As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is improving the way current and former members of the armed forces and their families access Jobcentre Plus services. This includes having an armed forces champion in every Jobcentre Plus District who ensures that DWP provides support that meets the needs of the armed forces community.
The armed forces champion provides Jobcentre Plus support to veterans, service leavers, serving personnel within their resettlement period and spouses and civil partners of serving and ex-service personnel.
DWP said that although these champions are not always based in the jobcentre, they will maintain close contact with staff who will raise any issues or concerns with them to arrange for them to be on-site to offer support to claimants - all they have to do is request it.
Armed forces champion’s role
The role of the armed forces champion is to:
- support members of the armed forces community and build staff capability to provide support - they personally handle some claims, supporting people into work, and can help resolve complex cases
- develop and maintain joint working arrangements between Jobcentre Plus and the armed forces
- provide information to Jobcentre Plus staff about specific armed forces initiatives
- provide an understanding of the issues the forces community face that can be a barrier to employment
- be the first point of contact for Jobcentre Plus staff to advise on queries regarding individual armed forces cases - including serving personnel, their families and veterans
- focus specifically on the Jobcentre Plus support available to veterans, service leavers, those within a resettlement period and spouses and civil partners of serving and ex-service personnel
- support Jobcentre Plus staff to identify and work with local employers and partners, maximising opportunities for the armed forces community
They also work to raise the profile of the service community in terms of the skills, knowledge and experience they can offer.
The champion will tailor their activities to match the needs of the armed forces community in their district. DWP said this means some activities may differ from district to district. The role and responsibilities of the champion remain the same regardless of location.
Each of the services has appointed points of contact who form a link with the relevant champions within their area.
How to get help from Armed Forces Champion
Members of the armed forces can tell their champion about an issue through:
- Universal Credit online account
- Jobcentre Plus Work Coach
- local Jobcentre Plus office
The updated guidance on GOV.UK also has detailed information on:
- The Work and Health Programme
- Benefit cap exemption
- Information for spouses and civil partners of serving and ex-service personnel
- National Insurance credits
- Spouse and partner employment opportunities
- If you leave employment to follow your serving partner
- Maternity Allowance for spouses overseas
- Wounded, injured and sickness benefits
Read the full list of detailed support for former armed forces personnel and their families on GOV.UK here.
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