Veterans NAAFI Shopping Permit
Do I qualify for a Veterans NAAFI Shopping Permit
To qualify for a Veterans NAAFI Shopping Permit you have to have served at least one days paid service post basic training, outside a training unit in the Royal Navy, Army or RAF or their equivalent Reserve Force.
I have lost my “red book” or Certificate of Service, can I still apply for a Veterans NAAFI Shopping Permit
Yes you can! We can trace your records providing we have a Regimental number however this may delay the processing of your application
Pensions & Benefits
Who can assist me with information regarding my military pension?
For further advice on forces pensions, please visit Pensions and Compensation for Veterans
An armed forces pension calculator is also available, which covers both of the armed forces pension schemes - AFPS 1975 and AFPS 2005.
I am disabled; can I apply for UK benefits?
For further information on UK benefits, please visit gov.uk Benefits pages
Who can assist me with information regarding my UK State Pension?
For advice on the UK State Pension visit www.gov.uk/state-pension
or view the guide State Pension if you retire abroad
Who can assist me with information in respect of if I am entitled to any German pension or benefits?
For those that have chosen to live within the economy of another country, the MOD has no control over such matters and individuals are advised to contact the relevant department in their local Stadt.
Who can assist with German tax allowances in respect of UK tax and UK pensions?
This is a specialist area outside the remit of the GEO. It is advised that any Veteran experiencing these difficulties contacts a tax specialist.
Shopping in the NAAFI
What goods are classed as “immediate consumption”?
On production of their Veterans NAAFI Shopping Permit, Veterans are able to purchase goods for immediate consumption, ie. hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, snacks.
Bulk Purchases
Bulk purchases are large quantities of any item (such as a case or outer) and may not purchased.
Retail Packs
A Retail Pack is any pack of goods that will scan at the till as a single item (e.g. four pack of coke, double pack of paper towels etc) and may be purchased.
I do not have a Pink Card; can I still shop in the NAAFI?
Providing you are in possession of a Veterans NAAFI Shopping Permit, you can shop in the NAAFI for goods for immediate consumption only.
Will I need to produce my Pink Card every time I purchase something from the NAAFI?
Providing you have a Veterans NAAFI Shopping Permit, you can still purchase goods for immediate consumption without a Pink Card. You do not have to keep your receipts for goods for immediate consumption.
For goods that are not for immediate consumption, you will need to show your Pink Card at the till to show that you are entitled to purchase the goods. You must keep all your receipts, regardless of how much you spend, (less goods for immediate consumption) to take to the Zollamt.
Why are Veterans not able to purchase rationed items?
This concession has not been extended to Veterans by the German Authorities. To purchase any rationed item is a violation of the Pink Card which will be revoked.
What are rationed items?
Rationed items are Whiskey, Gin, Coffee and Tobacco products.
Why do I have to pay tax/duty?
The Forces Custom Law has been changed to recognise Veterans as being entitled to use facilities of the Force. However retired members (Veterans) are not covered by the SOFA and Supplementary Agreements and therefore the tax free concession is not authorised by the German Authorities. Veterans are reminded that the process, Pink Card and tax/duty levy for shopping in the NAAFI is the same as that used by US Veterans resident in Germany, for shopping in the US Military facilities.
How do I find my local Zollamt?
Your local Stadt will be able to provide you with the details. Alternatively you can use your internet Search Engine e.g. “Zollamt Gütersloh” to find your nearest office and opening times.
What if I do not produce all my receipts to the Zollamt/is this system open to misuse?
The GEO trusts the integrity of the Veteran to comply with the conditions of use of the Pink Card. Both C&I and the German Authorities can audit the relevant documentation at any time to ensure that there is no misuse. If any violations take place, the Pink Card may be removed.
What if I cannot get to my local Zollamt (Stadt Customs Office) by the 5th working day of the following month?
If you are aware that you cannot meet this commitment, you must speak with your local office regarding alternative arrangements. All matters relating to tax and the Zollamt are the Veterans responsibility.
Do I have to report to the Zollamt if I did not purchase anything from the NAAFI the previous month?
No, you will not have to - Veterans only have to report to the Zollamt if they purchased non-rationed items from the NAAFI the previous month.
Why is the tax/duty different than that charged in the German shops?
The amount of tax/duty to be paid by Veterans has been laid down by the German Authorities. The agreement by the German Government to allow Veterans to shop in the NAAFI is bound by very complex agreements including both German and British tax and duty rulings. Therefore the process cannot be changed.
What if I am not given a receipt?
The NAAFI staff should always issue you a till receipt however it is recognised that sometimes mistakes are made. It is the Veterans responsibility to ensure that they receive a till receipt when purchasing goods from the NAAFI, less goods for immediate consumption purchased separately.
The process seems very complicated, can it be made simpler?
The agreement by the German Government to allow Veterans to shop in the NAAFI is bound by very complex agreements including both German and British tax and duty rulings. Therefore the process cannot be changed. Veterans are reminded that the process, Pink Card and tax/duty levy for shopping in the NAAFI is the same as that used by US Veterans, resident in Germany, for shopping in the US Military facilities.
Staying in Germany
What support is available for those discharging into the Germany community?
Choosing to settle in Germany is a personal issue and certain matters such a tax and welfare support varies from Stadt to Stadt. RCMO’s and the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) can assist with advice on certain matters regarding settlement in Germany, such as employment.
Support for veterans
I am experiencing some difficulties; who can help?
The Royal British Legion (RBL) can assist on a number of matters and have branches throughout Germany.
Visit the RBL to find a branch near you.
The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) has now merged with Defence Business Services although there is no change to the service provided. can be contacted in respect of a number of issues affecting Veterans. They can be contacted on 0044 808 1914 2 18 or you can visit the Veterans-UK website.
Training & Employment
DEL Jobs
Vacancies with the British Forces on the German Economy are advertised on this website.
Visit the DEL Employment Vacancies page to see what is currently on offer.
Miscellaneous
How can I find out about other issues affecting Veterans?
A source of information that you may find helpful is the Veterans Agency website Veterans UK
How do I apply for a Veterans Badge?
Veterans can apply for their Veterans Badge by going to https://www.gov.uk/apply-medal-or-veterans-badge
Keeping in touch
I would like to stay in touch with Veterans and the military community, how do I do this?
An avenue to meet up with fellow Veterans is through the Royal British Legion. For further details about the RBL visit their main website at www.britishlegion.org.uk
There are also numerous websites for Veterans including Regimental Associations. It is advised that you use your search engine to find the best site for purpose.