Forces Help to buy scheme

The first thing you need to do is find a property you’d like to buy, speak to your mortgage provider and obtain the services of a legal representative.

At least 6 weeks before the expected purchase completion date, you should make an application on JPA through the Self Service Application for FHTB:

• logon to JPA
• click JPA Self Service – Employee, Armed Forces
• click Application for FHTB
• click Create

The form will be automatically populated with your personal details in Part A.

• select the appropriate PStat Cat from the drop-down list

For definitions of these categories refer to JSP 752 Part 2 Ch 1 Sect 3.

• complete the remaining boxes within Part A by selecting Yes/No from the drop-down lists
• complete Spouse/Partner details in Part B

Only complete this task if you are married or in a civil partnership to a member of the Armed Forces or Civil Service.

• tick the required box to confirm that you are married or in a civil partnership to a member of the Armed Forces or Civil Service

The screen will refresh displaying extra fields regarding Spouse/Partner details.

• insert the details of your spouse/civil partner in the appropriate boxes
• select your spouse/civil partners’ accommodation classification from the drop-down list.
• enter the full postal address in the box provided
• complete FHTB Application Part C
• answer the FHTB Application question by selecting the appropriate option from the drop-down list
• enter the Location appropriate to your answer given to the previous question
• enter the Assignment Date if applicable
• complete the remaining boxes within Part C by selecting Yes/No from the drop-down lists
• complete Property Details Part D
• answer the questions by selecting Yes/No from the appropriate drop-down lists.

The screen may refresh to display extra fields to be completed.

• click the appropriate radio button to choose the option that describes how you will use the FHTB and enter the full postal address of the property concerned including a full postcode; a partial postcode can be inserted for new build properties only
• select Yes/No as appropriate to the joint ownership FHTB question

If the property will be joint ownership the screen will refresh displaying extra fields to be completed.

• click in the box if you have a lender willing to advance you a mortgage for this property
• insert the name and address details of the mortgage lender

Regulatory changes that take effect on 26 Apr 14 will require mortgage providers to obtain detailed information about theincome and expenditure of individuals applying for a mortgage. Service Personnel who wish to use a FHTB loan to purchase a house may be required to provide a Personal Information Note (PIN) as independent evidence of their FHTB loan prior to gaining a mortgage offer. If in doubt applicants should seek advice from the mortgage provider.

• select Yes/No as appropriate to the PIN question
• enter the details including full postal address of the solicitor and the amount of FHTB requested
• select the repayment option from the drop-down list

You should now review the form using the scroll bar to go back to the top of the form. If an amendment/correction is required, make the change now.

• if you are happy that the details are correct click Submit to apply for FHTB
• otherwise, click on Back or Home to return to the main menu

• check Workflow Notifications
• logon to JPA and select JPA Self Service – Employee, Armed Forces
• click Workflow Notifications
• select the appropriate Workflow by clicking on the appropriate link

If your application has been rejected a reject message will be shown. To view the details within the form click on View Details. If your application has been approved an approval message will be shown. You should view and print the form by clicking on View Details and then clicking the Printable Page. You have 56 days to have the printed form completed. You are required to read the printed form.

• sign and date the form showing you have read and understood the Terms & Conditions
• have certificate 1 completed by the Unit Medical Officer if required (where applicant is Medically Non-Deployable (MND) either permanent or temporary).
• have certificate 2 completed by the RAO/OC PSF/Logistics Officer/Imprest holder, as appropriate
• forward the form to the Commanding Officer for completion at certificate 3
• forward completed form to the FHTB team for action/payment using the address listed in JSP 464 Part 1 Chapter 12.

Should you be unable to complete the paperwork and deliver to the FHTB team within 56 days, or your application was rejected you may create a ‘new’ application for FHTB by starting this process again.

In exceptional circumstances, if you don’t have permanent access to JPA, you should complete JPA Form E035 and forward it to:

Defence Business Services 
Military Personnel 
FHTB Section
Centurion Building
Grange Road
Gosport, Hants
PO13 9XA

Once your on-line application has been approved, you will need to print it off, sign and date it, and get it certified by your Unit HR Admin and your Commanding Officer (or their authorised representative).

You should then forward the completed form to the Forces Help To Buy (FHTB) team for action/payment at:

Defence Business Service Military Personnel
FHTB Section
Centurion Building
Grange Road
Gosport
Hants
PO13 9XA

DBS will send the payment to your legal representative, except in the case of self-build properties and property extensions, when you will receive the payment direct.

For more information you should follow the links below or you can contact the Joint Personnel Administration Cell who will also be able to tell you how much you still have left to pay. They can be contacted at:

Telephone internal: 94560 3600, option 4
Telephone external: 0141 224 3600