Proof of Service is given by Veterans UK (Crisis Cases only) when someone has no way of proving that they served. We need proof of service so that a Veteran’s charity can provide basic support. This will depend on the crisis and the assistance provider approached.

 Proof of service does not replace verification of service (VOS). In some crisis cases some assistance providers (ABF, TRBL etc.) will accept the proof of service where immediate funding is needed as it is widely accepted that formal VoS can take some time.SSAFA has worked with colleagues at Veterans UK to establish a collaborative process to enable SSAFA to gain a Proof of Service for those in Crisis* within 24 hours or less.

It is vital that this service is only used for those in Crisis* as defined below, or for those beneficiaries that are street homeless**

All such requests must be submitted via email to the Casework Support Team on the ‘Proof of Service’ form which can be found on the volunteer documents page of SSAFAnet:

• Emergency Proof of Service Application Form Fully complete the form to prevent delays.
• Include a detailed justification ensuring it fits the definitions below.
• Obtain the beneficiary signature ***
• Ensure it has been signed by the Case Worker and Case Manager to confirm it is a crisis case.
• Email the completed form to [email protected] who will carry out a brief review and submit it to Veterans UK
• Using the client information provided Veterans UK will acknowledge to the Casework
• Support team by email whether the individual named on the form has served or not – they will give no further information or service record details.
• The Casework Support team will send all relevant information to the requester.
• This proof of service does not replace the COBSEO Verification of Service (VoS) form, which should still be submitted to gain VoS.

* A Crisis case is defined as: “Someone unable to feed themselves, clothe themselves, heat their home and/or could be homeless if immediate support is not provided.”

** Street Homelessness is defined as: “Those individuals that routinely find themselves on the streets during the day with nowhere to go at night.”

*** Every effort must be made to obtain a signature. In exceptional cases (reasons should be stated on the form) Veterans UK will accept an email confirmation from the client. Ensure the email from the client states that they agree to the application for Proof of Service to Veterans UK and consent to the sharing of their personal data for this purpose. Attach this email along with the completed form and send it to [email protected]