A little-known initiative can provide some extra financial support if you or someone you know has worked in the British Armed Forces. The Government-led War Pension Scheme (WPS) dishes out as much as £12,262 per year to eligible individuals, although this is dependent on numerous different factors.
First and foremost, the compensation is only available to those who have suffered from an illness, condition or injury caused by the Armed Forces before April 6, 2005. That not only includes the British Army, but other factions like the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Coastguard service and Nursing service too.
Individuals who meet this criteria may then be eligible for one of two types of WPS which are dependant on personal levels of ‘disablement’. Measured by a medical advisor, this score ranges from 1 to 100%, with the latter rank classed as most severe.
To make a claim, Brits can head to the Government’s website to complete an online form
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While a gratuity, tax-free lump sum is generally awarded to people with a ‘disablement less than 20%’, an ongoing tax-free payment will be given in cases of ‘disablement more than 20%’. These instalments may take place either weekly or monthly.
Both physical and mental health conditions are encompassed within 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.
An explanation from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Veterans UK adds: “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.
Last January, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) outlined a full list of War Pension rates for the financial year ending in March 2025
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“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) outlined a full list of War Pension rates for the financial year ending in March 2025.
The full rate Disablement Pension was set as £12,262 per year – £772 up from April 2023. One-off gratuity rates for more minor injuries for the current financial year are also outlined 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 |
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To make a claim, Brits can head to the Government’s website to complete an online form. You can also ask for a paper form by calling 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:
- Email address (if you claim online)
- Details of charities or welfare advisors helping you make the claim
- Your personal National Insurance number
- Details on your Armed Forces service, including dates served
- The injury or illness you are claiming for and why you think they are related to the Armed Forces
- Your doctor’s information and any hospitals that have treated you with the condition
- Other compensation or benefits you currently receive/have received in the past
- Your bank account information
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.”