Workplace benefits

Many employers offer extra benefits on top of your salary. These can help you save money, which means you get more out of the money you already earn. If you’re serving in the armed forces, you may be entitled to a range of allowances and support. These can include subsidised accommodation, travel allowances, access to healthcare and dental support, and funded training and development opportunities.

If you’re working in a civilian role – including as a reservist, veteran or military family member – look out for benefits such as travel passes or cycle-to-work schemes. These can save you money, but do the maths first. Be aware of staff discounts at shops, restaurants, or for services — and only use them for things you were going to buy anyway. You might also get healthcare benefits like dental or optical cover, mental health support or free counselling. This is obviously only a saving if you were paying for it anyway. Don’t miss out on training and upskilling opportunities – which could lead to better pay down the line.  

Let’s have a look at a case study to see how workplace benefits can help. Tina is a Medical Officer stationed in the South of England. During the week, she lives in Single Living Accommodation near her duty station, while her permanent home is over 100 miles away in the Midlands.

At first, Tina was covering the cost of travelling home herself, which was adding up quickly. After speaking with her chain of command, she discovered she was eligible for Get You Home Travel. This allowance helps service personnel cover the cost of travelling between their duty station and their permanent home. Tina now submits her journeys through JPA iExpenses and can claim money back towards her travel costs. This means she can afford to visit home more regularly, without putting extra pressure on her finances.

Although this doesn’t increase Tina’s salary directly, it reduces her outgoings – which improves her overall financial wellbeing. Boosting your financial position doesn’t always mean earning more.  Sometimes, it’s about making full use of the benefits and support available to you. Even small changes can make a big difference over time, helping you feel more secure, less stressed, and more in control of your money.