My journey timer

Communication history

23 Dec 24 I submitted my application.

23 Dec 24 Application acknowledged via email.

Thank you for submitting your application to the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme for a Financial Recognition Payment(s).

1 Feb 25 Email received confirming I had passed the 2 week mark on my application (it was over a month).

Thank you for submitting your application to the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme for a Financial Recognition Payment(s). You can download a PDF version of your application by clicking the "Download Submitted Form" button on your application which can be accessed here: Go to My Application Form.

It has been over 2 weeks since you submitted your latest application. Your application has now entered the Initial Application Check phase and updates to your application can no longer be made via the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme App...

You can expect to be contacted by the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme within 18 weeks from the submission of your application.

13 May 25 I chased via email asking for an update as 20 weeks had passed.

14 May 25 Reply to my email at 13:19hrs

Dear Paul Hillman

Thankyou for your email on 13/05/2025.

Having checked our systems, it appears you have not yet submitted your application. You do have a Defence Gateway account, which is part 1 of the application, but you are yet to complete the actual application form….

If you have completed an application, could you please if possible provide us with your application Reference number so we can investigate further. If not, please follow the steps below in order to complete an application.

My email had included my Reference number.

That message was then followed with a request to recall it.

Minutes later the following arrived:

Dear Paul Hillman

Thankyou for your email on 14/05/2025

The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme regrets having to inform applicants that the 18-week automated (post application submission date) update notifications have been delayed due to a technical problem. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and are working to address this issue. However, the Scheme can assure you that this technical problem is only impacting the Scheme’s ability to issue the 18-week update and is not affecting the processing of applications. The Scheme is making good progress, the process of gathering evidence and records for the creations of applicants’ casefiles is underway and we are pleased to confirm that the first payments to terminally ill applicants have been transferred….

Currently your application status is in the Initial Application Check Phase. This phase starts 2 weeks after the submission of the application, when the application is locked down for changes. An applicant can only make minor amendments to their application (such as changes to personal details). You will be notified directly when the status of your application changes.

It is difficult to provide a timeline for receiving financial recognition as it depends on the payment/s applied for and the ease of accessing the supporting evidence. However, applicants will be updated on each step of the process, and we understand the need for timeliness in delivering this important recognition.

This was followed by:

Dear Paul Hillman

Please disregard the email sent on 14/05/2025 at 13:19. This information was incorrect, and I later found your application. I have sent a new email regarding the update of your application.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

A question here: Is my application in the queue from its original submission date or has it been tagged on to the end of queue as of 14 May 25 when it was 'found'?

As of May 2025 it has been reported that 24 payouts have been made, 8 of which were to veterans with life-limiting health conditions. Reports state that there have been over 1000 applications made, however the deadline for claiming is 12 December 2026, so it is possible that the workload for the FRS team could increase. Working on these claims, it is reported, is a team of 15. Given the FRS has been open for 6 months, with simple math this works out at 4 claims a month and 20 years to clear 1000.

29 May 25 Email sent to the Secretary of Defence expressing my concerns with the unacceptable delays in processing FRS claims.

9 Jun 25 Emailed FRS team asking for confirmation of the date of receipt of my claim as it had previously not been 'found'.

10 Jun 25 Email from FRS confirming claim did have a date of 23 Dec 24.

10 Jun 25 Email sent to my local PM Gregory Stafford using the Fighting with Pride template asking for his support in raising questions with the MOD and within the House of Commons.

13 Jun 25 Email reply from Gregory Stafford's MP staff:

As requested, Mr Stafford has raised your concerns with the Ministry of Defence and he has tabled a written question to the Department which we will be happy to share the response once it has been answered.

23 Jun 25 Appology letter, Etherton Ribbon and replacement lid and cap badge received

MondaY TO fRIDAY - EXCLUDING BANK HOLIDAYS.