Hundreds of LGBT veterans are being encouraged to come forward and claim compensation for the military’s former ban on gay and transgender service members, ahead of a December 12 deadline. The prohibition, which was lifted in 2000, saw many individuals subjected to harsh treatment, including intrusive interrogations, bullying, and forced discharges. These experiences have reportedly had lasting effects on the veterans’ personal and professional lives.

A financial redress scheme has been established to provide payments to those affected. Eligible claimants can receive a discharge payment of £50,000, as well as up to £20,000 in additional impact payments intended to address the consequences experienced as a result of the ban. To date, more than 1,500 veterans have submitted claims under the scheme.

However, the charity Fighting with Pride has indicated that at least 1,000 more veterans are believed to be eligible but have not yet applied. The organization has also noted that certain regions, including Yorkshire, the North East, the South West, and Scotland, have seen lower-than-expected application numbers.

The charity and other advocates stress the importance of veterans coming forward before the deadline to access the available support and compensation for harms endured during the period of prohibition in military service.