Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department is providing psychological support to LGBT veterans who are asked to relive traumatic experiences as part of the impact statement process for financial reparations.

As of 9 June 2025, the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) had received 1,067 applications and 44 Veterans had received payments. We have been prioritising payment to the elderly and those with serious health conditions to ensure they receive support as quickly as possible, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the scheme going live to these prioritised groups. Some cases are more complex and require additional time due to the unique and individual circumstances involved. We envisage the scheme speeding up once the most complex cases are delt with.

It is important to note that due to the individual nature of each case, we do not collect data on the average time between application and payment; this metric would not provide any meaningful insight into processing times, as it will vary considerably according to the specific circumstances of each Veteran’s application.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting LGBT Veterans who may face reliving traumatic experiences during the FRS impact statement process. Assistance is available to Veterans via our partner charities, Royal British Legion and Fighting with Pride. Additional support is also available from the Veterans Welfare Service. Contact details can be found on the FRS’s gov.uk page: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-of-the-lgbt-ban-financial-recognition-scheme/lgbt-financial-recognition-scheme-guide-how-to-apply-for-a-financial-recognition-payment

The FRS does not have an automated award system in place. To fairly assess if an application meets the eligibility criteria, applications must be processed fully in accordance with the Scheme Rules.