Service
Before 6 April 2005
The scheme is run by Veterans UK, part of the Ministry of Defence. For injuries from service on or after 6 April 2005, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme applies instead, but you do not need to know which scheme fits before you claim.
Quick facts
- Service
- Before 6 April 2005
- Under 20% disablement
- Tax-free lump sum
- Over 20% disablement
- Tax-free pension, weekly or monthly
- Time limit
- None, but paid from date of claim
- Helpline
- 0808 1914 218
Who can claim
You can claim if you are no longer serving in the armed forces and your disablement arose before 6 April 2005. Claims can be for physical and mental health conditions. Close family can also claim if the death was caused by service, through separate bereavement guidance.
If you were medically discharged, Veterans UK may look at your entitlement automatically. You do not have to do anything.
How much it pays
The amount depends on how disabled you are, as a percentage. Below 20% you get a tax-free lump sum, called a gratuity. Above 20% you get a tax-free pension, paid weekly or monthly. Parliament sets the rates, and they rise each year in line with the consumer price index.
For noise-induced hearing loss, nothing is paid if your disablement is less than 20%. Other payments for the same condition can reduce your War Pension, because you cannot be paid twice.
How to claim
Gather your service and medical details
You need your National Insurance number, service dates, your doctor's details and any hospitals that treated you.
Claim online on GOV.UK
Use the Apply for Armed Forces Compensation or a War Pension service with your email address.
Or ask for a paper form
Call the Veterans UK Helpline on 0808 1914 218, Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.
Watch for the acknowledgement
You will get an acknowledgement within 5 working days of your claim arriving.
Reply quickly if asked for more evidence
You have three months to send extra information, or your claim will be closed.
Things to watch
You do not need a solicitor or claims company. Free independent advice is available from the Veterans Welfare Service or charities. A no-win no-fee firm usually keeps a share of your payment.
If you disagree with a decision, ask Veterans UK to review it. There is no time limit for asking for a review. If you still think it is wrong, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
If you get a War Pension and another condition was also caused by service before 6 April 2005, you can claim for that further condition.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
In Northern Ireland
- Appealing from Northern Ireland
- In Northern Ireland, send the appeal form to Veterans UK.
In England, Scotland and Wales
- Veterans UK Helpline (also for a paper claim form)
- 0808 1914 218
- Veterans UK
- veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
- Claim online (you need an email address)
- GOV.UK: Apply for Armed Forces Compensation or a War Pension
- Acknowledgement
- You get an acknowledgement within 5 working days. Claims are dealt with in the order they arrive.
- How long a decision takes
- Claims can take many months, depending on your circumstances.
- If you disagree with the decision
- If you think Veterans UK missed some facts, ask it to review your claim.
- Appeal time limit
- You have 12 months from the date of your decision letter to appeal.
From the official pages (gov.uk), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is the War Pension Scheme?
Tax-free compensation from Veterans UK for injury, illness or death caused by armed forces service before 6 April 2005.
Is there a time limit to claim a War Pension?
No. But any award is only paid from the date of your claim.
Is a War Pension taxed?
No. Both the lump sum and the ongoing pension are tax free.
Can I claim a War Pension for PTSD?
Claims can be made for both physical and mental health conditions caused or made worse by service.
What is the War Pensions contact number?
The Veterans UK Helpline is 0808 1914 218, Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm.