Hero army vets fear losing vital benefits

VETERANS who served in Iraq and Afghanistan face losing essential financial support because of the Government's benefit cuts, Help for Heroes has warned.

- By Jonathan Walker WHITEHALL EDITOR

The charity's helpline has received calls from former service personnel and their families who fear a "vital lifeline" will be taken away.

There was particular concern that Labour's decision to cut the number receiving Personal Independence Payments by 800,000 will lead to those with mental health issues losing support.

Carol Betteridge, a Help for Heroes director who ran the field hospital in Helmand Province during the British presence in Afghanistan, said: "Within this package of benefit reforms also lies the tightening of PIP eligibility, threatening to strip away a vital lifeline for many, which may be especially difficult for veterans who need mental health support.

"Mental health issues are often given less consideration compared with physical issues but they can be just as devastating.