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Veterans’ Nomination Scheme

We run the Veterans’ Nomination Scheme to find affordable accommodation for veterans across the country.

Key facts

  • The VNS team has found a home for nearly 800 veterans
  • By partnering with social landlords, we are able to arrange accommodation for people across England
  • This scheme works well for single veterans and couples without children with low support needs who otherwise might struggle to get accommodation through a local authority
  • More than 95% of tenancies are successful for the long-term
  • The application process is straightforward. We accept applications from organisations referring veterans. We are not able to accept direct applications from veterans.

What is the Veterans’ Nomination Scheme?

The Veterans’ Nomination Scheme is a great way for veterans to rent stable, affordable accommodation. The VNS has arranged a home for nearly 800 Veterans. We cover the whole of England and get new properties all the time from over 90 housing associations and social landlords. We then match vacancies with veterans.

Who can benefit?

The Veterans’ Nomination Scheme is aimed mainly at single people and couples without children who would not normally be able to get social housing. We can also help find accommodation for Service leavers who are making the transition to civilian life. The Veterans’ Nomination Scheme is only suitable for veterans who can live independently with very little support.

What sort of accommodation is available?

We are mainly offered one-bedroom flats and studios in England. We are occasionally offered properties for families, but the waiting list for these tends to be very long. All the properties are for rent at affordable levels.

How do I get referred?

Step 1: Referral

  • Any organisation that works with veterans (eg Stoll, The Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes) can make a referral to the VNS team. We are not able to accept direct applications from veterans.
  • To refer a veteran, please complete the referral VNS form and send it back to us with supporting documents for us to process the application.
  • The referrer will need to verify the veteran’s service record and support needs and demonstrate that they will arrange support for the veteran, if it is needed.

Step 2: Processing the referral

  • The VNS team will acknowledge receipt of the referral and review the form. If we are happy with the referral, we will add the veteran to our waiting list. We will try and match the veteran with appropriate accommodation in the desired area.
  • It may take a while to match the veteran to appropriate accommodation. The veteran will only be contacted if a match is found.
  • Once the veteran has been offered a property, it is a one-offer only.

Step 3: Matching the veteran with appropriate accommodation

  • The veteran will be invited by the housing provider for an interview and pre-tenancy checks. These will include identity, financial and other checks to assess suitability for their housing.
  • The veteran will then be invited to view a property to see if it’s appropriate.

Step 4: Moving in

  • If the veteran is happy, a tenancy is prepared and a moving-in date is arranged.

Please note: we cannot make guarantees or give precise timescales as we need to match veterans with appropriate accommodation as and when homes become available.

How do I find out more information?

Please get in touch for more information;

E vns@stoll.org.uk
T 020 7385 2110