Families Posted Overseas – have you nominated a Trusted Contact?

 

GOV.UK: Updated guidance for Service personnel and their families on Early Years childcare and child welfare policies

The Gov.uk website has been updated today, with new information in the ‘Free Early Years Childcare entitlement for children aged 9 months to school starting age (including 15 or 30 hours’ free childcare)’ and ‘Overseas Nursery Authority (ONA)’ section.

To review the revised information please go to: Guidance for Service personnel and their families on child welfare policies

How satisfied are you with family life while serving overseas?

As the Overseas Survey draws to a close on 30 August 2025, MOD are making one final call to hear from Armed Forces families living overseas. These insights are vital in shaping the support, services, and policies that matter most to them.

Whether it’s childcare, education, employment or military life in general — your voice makes a difference!

MOD would like to say a big thank you to everyone who’s already shared their experiences. Your contribution will help the MOD to build a clearer, stronger picture of life overseas.

Also a reminder to everyone that, for anyone who hasn’t had a chance to take part yet, there’s still time. It only takes a few minutes, and feedback is invaluable.

Every response counts. - Survey

As the Overseas Survey draws to a close on 30 August 2025, MOD are making one final call to hear from Armed Forces families living overseas. These insights are vital in shaping the support, services, and policies that matter most to them.

Whether it’s childcare, education, employment or military life in general—their voice makes a difference https://surveys.mod.uk/index.php/458476?lang=en (link to survey).

Also a reminder to everyone that, for anyone who hasn’t had a chance to take part yet, there’s still time. It only takes a few minutes, and feedback is invaluable.

MOD would like to say a big thank you to everyone who’s already shared their experiences. Their contribution will help the MOD to build a clearer, stronger picture of life overseas.

Every response counts.

Wherever you are in the world, Defence is here to support you and your family to navigate various aspects of Service life, including:

· spousal / partner employment
· education and childcare
· communications
· Safeguarding.

If you’re serving overseas, it’s important that Defence understands your positive experiences and any challenges. Your feedback will help to improve Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet your family’s needs.

Take the Overseas Families Survey.

Shape your future

Your feedback will help to enhance Defence’s support for overseas personnel and families, and will build on recent progress:
Global Mobility Allowance (GMA) trial an overseas allowance that offers an easier claims process and greater flexibility on spending.
New Overseas Allowances Reckoner tool – providing personalised allowance calculation estimates, for those preparing for overseas assignments.

· Extending the Get You Home (Travel to Europe) trial scheme – contributing towards up to two return journeys per month, to an eligible Service person’s family home in Europe.
Disturbance Expenses rate uplift – enabling eligible Service personnel moving to the UK from overseas to claim the same, higher ‘overseas rate’ as those moving overseas from the UK.
Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas – helping Service families with up to 80% of costs for before and after school childcare.

Find out more on how Defence is simplifying overseas service finances.

What should I know?

· All Regular and Reserve Service personnel and their spouses / partners are encouraged to      take part.
· All feedback is anonymous.
· You can use a personal device to complete the survey.
· You have until 11.59 pm, Saturday 30 August 2025 to make your voice heard.
· It should take you no more than 20 minutes to compete the survey.

The more people we hear from, the better able we are to make informed choices on how to improve your experience of Service life.

If you have questions about the survey, 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 explore allowances, opportunities, and benefits for you and your family as part of Your Offer, visit Discover My Benefits.

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 wide 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.

Considering an overseas posting? Already overseas and have a question?

You and your family can find information on overseas locations through the international HIVE (iHIVE) - explore the iHIVE.

Are you being posted overseas? Our Overseas and iHIVE Blogs hold information on your new location

You will find information, including comprehensive Location Guides – plus our local office’s contact details – on our Overseas Blogs at:

• Belgium (SHAPE)
• Brunei
• Brunssum
• Cyprus
• Gibraltar
• Naples
• Sennelager

For those posted elsewhere, anywhere in the rest of the World, our tri-Service iHIVE covers the area.

The iHIVE Blog hosts around 100 Overseas Location Guides that can be viewed or downloaded from our iHIVE Blog: https://internationalhive.blogspot.com/ with more being added routinely. These can also be accessed (by MODnet users) through the Army HIVE SharePoint site Overseas Postings area.

Most importantly, our iHIVE is also available to answer any enquiries about any overseas location worldwide, whether you are in the Royal Navy/RM, RAF, Army or civilian Service communities - please get in touch with any questions you may have.

iHIVE is listed in the Overseas Supportability Checklist as an action for any Service person/family assigned overseas, in order to check that local services, amenities and facilities meet each individual and family’s needs.

Our poster has iHIVE’s contact details, or get in touch by email: RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox (MULTIUSER) RC-Pers-HIVE-iHIVE-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life

 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.

Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life

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.

Wherever your assignment order is taking you, HIVE is here to provide the local information!

 

If your posting is in the UK you can find our blog and location guides here. Please use our MS Forms enquiry function for any additional locations or if you have any enquiries.

Are you assigned overseas? If you’re posted to an overseas location where we have a HIVE, you will find information – plus our local office’s contact details – at:

• Belgium (SHAPE)
• Brunei
• Brunssum
• Cyprus
• Gibraltar
• Naples
• Sennelager

Posted elsewhere overseas? Don’t worry if your new location is not listed above, the iHIVE covers the rest of the world, with over 100 location guides available plus online enquiry support.

How satisfied are you with family life while serving overseas?

 

Halfway through Defence’s Overseas Families Survey – have you had your say?

Wherever you are in the world, Defence is here to support you and your family to navigate various aspects of Service life, including:

• spousal / partner employment
• education and childcare
• communications
• safeguarding

If you’re serving overseas, it’s important that Defence understands your positive experiences and any challenges. Your feedback will help to improve Defence’s policies and initiatives to better meet your family’s needs.

Take the Overseas Families Survey.

Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life

 

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 30 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

Defence update - Simplifying overseas service finances

 

Defence’s new digital tools and updated allowances help you and your family navigate the financial aspects of overseas assignments – with greater confidence and less paperwork.

When serving overseas, you should be able to focus on your work and settling into your new location, without worrying about unexpected costs or navigating complex policies.

Financial stability and a clear understanding of what you and your family can receive are essential components to support operational effectiveness. That’s why Defence is freeing up valuable time and providing welcome reassurance, by simplifying allowance processes and providing tools that reduce admin.

These changes make the move to overseas life smoother for everyone, providing greater clarity and choice – whether you’re posted abroad or keeping a home across borders.

It’s here: Global Mobility Allowance trial begins

 

 

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

The new Global Mobility Allowance Calculator (accessible via defnet or Defence Connect) gives a real-time, tailored estimate of the GMA allowance you will receive, and a comparison of GMA trial versus non-trial allowances.

The tool simplifies what would be a complex and time-consuming calculation process and enables you to make informed decisions about your assignment – including considerations on family support, cost of living and financial planning.

New digital tool: Overseas allowance planning now easier

Check out the Overseas Allowances Reckoner (OAR), to get a fast, personalised estimate of what you’ll receive – if you’re in the Armed Forces and preparing for a posting abroad.

Reckon it’s worth a look…

A reckoner is ‘a table or device designed to help with calculations’ and that is exactly what our new Power BI OAR tool does. It puts financial clarity at your fingertips, transforming how you and our HR teams plan for postings abroad, by producing accurate values in minutes – rather than the hours it may previously have taken.

Fully integrated with JSP 752 policy rates, the OAR offers real-time figures for a range of products – including Local Overseas, Disturbance Expenses, and Get You Home Overseas allowances.

Simply input your personal details and posting information – such as assignment location, family status, and accommodation type – and you’ll receive an immediate breakdown of your overseas allowances, all in one place. There’s no need to wait for paperwork to be processed or complex policy details to be explained.

Increase to Early Years childcare funded hours for eligible working families assigned overseas

 

From September 2025 eligible working families assigned overseas will have access to up to 30 hours of funded Early Years childcare for their children aged from 9 months old.

Early Years funded childcare overseas.

To reflect the offer available in England, all families assigned overseas with children aged 3 to 4 years old, and 2-year-old children in receipt of additional government support, are entitled to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time (38 weeks per year).

Defence is expanding the childcare offer for working families assigned overseas with children aged 9 months to school starting age, to match the entitlement in England.

From September 2025 eligible working families can claim funding for up to 30 hours per week, per child aged 9 months old to school starting age, during term time (38 weeks per year).

This is an increase to the additional funded hours that became available in September 2024, in which 15 hours of Early Years childcare funding, per week, per child, during term time, became available for eligible working families with children aged 9 months to 3 years old.

For more information about the Early Years Childcare available in England, please go to Early Years childcare | Childcare Choices (GOV.UK).

Assigned overseas? Have your say on Service family life

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

Have Your Say: Accompanied Established Long-Term Relationship Overseas Pilot Survey open until 14 Apr

To take part in the Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas Pilot Survey please click HERE (survey open from 08 Jan 25).

More information is available on Sway HERE.

Pet Relocation Brief

 

Elite Pet Relocation will be visiting the HIVE Dhekelia on 20th February 2025 1300-1600 to give relocation quotes and answer any questions you may need. Please visit the Hive for any other information. 

NHS Step into Health webinar – 26 Mar: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad

NHS Step into Health are pleased to announce their upcoming information session: Helping you to return to practice after your serving spouse or partner is posted abroad due to take place on Wednesday 26th March, 10 - 11am.

During this one-hour webinar, attendees will hear from representatives of various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions, as well as members of NHS England’s return to practice team.

The Step into Health team, in collaboration with their key speakers, has developed a comprehensive FAQ guidance sheet. During the session, speakers will elaborate on relevant sections, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.

The objectives of the session are:

Provide a clear overview of the steps involved in returning to practice for spouses and partners posted abroad with serving personnel.

Offer detailed information from various regulatory bodies across multiple clinical professions to ensure participants are aware of the requirements and standards.

Highlight the resources and support available from NHS England’s return to practice team.

Introduce the comprehensive FAQ guidance sheet developed by the Step into Health, explaining its relevance and how to use it effectively.

Facilitate an interactive question and answer session where participants can seek clarification and additional information from the experts.

To find out more and to register for a place please visit the SiTH events web page.

Wraparound Childcare (WAC) Overseas launched 6 Jan 25

Are you ready to register?

Great news for Service families assigned to locations within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision. WAC Overseas is now available to eligible families in these areas from today (6 January 2025).

Long-Term Relationship couples and families posted Overseas

The Armed Forces Accommodation Policy Team is thrilled with the feedback from more than 50 service members taking part in the Accompanied LTR(E) Overseas Pilot in Cyprus. Since its launch in January 2024, the pilot has provided valuable insights and personal stories showing just how life-changing this initiative has been for participants. Due to its success, the pilot has been extended until March 2027.

To ensure families feel supported, a tailored allowance package is available for pilot participants. Since allowances depend on the assignment location and individual circumstances, service personnel are encouraged to check specifics for their country.

Updated Volumes 4 (Pilots) and 5 (Overseas Accommodation Policy) of JSP 464 (with country appendices and allowances) to clarify any queries will be published soon.

Furthermore, effective immediately the Pilot has been extended to BATUS and some GDN (Global Defence Network) sites.

For further information please contact people-accom-asc@mod.gov.uk

Get ready for a Wraparound Childcare (WAC) expansion to some overseas locations. Coming spring term 2025

Are you assigned to a location within the European Economic Area & Switzerland (EEA&S) or using Defence Children Services (DCS) before and after school childcare provision? WAC Overseas will be available to eligible families in these areas from 6 January 2025.