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<p>The HM Armed Forces Veteran Card Scheme has had a two-phase rollout. Phase 1 is
complete; all Service leavers since December 2018 automatically receive a Veteran
Card from Ministry of Defence (MOD) as part of their Service Leaver Pack.</p><p>Phase
2 extends access to the Veteran Card to those who left before December 2018. The new
digital application and verification service launched at 00:01 on 28 January 2024
allowing pre-2018 veterans to apply for the card.</p><p>As of 18 March 2024, there
have been a total of 90,381 Phase 2 applications received, and 71,752 cards issued.
During March 2024, 12,907 applications have been received and 9,807 posted.</p><p>Extensive
communications have been issued by both MOD and the Office for Veterans' Affairs in
relation to the application service. This included significant social media activity,
bespoke videos, a GOV.UK news article and an article in the Sunday Express. Applications
have also now opened for veterans in prison as part of the rehabilitation process.
MOD has partnered with the Ministry of Justice to communicate availability of the
cards to every prison in the UK.</p>
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