THOUSANDS of squaddies could get their rent refunded in a landmark case against the Ministry of Defence.
Up to 80,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen are in line for compensation worth more than £500million.
It follows a warning that the way the MoD charges rent discriminates against the young and unmarried.
In the Army, troops under the age of 37 pay for their rooms in barracks, known as Single Living Accommodation.
But it is free for troops who are older.
All three forces waive the fees for married personnel.
The National Audit Office said “waivers related to age and marital status could be discriminatory”.
It warned the MoD to change its rules but nothing has been done.
Lawyers said the average payout could be £10,000 per person, including a £3,000 lump sum for discrimination and a top-up based on rent paid.
Ex-paratrooper Alfie Usher, whose compensation company Claims Bible is joining the legal fight, said: “The MoD has never had a class action quite like this.
“There are 80,000 personnel who could be eligible.”
Anyone paying for Single Living Accommodation could be due compensation.
