Those who have served in the military will now be able to obtain an electronic document to be stored on their phone and presented to access specialist support and discounts
Government has today unveiled a digital version of the Veteran Card for former service personnel – the first form of official state-issued to be offered in digital form.
The rollout of the cards for former Armed Forces personnel began in early 2019 people that have left the military since 17 December 2018 have all been automatically issued with a physical ID card – which enables them to access anyone specialist support services and obtain any discounts offered to veteran. Since January of last year, those whose service tenure ended before December 2018 have also been able to apply to receive a card.
A total of about 300,000 cards have now been issued – largely through the voluntary application process.
Now, those applying for a card – as well as those that already have one – will be offered the option of both an electronic and physical version. There are a total of 1.8 million veterans eligible to apply for the digital card, according to the government.
Although it is now available virtually, the digital veterans’ ID will initially be available for use in person, enabling users to prove their service record at their GP surgery, as well as to access government-backed support with housing services and careers advice. The card can also be used to take advantage of any applicable discounts offered by retailers or attractions.
Building on these in-person uses, the platform’s “functionality [is] set to expand over the coming months to enable online use”.
The digital option was developed by the Government Digital Service, working closely with the Ministry of Defence – and 600 veterans who have tested the new technology.
The MoD’s minister for veterans and people, Louise Sandher-Jones, said: “Our veterans have given so much in service to our country, and we must ensure they can easily access the support and recognition they are entitled to and deserve. This digital Veteran Card removes barriers and puts convenience back in their hands – whether they’re registering with a new GP, seeking housing support, or simply getting a discount at their local museum. With 1.8 million veterans across the UK now able to benefit from this innovation, we’re making good on our commitment to modernise services for our veteran community.”
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The virtual card can be accessed via the GOV.UK One Login app. The government indicated that, as more type of digital ID are introduced – beginning with an electronic version of the driving licence set to begin a pilot process this year – “we will transition to talking about it as the GOV.UK Wallet”.
The GOV.UK Wallet is conceived as a government-backed version of similar platforms from Apple and Google, which provide a single location where users can store various documents, including bank cards, tickets, and store loyalty cards.
Other forms of government document set to be digitised include National Insurance cards, marriage and birth certificates, and status evidence of the completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Also offered in digital form will be documents asserting lasting power of attorney, and proof of receipt of a variety of government benefits – including Universal Credit, Disability Living Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment. Eventually, a digital passport is also planned – although this is unlikely to be eligible for use in foreign travel in the short term.
A digital identity document demonstrating the right to work in the UK, meanwhile, will be mandatory for use in the employment checks by the end of this decade, the government announced last month.
Technology secretary Liz Kendall, said: “Our veterans have given everything by serving for their country and it is only right that we give them all the support they need. As we deliver national renewal ,we are modernising our public services so they work around people’s lives and keep pace with the digital world we live in. The digital veterans’ card will help remove barriers, reduce red-tape and make it easier for people to access the public services they need.”
Angela Kitching, Director of Campaigns, Policy and Research at the Royal British Legion, added: “We welcome the introduction of the digital HM Armed Forces Veteran Card as we do any initiative that helps to improve access to services and benefits for the Armed Forces community. The fact that the digital Veteran Card will enable veterans to access and use their card more quickly is a positive development.”
