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🎖 Veterans & Armed Forces Guide
Veterans' Rights in the UK: Benefits, Housing & Support in 2026
Left the armed forces and not sure what you're entitled to? This page covers the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and the War Pension Scheme, and points reservists to their civilian job rights.
✅ Last checked: 25 September 2026📚 Sources: GOV.UK, Veterans UK, MOD🇬🇧 Applies across the UK
Looking for armed forces compensation? Read the guide checked on 25 September 2026: which scheme applies, the 7-year AFCS time limit, fast payments, the War Pension Scheme, reconsideration and appeals in each UK nation (whole UK): armed forces compensation.
⚖ Know Your Rights at a Glance
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS): for injury, illness or death caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. You can claim while serving or after leaving.
War Pension Scheme: for injury, illness or death caused by service before 6 April 2005, for people who are no longer serving. No time limit, but paid only from the date of the claim.
AFCS time limit: normally 7 years from the earliest of 4 dates, one of which is your discharge date.
Disagree with a decision: ask Veterans UK to look at it again, then appeal to an independent tribunal within 12 months of the decision letter.
Compensation
The AFCS pays a tax-free lump sum for pain and suffering, and for some injuries a Guaranteed Income Payment, a tax-free, index-linked monthly payment. The War Pension Scheme pays a tax-free lump sum for disablement of less than 20% or a tax-free pension for disablement of more than 20%. The armed forces compensation guide sets out the time limits, fast payments, reconsideration and appeals.
Reservists
If you are a reservist, your former civilian employer must take you back after full-time service if you apply in writing. MOD guidance (JSP 532) says to apply no later than the third Monday after your last day of full-time service. See the armed forces rights guide.
What this page does not cover
Housing, health and mental health services, and other support for veterans are not covered here. Ask Veterans UK, your GP, your local council or Citizens Advice (Advice NI in Northern Ireland).
Frequently asked questions
How do I claim armed forces compensation?
Use the claim form on the GOV.UK page Apply for Armed Forces Compensation or a War Pension, or ask the Veterans UK helpline (0808 1914 218) for a copy. You do not need a paid representative: free independent advice is available from the Veterans Welfare Service and service charities.
How long do I have to claim under the AFCS?
An AFCS claim must normally be made within 7 years of the earliest of: the incident that led to the injury or illness, the date service made a condition worse, for an illness the date you first sought medical advice for it, or your discharge date. Later claims are accepted only in some circumstances, such as ill health stopping you claiming: ask Veterans UK.
I left the forces years ago. Can I still get a War Pension?
The War Pension Scheme covers injury or illness caused by service before 6 April 2005 and is for people who are no longer serving. There is no time limit for claiming, but an award is only paid from the date of your claim.
What if I disagree with a decision?
For an AFCS decision, ask for a reconsideration in writing within 12 months of the date of the decision. For a War Pension decision, ask Veterans UK for a review. You can appeal to an independent tribunal within 12 months of the date of your decision letter.
📞 Free help and support
Veterans UK: 0808 1914 218 (freephone, UK only, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm), veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Veterans Welfare Service: free independent advice about claiming
Citizens Advice (England): 0800 144 8848
⚠ Important disclaimer: This page covers armed forces compensation across the UK, checked on 25 September 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice. Verify with Veterans UK, GOV.UK or Citizens Advice before acting. ukworkrights.co.uk — Not a law firm.
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