If you or someone you know has served in the British Armed Forces, there’s a lesser-known scheme that could offer additional financial aid. The Government-led War Pension Scheme (WPS) can provide as much as £12,262 annually to eligible individuals, although this is subject to various factors.
Primarily, the compensation is only available to those who have suffered an illness, condition or injury caused by His Majesty’s Armed Forces before April 6, 2005. This includes not just the British Army, but also several other services, including the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Coastguard service and Nursing service.
Those who meet the criteria may be eligible for one of two types of WPS, depending on personal levels of ‘disablement’. A medical advisor measures this score, which ranges from 1 to 100%, with the latter being the most severe.
Generally, a tax-free lump sum is awarded to people with ‘disablement less than 20%’, while an ongoing tax-free payment is given in cases of ‘disablement more than 20%’. These payments may be made weekly or monthly.
Physical and mental health conditions are covered by this scheme, however, individuals with Noise-Induced Sensorineural Hearing Loss and a disablement less than 20% are not eligible for ongoing payments or a lump sum.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Veterans UK clarifies: “The rules of the scheme and the value of the payments awarded are set by Parliament. The value of the payments increase each year in line with the consumer price index.
“The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme provides compensation for any injury, illness or death which is caused by service on or after 6 April 2005.” Last January, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed a full list of War Pension rates effective until March 2025.
Figures released show that the full rate Disablement Pension stands at £12,262 annually – a climb of £772 since April 2023. Minor injuries also see a one-off gratuity with updated amounts provided below:
| Disablement gratuity (one-off payment): Specified minor injury (min) | £1,403 | £1,497 |
| Disablement gratuity (one-off payment): Specified minor injury (max) | £10,474 | £11,176 |
| Disablement gratuity (one-off payment): 1 – 5% gratuity | £3,502 | £3,737 |
| Disablement gratuity (one-off payment): 6 – 14% gratuity | £7,786 | £8,308 |
| Disablement gratuity (one-off payment): 15 – 19% gratuity | £13,618 | £14,530 |
To file a claim, Brits should visit to the Government’s website where they’ll find an online form. Or, they can request a paper version by phoning the Veterans UK Helpline on 0808 1914 218 on weekdays 8am to 4pm or by emailing veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk.
The Government requires the following details as part of an application:
- Your doctor’s information and any hospitals that have treated you with the condition
- Your bank account information
- Your personal National Insurance number
- Details on your Armed Forces service, including dates served
- Details of charities or welfare advisors helping you make the claim
- The injury or illness you are claiming for and why you think they are related to the Armed Forces
- Email address (if you claim online)
- Other compensation or benefits you currently receive/have received in the past
Online advice adds: “If the person named in the application has ever served with the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF), either directly or in a support role, you must contact the MOD A Block Disclosure Cell before making a claim. You may be asked to apply for Express Prior Authority in Writing (EPAW) and will be given a reference number to quote when you make your claim.
“Email MAB-Disclosures@mod.gov.uk explaining you want to apply for Armed Forces Compensation or a War Pension.”