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War pensions

There are now two different war pension schemes in operation. Neither scheme is means tested. The amount of savings you have does not affect your war pension.

The new scheme

The armed forces compensation scheme (AFCS) replaces the existing war pension scheme and the attributable benefits of the armed forces pension scheme (AFPS) for injuries, illnesses or death caused on or after 6 April 2005. You can find out more information about this scheme on our armed forces compensation scheme factsheet.

The old scheme

This scheme still applies where someone has an injury, illness or death caused before 6 April 2005 and covers a range of benefits. It is paid where someone:

• was injured, wounded or suffered a disease whilst in the armed forces
• was injured as a result of World War Two
• is a dependant of someone whose death  has been caused or "substantially hastened" by any of the above. 

You can find out about the war pensions scheme in more detail in Disability Alliance's Disability Rights Handbook, available at www.disabilityalliance.org/drh33.htm.

How to claim a war pension

You can get claim forms for these schemes by calling the Veterans Helpline on 0800 169 2277 or you can get them from http://www.veterans-uk.info/.

More information

• armed forces compensation scheme - factsheet f20
• disability rights handbook
• gulf war syndrome exists - war pensions appeal tribunal
• veterans uk website

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