Veterans will be able to prove they served in the forces and access a host of benefits with a smartphone thanks to changes announced today.

Former military personnel will be able to download a “digital veteran card” to get help with work and housing.

This means they will no longer have to wait for a paper map to be printed and displayed.

Around 250,000 people use the veteran card today and the digital version will be available next year.

Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “Our veterans have sacrificed so much for this country and we must do everything we can to ensure they get the help they deserve. and support to which they are entitled.

“That’s why we’re working with the Office of Veterans Affairs to accelerate access to essential services, from housing to employment assistance, by providing our heroes with digital veterans cards. fighter who can take them out in minutes.

“This will reduce the current wait for physical copies, providing a quick, convenient and simple way to get the support they deserve to serve our country.”

The move was welcomed by the Royal British Legion and former colonel and Military Cross winner Al Carns, who is now Minister for Veterans and People at the Ministry of Defence.

He said: “I am deeply honored to have the responsibility of ensuring that our veterans get the support they need and deserve, not only at Remembrance, but throughout the rest of their lives. ‘year. We turn words into action to improve the lives of every veteran.

One of the main benefits of the digital card will be that veterans will be able to quickly prove their status if they contact a military charity. They can also use it to apply for the Defense Discount Card and the Veterans Rail Card, which reduce the cost of most train travel by a third.

He is expected to speed up housing assistance provided through Operation Fortitude, which is aimed at homeless veterans. And it will also allow them to confirm they have served in the armed forces if they want to access the ‘workplacement’ scheme which helps veterans find employment in the civil service, the NHS and the justice system.