Spouse/Partner Employment

What’s it for?

This benefit was designed to remove barriers to employment for the spouses, partners and, in some instances, dependent children of Service personnel. The MOD works closely with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and other organisations to provide free support, advice and access to employment opportunities – including support to start a business.

All of these services are free to use – although if travel, accommodation, subsistence or childcare are required, you will normally have to meet the cost.

What do they get?

There are lots of ways your spouse/partner and, in some instances, dependent children, can access support, including:

• Forces Families Jobs is a “one stop shop” online employment and training platform delivered by the Families Federations for partners of currently serving UK Service personnel. FFJ signposts partners to employers, training providers and other forces friendly organisations supporting spouses and partners.

• early access to the DWP Work and Health programme for Service spouses and partners

• Armed Forces champions in Jobcentre Plus

• free access to the Royal British Legion Industries Lifeworks programme and the Forces Employment Charity Families Programme, which gives military spouses and partners the skills and confidence to find employment and develop their careers

• a number of external organisations which also support family employment, including

  X-Forces, Recruit for Spouses and the Wiltshire Council Enterprise Network (for companies based in Wiltshire)

How do I claim?

Contact your Families Federation in the first instance or visit the relevant website using the links below under 'need more information'