| Code | DS/UK/8924 |
| Name | Chelsea Pensioners (1689-) |
| Dates | 1689- |
| Gender | Group (Mixed) |
| Place of Birth/Origin | Chelsea, London, England (formed) |
| Relationships | Notable Events:
The Chelsea Pensioners were among the first to be included in the UK's rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations, having received their first dose in 2020. |
| Biography | A Chelsea pensioner is an in-pensioner at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a retirement home and nursing home for former members of the British Army located in Chelsea, London. Historically, however, the phrase applied more widely, referring to both in-pensioners and out-pensioners.
To be eligible for admission as a Chelsea Pensioner a candidate must be a former soldier or non-commissioned officer of the British Army or a former officer of the British Army who served in the ranks for at least 12 years or was awarded a disablement pension while serving in the ranks. They must be over 65 years of age, be able to live independently on the Long Wards on arrival at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and be free of any financial obligation to support a spouse or family. |