War Pensions Scheme - How much can I get from the War Pensions Scheme?

Serving Personnel and Veterans

The basic War Pension is worked out based on your degree of disability as a percentage. If you are assessed at 20% or more then you will receive a weekly pension. If you are assessed at less than 20% you will receive a one-off lump sum payment instead.

If you get a War Pension, you may also be entitled to extra allowances.

See Gov.UK website for War Pensions Scheme rates from April 2024. 

Bereaved partner of serving Armed Forces Personnel

The War Pension Scheme includes a War Widow/Widower’s Pension which has a higher rate and a lower rate.

You will get the lower rate unless you fit one of the following criteria for the higher rate:

•    You are the widow/widower of an officer above the rank of Major or equivalent; or
•    You are aged 40 or over; or
•    You are under 40 and getting an allowance for a child; or
•    You are under 40 and unable to support yourself financially.

Christmas Bonus

If you receive a War Widow/Widower's Pension, you also qualify for a Christmas Bonus each year. This is usually £10. You do not need to make a claim for the bonus as it is paid automatically. It does not affect any other benefits you might get.

How will I be paid from the War Pensions Scheme?

Payments are made directly into your bank, building society or other account providers.

War Pensions Scheme and other benefits

If you receive additional allowances on top of your basic War Pension, some of these extra allowances may affect your entitlement to other means-tested benefits . You must inform the relevant benefit offices, local authorities and tax credit office if you receive payment under the War Pension Scheme.

Benefit cap and the War Pensions Scheme

If you receive a War Pension or War Widow/Widower's Pension, your household will be exempt from the Benefit Cap.