you report the crime

The police must give you:

written confirmation of the crime you’ve reported

a crime reference number

contact details for the police officer dealing with your case

They must also:

tell you clearly what will happen next

tell you how often they’ll give you an update on their investigation

carry out a ‘needs assessment’ to find out what support you should get

ask a victim support organisation to contact you within 2 days

During the police investigation

The police must give you updates on their investigation, and tell you within 5 days when a suspect is:

arrested or charged

set free or released on bail

given a caution, reprimand, final warning, or penalty notice

Privacy

If the case goes to court

Your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must tell you immediately where and when the trial will be.

If the defendant is found guilty, you may be able to read your victim personal statement to them.

After the trial ends, your Witness Care Officer must tell you:

the verdict - within 24 hours

what sentence the offender gets - if they’re found guilty

if the offender appeals their conviction or sentence

You can also:

claim compensation - if the crime was violent

get free help and advice from the Victims’ Information Service or Victim Contact Scheme

meet the offender (‘restorative justice’) - contact your local victim support organisation to arrange this

If the crime was serious or you're vulnerable

You may get extra support if you:

are the victim of a serious crime

are under 18

have a mental health condition or lack mental capacity

have a disability

are a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

have been a victim of crime repeatedly - for example you’re being targeted, harassed or stalked

Serious crimes

You’re the victim of a serious crime if it was:

arson with intent to endanger life

attempted murder

domestic abuse

kidnapping or false imprisonment

a hate crime

human trafficking

a sexual offence

terrorism

wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent

What support you’ll get

You’re entitled to:

get information quicker - usually within 24 hours

protection in court if you need to give evidence

specialist help and advice

a Family Liaison Officer - if you’re a close relative of the victim

Contact the police officer dealing with your case or your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about getting this extra help.

Make a complaint

You can complain if you’ve been:

treated unprofessionally, disrespectfully or insensitively

discriminated against

Make your complaint to the organisation you want to complain about. For example:

the police

the CPS or your Witness Care Officer

the court

The organisation must confirm they’ve received your complaint within 10 days.

If you do not agree with the decision

You can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if you do not agree with the decision about your complaint.

After a crime: your rights

Your rights

You have the right to contact the police and be kept informed about the investigation if you’re:

the victim of a crime

a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

You have different rights if you’re the victim of a crime in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When you report the crime

The police must give you:

written confirmation of the crime you’ve reported

a crime reference number

contact details for the police officer dealing with your case

They must also:

tell you clearly what will happen next

tell you how often they’ll give you an update on their investigation

carry out a ‘needs assessment’ to find out what support you should get

ask a victim support organisation to contact you within 2 days

During the police investigation

The police must give you updates on their investigation, and tell you within 5 days when a suspect is:

arrested or charged

set free or released on bail

given a caution, reprimand, final warning, or penalty notice

Privacy

If the case goes to court

Your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must tell you immediately where and when the trial will be.

If the defendant is found guilty, you may be able to read your victim personal statement to them.

After the trial ends, your Witness Care Officer must tell you:

the verdict - within 24 hours

what sentence the offender gets - if they’re found guilty

if the offender appeals their conviction or sentence

You can also:

claim compensation - if the crime was violent

get free help and advice from the Victims’ Information Service or Victim Contact Scheme

meet the offender (‘restorative justice’) - contact your local victim support organisation to arrange this

If the crime was serious or you're vulnerable

You may get extra support if you:

are the victim of a serious crime

are under 18

have a mental health condition or lack mental capacity

have a disability

are a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

have been a victim of crime repeatedly - for example you’re being targeted, harassed or stalked

Serious crimes

You’re the victim of a serious crime if it was:

arson with intent to endanger life

attempted murder

domestic abuse

kidnapping or false imprisonment

a hate crime

human trafficking

a sexual offence

terrorism

wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent

What support you’ll get

You’re entitled to:

get information quicker - usually within 24 hours

protection in court if you need to give evidence

specialist help and advice

a Family Liaison Officer - if you’re a close relative of the victim

Contact the police officer dealing with your case or your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about getting this extra help.

Make a complaint

You can complain if you’ve been:

treated unprofessionally, disrespectfully or insensitively

discriminated against

Make your complaint to the organisation you want to complain about. For example:

the police

the CPS or your Witness Care Officer

the court

The organisation must confirm they’ve received your complaint within 10 days.

If you do not agree with the decision

You can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if you do not agree with the decision about your complaint.

After a crime: your rights

Your rights

You have the right to contact the police and be kept informed about the investigation if you’re:

the victim of a crime

a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

You have different rights if you’re the victim of a crime in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When you report the crime

The police must give you:

written confirmation of the crime you’ve reported

a crime reference number

contact details for the police officer dealing with your case

They must also:

tell you clearly what will happen next

tell you how often they’ll give you an update on their investigation

carry out a ‘needs assessment’ to find out what support you should get

ask a victim support organisation to contact you within 2 days

During the police investigation

The police must give you updates on their investigation, and tell you within 5 days when a suspect is:

arrested or charged

set free or released on bail

given a caution, reprimand, final warning, or penalty notice

Privacy

If the case goes to court

Your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must tell you immediately where and when the trial will be.

If the defendant is found guilty, you may be able to read your victim personal statement to them.

After the trial ends, your Witness Care Officer must tell you:

the verdict - within 24 hours

what sentence the offender gets - if they’re found guilty

if the offender appeals their conviction or sentence

You can also:

claim compensation - if the crime was violent

get free help and advice from the Victims’ Information Service or Victim Contact Scheme

meet the offender (‘restorative justice’) - contact your local victim support organisation to arrange this

If the crime was serious or you're vulnerable

You may get extra support if you:

are the victim of a serious crime

are under 18

have a mental health condition or lack mental capacity

have a disability

are a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

have been a victim of crime repeatedly - for example you’re being targeted, harassed or stalked

Serious crimes

You’re the victim of a serious crime if it was:

arson with intent to endanger life

attempted murder

domestic abuse

kidnapping or false imprisonment

a hate crime

human trafficking

a sexual offence

terrorism

wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent

What support you’ll get

You’re entitled to:

get information quicker - usually within 24 hours

protection in court if you need to give evidence

specialist help and advice

a Family Liaison Officer - if you’re a close relative of the victim

Contact the police officer dealing with your case or your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about getting this extra help.

Make a complaint

You can complain if you’ve been:

treated unprofessionally, disrespectfully or insensitively

discriminated against

Make your complaint to the organisation you want to complain about. For example:

the police

the CPS or your Witness Care Officer

the court

The organisation must confirm they’ve received your complaint within 10 days.

If you do not agree with the decision

You can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if you do not agree with the decision about your complaint.

specialist help and advice

After a crime: your rights

Your rights

You have the right to contact the police and be kept informed about the investigation if you’re:

the victim of a crime

a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

You have different rights if you’re the victim of a crime in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When you report the crime

The police must give you:

written confirmation of the crime you’ve reported

a crime reference number

contact details for the police officer dealing with your case

They must also:

tell you clearly what will happen next

tell you how often they’ll give you an update on their investigation

carry out a ‘needs assessment’ to find out what support you should get

ask a victim support organisation to contact you within 2 days

During the police investigation

The police must give you updates on their investigation, and tell you within 5 days when a suspect is:

arrested or charged

set free or released on bail

given a caution, reprimand, final warning, or penalty notice

Privacy

If the case goes to court

Your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must tell you immediately where and when the trial will be.

If the defendant is found guilty, you may be able to read your victim personal statement to them.

After the trial ends, your Witness Care Officer must tell you:

the verdict - within 24 hours

what sentence the offender gets - if they’re found guilty

if the offender appeals their conviction or sentence

You can also:

claim compensation - if the crime was violent

get free help and advice from the Victims’ Information Service or Victim Contact Scheme

meet the offender (‘restorative justice’) - contact your local victim support organisation to arrange this

If the crime was serious or you're vulnerable

You may get extra support if you:

are the victim of a serious crime

are under 18

have a mental health condition or lack mental capacity

have a disability

are a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

have been a victim of crime repeatedly - for example you’re being targeted, harassed or stalked

Serious crimes

You’re the victim of a serious crime if it was:

arson with intent to endanger life

attempted murder

domestic abuse

kidnapping or false imprisonment

a hate crime

human trafficking

a sexual offence

terrorism

wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent

What support you’ll get

You’re entitled to:

get information quicker - usually within 24 hours

protection in court if you need to give evidence

specialist help and advice

a Family Liaison Officer - if you’re a close relative of the victim

Contact the police officer dealing with your case or your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about getting this extra help.

Make a complaint

You can complain if you’ve been:

treated unprofessionally, disrespectfully or insensitively

discriminated against

Make your complaint to the organisation you want to complain about. For example:

the police

the CPS or your Witness Care Officer

the court

The organisation must confirm they’ve received your complaint within 10 days.

If you do not agree with the decision

You can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if you do not agree with the decision about your complaint.

After a crime: your rights

Your rights

You have the right to contact the police and be kept informed about the investigation if you’re:

the victim of a crime

a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

You have different rights if you’re the victim of a crime in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

When you report the crime

The police must give you:

written confirmation of the crime you’ve reported

a crime reference number

contact details for the police officer dealing with your case

They must also:

tell you clearly what will happen next

tell you how often they’ll give you an update on their investigation

carry out a ‘needs assessment’ to find out what support you should get

ask a victim support organisation to contact you within 2 days

During the police investigation

The police must give you updates on their investigation, and tell you within 5 days when a suspect is:

arrested or charged

set free or released on bail

given a caution, reprimand, final warning, or penalty notice

Privacy

If the case goes to court

Your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must tell you immediately where and when the trial will be.

If the defendant is found guilty, you may be able to read your victim personal statement to them.

After the trial ends, your Witness Care Officer must tell you:

the verdict - within 24 hours

what sentence the offender gets - if they’re found guilty

if the offender appeals their conviction or sentence

You can also:

claim compensation - if the crime was violent

get free help and advice from the Victims’ Information Service or Victim Contact Scheme

meet the offender (‘restorative justice’) - contact your local victim support organisation to arrange this

If the crime was serious or you're vulnerable

You may get extra support if you:

are the victim of a serious crime

are under 18

have a mental health condition or lack mental capacity

have a disability

are a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

have been a victim of crime repeatedly - for example you’re being targeted, harassed or stalked

Serious crimes

You’re the victim of a serious crime if it was:

arson with intent to endanger life

attempted murder

domestic abuse

kidnapping or false imprisonment

a hate crime

human trafficking

a sexual offence

terrorism

wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent

What support you’ll get

You’re entitled to:

get information quicker - usually within 24 hours

protection in court if you need to give evidence

specialist help and advice

a Family Liaison Officer - if you’re a close relative of the victim

Contact the police officer dealing with your case or your local Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) about getting this extra help.

Make a complaint

You can complain if you’ve been:

treated unprofessionally, disrespectfully or insensitively

discriminated against

Make your complaint to the organisation you want to complain about. For example:

the police

the CPS or your Witness Care Officer

the court

The organisation must confirm they’ve received your complaint within 10 days.

If you do not agree with the decision

You can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if you do not agree with the decision about your complaint.


My niece is pursuing her studies in a UK university. She qualifies for a adult dependants' loan .She wishes to apply it in this coming 2021-2022 academic year. How much will she get?

£3,190 for the 2021 to 2022 academic year

Adult Dependants' Grant

Overview

If you’re a full-time student in higher education and an adult depends on you financially, you can apply for an Adult Dependants’ Grant of up to:

£3,094 for the 2020 to 2021 academic year

The grant:

does not have to be paid back

is paid on top of your other student finance

You cannot get an Adult Dependants’ Grant if you’re getting a Postgraduate Loan.

What you'll get

The maximum Adult Dependants’ Grant is:

You do not have to pay this money back.

Adult Dependants’ Grant will affect any income-related benefits and tax credits you might get.

What it’s based on

The amount you get depends on:

your income

the adult dependant’s income

your personal circumstances, for example if you’re married or have children

what other grants you’re receiving, for example Childcare Grant

How you’re paid

The money is paid in 3 instalments (one at the start of each term) directly into your bank account.

Eligibility

Usually the adult dependant will be:

your husband, wife, partner or civil partner

a relative, such as a parent or grandparent

If you’re under 25, the adult dependant cannot be your partner unless you’re married or in a civil partnership.

You’re not eligible if the adult dependant is:

your child

a relative who earns more than £3,796 a year

getting student finance

How to apply

Fill in the Adult Dependants’ Grant section on your main student finance application  - you’ll need to give estimates of your household income.

Student Finance England will assess your application and contact you if they need more information.

Student Finance England will send you a letter telling you if you qualify and how much money you’ll get.

Supporting information

Student Finance England may contact you and ask for further information on your financial circumstances. This can include a copy of:

your P60

Child Benefit details

family tax credits details

financial information from your partner, for example bank statements

The maximum Adult Dependants’ Grant is:

Adult Dependants' Grant

Overview

£3,190 for the 2021 to 2022 academic year

£3,094 for the 2020 to 2021 academic year

The grant:

does not have to be paid back

is paid on top of your other student finance

What you'll get

The maximum Adult Dependants’ Grant is:

You do not have to pay this money back.

What it’s based on

The amount you get depends on:

your income

the adult dependant’s income

your personal circumstances, for example if you’re married or have children

what other grants you’re receiving, for example Childcare Grant

How you’re paid

Eligibility

Usually the adult dependant will be:

your husband, wife, partner or civil partner

a relative, such as a parent or grandparent

You’re not eligible if the adult dependant is:

your child

a relative who earns more than £3,796 a year

getting student finance

How to apply

Supporting information

your P60

Child Benefit details

family tax credits details

financial information from your partner, for example bank statements

The amount you get depends on:

Adult Dependants' Grant

Overview

£3,190 for the 2021 to 2022 academic year

£3,094 for the 2020 to 2021 academic year

The grant:

does not have to be paid back

is paid on top of your other student finance

What you'll get

The maximum Adult Dependants’ Grant is:

You do not have to pay this money back.

What it’s based on

The amount you get depends on:

your income

the adult dependant’s income

your personal circumstances, for example if you’re married or have children

what other grants you’re receiving, for example Childcare Grant

How you’re paid

Eligibility

Usually the adult dependant will be:

your husband, wife, partner or civil partner

a relative, such as a parent or grandparent

You’re not eligible if the adult dependant is:

your child

a relative who earns more than £3,796 a year

getting student finance

How to apply

Supporting information

your P60

Child Benefit details

family tax credits details

financial information from your partner, for example bank statements

your income

Adult Dependants' Grant

Overview

£3,190 for the 2021 to 2022 academic year

£3,094 for the 2020 to 2021 academic year

The grant:

does not have to be paid back

is paid on top of your other student finance

What you'll get

The maximum Adult Dependants’ Grant is:

You do not have to pay this money back.

What it’s based on

The amount you get depends on:

your income

the adult dependant’s income

your personal circumstances, for example if you’re married or have children

what other grants you’re receiving, for example Childcare Grant

How you’re paid

Eligibility

Usually the adult dependant will be:

your husband, wife, partner or civil partner

a relative, such as a parent or grandparent

You’re not eligible if the adult dependant is:

your child

a relative who earns more than £3,796 a year

getting student finance

How to apply

Supporting information

your P60

Child Benefit details

family tax credits details

financial information from your partner, for example bank statements

the adult dependant’s income

Adult Dependants' Grant

Overview

£3,190 for the 2021 to 2022 academic year

£3,094 for the 2020 to 2021 academic year

The grant:

does not have to be paid back

is paid on top of your other student finance

What you'll get

The maximum Adult Dependants’ Grant is:

You do not have to pay this money back.

What it’s based on

The amount you get depends on:

your income

the adult dependant’s income

your personal circumstances, for example if you’re married or have children

what other grants you’re receiving, for example Childcare Grant

How you’re paid

Eligibility

Usually the adult dependant will be:

your husband, wife, partner or civil partner

a relative, such as a parent or grandparent

You’re not eligible if the adult dependant is:

your child

a relative who earns more than £3,796 a year

getting student finance

How to apply

Supporting information

your P60

Child Benefit details

family tax credits details

financial information from your partner, for example bank statements

Adult Dependants' Grant

Overview

£3,190 for the 2021 to 2022 academic year

£3,094 for the 2020 to 2021 academic year

The grant:

does not have to be paid back

is paid on top of your other student finance

What you'll get

The maximum Adult Dependants’ Grant is:

You do not have to pay this money back.

What it’s based on

The amount you get depends on:

your income

the adult dependant’s income

your personal circumstances, for example if you’re married or have children

what other grants you’re receiving, for example Childcare Grant

How you’re paid

Eligibility

Usually the adult dependant will be:

your husband, wife, partner or civil partner

a relative, such as a parent or grandparent

You’re not eligible if the adult dependant is:

your child

a relative who earns more than £3,796 a year

getting student finance

How to apply

Supporting information

your P60

Child Benefit details

family tax credits details

financial information from your partner, for example bank statements

Adult Dependants' Grant

Overview

£3,190 for the 2021 to 2022 academic year

£3,094 for the 2020 to 2021 academic year

The grant:

does not have to be paid back

is paid on top of your other student finance

What you'll get

The maximum Adult Dependants’ Grant is:

You do not have to pay this money back.

What it’s based on

The amount you get depends on:

your income

the adult dependant’s income

your personal circumstances, for example if you’re married or have children

what other grants you’re receiving, for example Childcare Grant

How you’re paid

Eligibility

Usually the adult dependant will be:

your husband, wife, partner or civil partner

a relative, such as a parent or grandparent

You’re not eligible if the adult dependant is:

your child

a relative who earns more than £3,796 a year

getting student finance

How to apply

Supporting information

your P60

Child Benefit details

family tax credits details

financial information from your partner, for example bank statements