The Ministry of Defence will fund one return journey home by road or rail for up to 35,000 Armed Forces personnel over the festive period. Announced on 4 December 2025 during a visit to RAF Lossiemouth, the measure is presented as part of ministers’ pledge to “renew the nation’s contract with those who serve.” Support will be usable at Christmas or in the following months for those on duty in December.
Eligibility is tightly defined. Around 30,000 junior personnel in years 2–5 of service are included, reflecting the likelihood of early-career postings away from home. A further 5,000 separated parents with non‑resident children will receive travel credit to support contact over Christmas.
The department says many personnel already receive travel cost support through existing allowances; this seasonal intervention brings into scope those who would not usually qualify. Officials estimate approximately 35,000 people fall into that category this year.
The press notice does not set out a scheme‑specific claim route. In comparable MOD travel allowances, personnel typically request pre‑authorisation on the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA) system, arrange standard‑class warrants or tickets through unit HR or travel offices, then reclaim additional costs via JPA iExpenses; those without JPA access generally submit Form F016 through unit admin. Separated parents should be prepared to evidence non‑resident status in line with allowances rules. Units are expected to circulate the detailed process.
Ministers have linked the announcement to the Armed Forces Covenant. The Armed Forces Act 2021 placed a statutory duty on specified public bodies to have due regard to Covenant principles in housing, education and healthcare. The current government has signalled plans to extend that legal duty to central government and a wider set of policy areas, including transport, in a future Bill.
The travel support sits alongside pay and housing measures. The government accepted a 6% Armed Forces pay award in July 2024 (the largest in over two decades) and a further 4.5% rise in May 2025. It has also launched a Defence Housing Strategy and Consumer Charter to upgrade service accommodation and create a standalone Defence Housing Service.
The Defence Secretary referenced the scheme while meeting personnel aboard HMS Prince of Wales. The UK Carrier Strike Group returned at the end of November after an eight‑month deployment, with homecomings in Portsmouth and other bases-context for a policy aimed at enabling reunions where duty has kept people away.
What personnel should do now: look out for unit instructions setting the claim steps and cut‑off dates; plan for one funded return journey by rail or road; and keep receipts where applicable. Existing entitlements under JSP 752-such as Get You Home and Concessionary Travel for Immediate Families-remain in place alongside this targeted seasonal support.