Yes, you may be able to claim your father's war medals, but this depends on specific conditions related to whether he is still alive and your relationship to him.
Eligibility Criteria for Claiming War Medals
The ability to claim war medals on behalf of a veteran, such as your father, falls into two main categories: when the veteran is still alive and when they have passed away.
If Your Father is Still Alive
If your father, the veteran, is still alive, you are able to apply for a medal on his behalf. However, to do so, you must possess Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for him. This legal document grants you the authority to make decisions or act on his behalf, including managing his affairs and applying for entitlements like war medals.
If Your Father Has Passed Away
If your father has passed away, you can only apply for his war medals if you are recognised as his next of kin. The term "next of kin" for the purpose of medal claims typically refers to a specific order of relationships to the deceased veteran.
For clarity, here's a breakdown of who generally qualifies as next of kin in this context:
| Relationship to Deceased Veteran | Eligibility for Medal Claim |
|---|---|
| Partner or Spouse | Yes, if they were the veteran's partner or spouse at the time of their passing. |
| Eldest Child | Yes, if you are the eldest child of the veteran. |
| Eldest Grandchild | Yes, if there is no surviving partner, spouse, or eldest child, and you are the eldest grandchild. |
Therefore, as a child of the veteran, you could potentially claim his medals if he has passed away, specifically if you are his eldest child.
General Application Process
Claiming war medals typically involves a formal application process through the appropriate government or military body. This often requires providing documentation to prove your relationship to the veteran and, if applicable, your status as next of kin or having Lasting Power of Attorney.
Organisations dedicated to supporting veterans and their families, such as Age UK, often provide valuable guidance and assistance with the application process for war medals. They can help you understand the specific requirements and necessary documentation.
