War Pension Scheme (WPS) Explained

The War Pension Scheme compensates veterans for injury or illness caused by service before 6 April 2005. Anything on or after that date falls under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme instead.

How it's paid depends on how your disablement is assessed. Above 20% it's an ongoing tax-free War Disablement Pension, paid weekly or monthly. Below 20% it's a one-off tax-free gratuity. The exception is noise-induced hearing loss assessed below 20%, which gets neither.

It covers physical and mental health conditions, and there are supplementary allowances on top for specific needs — mobility, or constant attendance.

There's no time limit on claiming. But payments run from the date you apply rather than the date of the injury, so a delayed claim costs you the arrears.

Who is eligible?

You need to be no longer serving, and your disablement has to have arisen from service before 6 April 2005.

It covers former members of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Some civilians who served in specific roles can also qualify, including Merchant Navy personnel and war correspondents.

You'll need to show the condition is linked to your service. Medical records and service records both help, and Veterans UK may arrange a medical examination.

Free help with a claim is available from the Veterans Welfare Service and the service charities. You don't need to pay anyone to represent you.

What benefits does this provide?

  • The 20% threshold decides the form of the award: Disablement assessed above 20% is paid as an ongoing tax-free War Disablement Pension, weekly or monthly. Assessed below 20%, it is paid as a one-off tax-free gratuity instead. Noise-induced hearing loss assessed below 20% receives neither.
  • Treatment allowance: Payable where you need treatment for the accepted condition.
  • Lump Sum Payments: Offers one-time payments for certain injuries or conditions.
  • Supplementary Allowances: Includes additional financial support for specific needs, such as mobility or constant attendance.
  • Medical Treatment: Covers costs for medical care related to the service-related condition.
  • Funeral Expenses: Offers financial assistance for funeral costs in certain circumstances.
  • Widow(er) and Dependent Benefits: Provides support for spouses and dependents of deceased veterans.
  • Appeals Process: Allows veterans to appeal decisions regarding their claims.
  • Tax-Free: All payments under the WPS are tax-free.
  • No Time Limit: Claims can be made at any time after leaving service — unlike the AFCS, which has a 7-year limit. Payments run from the date you apply, though, not from the date of the injury, so a delayed claim costs you the arrears.
  • Additional Support: Access to advice and guidance on related benefits and services.

How do I apply?

  • Check Eligibility: Ensure you have served in the UK Armed Forces and your injury or illness is related to your service before 6 April 2005.
  • Gather Documentation: Collect necessary documents such as medical records, service history, and any previous claims.
  • Complete the Application Form: Obtain the War Pension Scheme application form (WPS001) from the Veterans UK website or request a paper copy.
  • Submit the Application: Send the completed form and supporting documents to Veterans UK by post or email.
  • Await Assessment: Veterans UK will assess your claim, which may include a medical examination.
  • Receive Decision: You will receive a decision letter detailing the outcome and any awarded pension.
  • Appeal if Necessary: If dissatisfied, you can appeal the decision through the Veterans UK appeals process.

Common questions

Who can claim a War Pension?

Anyone no longer serving whose disablement arose from service before 6 April 2005. On or after that date it is the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme instead.

Is a War Pension paid as a lump sum or a regular payment?

It depends on the assessment. Above 20% disablement is paid as an ongoing tax-free War Disablement Pension. Below 20% it is a one-off tax-free gratuity, except for noise-induced hearing loss below 20%, which receives neither.

Is there a time limit to claim a War Pension?

No. You can claim at any time after leaving service. Payments run from the date you apply, though, so a delayed claim costs you the arrears.

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Last reviewed 26 August 2026 by Brittany Belt, Co-founder and COO