War Pensions Scheme - Can I apply to the War Pensions Scheme?

Serving Personnel and Veterans

You might be able to get financial help from the War Pensions Scheme if you have an illness or injury caused by service in the Armed Forces before 6 April 2005 and are no longer serving in the Armed Forces.

If you have an illness or injury caused by service in the Armed Forces on or after 6 April 2005, you might get help from the Armed Forces Compensation scheme instead.

Bereaved partners of serving Armed Forces Personnel

You may be entitled to a War Widow's/Widower's Pension from the War Pensions Scheme if your spouse’s or civil partner’s death was a result of their service in the Armed Forces before 6th April 2005.

If the death happened on or after 6th April 2005 whilst still serving in Armed Forces, you may qualify for the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme instead.

You are not entitled to a War Widow's/Widower's Pension as well as a Bereavement benefit. However, the War Widow's/Widower's Pension is usually paid at a higher rate and is tax-free.