It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins
From 1 July, eligible Service personnel are now invited to register for a new overseas allowance that offers an easier claims process and greater flexibility on spending.
Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) is being trialled as a new way to receive a financial contribution towards expenses that arise when you move to or from an overseas permanent assignment in:
• Brunei – 2 Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) and Brunei Garrison Staff (incl. 667 Sqn, 5AAC) only
• USA – British Defence Staff US (BDSUS) administered locations only
• Kenya – British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) Garrison Staff only
• Europe/ Rest of World (RoW) – Global Support Organisation (GSO) administered locations only
If you and your partner are assigned overseas, Defence wants to hear from you on what Service family life is like. Share anonymous feedback in the Overseas Families Survey.
Tell Defence what information and support has helped you and your family while serving overseas, and what could be better. Here are some areas you’ll be asked about in the survey: spousal / partner
- employment
- education and childcare
- communications
- safeguarding
Your feedback will help to inform Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet the needs of you and your family.
How to complete the survey
You can complete the survey online. You and your partner can share your views individually using same survey link. The survey is open to all Regular and Reserve Service personnel and their spouses / civil partners. Please be assured that survey responses are anonymous.
You have until Saturday 30th August to make your voice heard.
Help us to help you
The more people that complete the survey, the better able Defence is to make informed choices on how to improve various aspects of Service life for you and your family.
The previous Overseas Families Survey contributed to the launch of Defence’s new Families Hub – this is a one-stop-shop digital platform, which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations, to help navigate Service family life. Topics include childcare, partner employment, housing, welfare and much more. – this is a one-stop-shop digital platform, which signposts to a wealth of information, support and organisations, to help navigate Service family life. Topics include childcare, partner employment, housing, welfare and much more.
If you have questions about the survey, please contact the MOD Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding team: people-AFFS-data-research@mod.gov.uk.
To view previous survey results, visit GOV.UK.
Useful information and resources
To find out about the range of allowances, opportunities, and benefits for you and your family, visit the Discover My Benefits site.
For useful signposting to information, guidance and support to help navigate Service family life, visit the Families Hub.
To explore Defence’s plan to drive forward positive initiatives for Service families, read the Armed Forces Families Strategy 2022-2032.
For information and support on a wider variety of topics affecting your Service and personal life, including relocation and local area information, contact the relevant HIVE:Royal Navy Family and People Support
Army HIVE
Royal Air Force HIVE
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The latest issue of the Families First newsletter is now available on the Defence Homes website and Defence Connect.
An update on communal areas
We have heard from many of you at our SFA roadshows and we know families wish to be able enjoy communal spaces and gardens to the front of their properties. In many cases, these areas provide a valuable space for garden furniture and play equipment.
We have a duty to ensure that communal areas are safe, but we also want to see a common-sense approach that balances safety and convenience for families.
The SFA Consumer Charter announced in April sets out our commitment to empower families and to enable you to take decisions about your home.
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