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Benefits for the Armed Forces Community

View the range of benefits on offer for the Armed Forces Community:

War Pension Scheme

The War Pension Scheme (WPS) compensates veterans for injuries, illnesses, or death caused by service before April 6, 2005. There are two main types of WPS awards:

Gratuity: A lump sum payment for disablement less than 20%.

Pension: Ongoing weekly or monthly payments for disablement more than 20%.

The scheme’s rules and payment values are set by Parliament and increase annually with the consumer price index. If your condition is Noise-Induced Sensorineural Hearing Loss with less than 20% disablement, no pension or lump sum will be paid. Claims have no time limits, but awards start from the claim date.

To request a paper form for the War Pension Scheme (WPS), you can contact Veterans UK via their helpline or email. Here are the details:

Telephone: 0808 191 4218

Email: veterans-uk@mod.uk

Armed Forces compensation scheme

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) compensates for any injury, illness, or death caused by service on or after April 6, 2005. It provides two main types of awards:

A tax-free lump sum payment for pain and suffering.

A Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP)—a tax-free, index-linked monthly payment.

The scheme is separate from other personal accident cover and aims to provide compensation regardless of fault. If you’re no longer serving and your disablement resulted from service before April 2005, you can claim under the War Pension Scheme (WPS).

To contact the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), you can reach out to Veterans UK using the following details:

Telephone: 0808 191 4218

Address: Veterans UK, Ministry of Defence, Norcross, Thornton Cleveleys, FY5 3WP

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a welfare benefit in the United Kingdom designed to assist working-age adults with the extra costs associated with living with a health condition or disability. It provides support for daily living needs and mobility requirements. PIP is not means-tested and can be received both while working and out of work.

Contact for PIP Claims:

Telephone: 0800 917 2222

Textphone: 0800 917 7777

Opening times: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who have personal care needs. This could include assistance with tasks like dressing, washing, or eating. To be eligible, you need regular support throughout the day, night, or both. You can use Attendance Allowance to cover various costs related to your care.

You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline using the following details:

Telephone: 0800 731 0122

Textphone: 0800 731 0317

Royal British Legion Grants

The Royal British Legion provides financial support to the Armed Forces community through various grants:

Immediate Needs Grants: These help individuals facing emergencies by providing crisis assistance.

Mobility Aids and Equipment: Funding for home adaptations or new equipment to enhance mobility.

Funding to Study Abroad: Postgraduates can study in South Korea with RBL funding.

External Grants: Support for not-for-profit organisations benefiting the Armed Forces community.

Veterans Medical Funds: Assistance for veterans with hearing loss and serious physical injury.

Cost of Living Grants: Available for sudden expenses you cannot afford.

For more details, visit the Royal British Legion Grants page: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/financial-and-employment-support/finance/grants

Defence Discount Card

The Defence Discount Service provides discounts both online and on the high street for members of the Armed Forces, Veterans, and the Armed Forces Community. You can register to get the Defence Privilege Card, which allows you to obtain military discounts in participating stores, restaurants, and venues across the UK.

For more details, visit the Defence Discount Service website: https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk/

Blue Light Discount Card

The Blue Light Card is a discount service designed specifically for people working in our emergency services, the NHS, the social care sector, and the armed forces. This discount card can be used at thousands of different retailers across the UK, both in store and online.

You can register for the Blue Light Card for just £4.99 and access thousands of discounts online and on the high street, including fashion, tech, travel, and more.

For more details, visit the Blue Light Card website: https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/

Veteran Railcard

The Veterans Railcard is a discount card that allows UK Veterans and Merchant Mariners to get 1/3 off Standard and First-Class tickets for travel throughout the National Rail network in England, Scotland, and Wales. It also provides 60% off child fares.

You can buy or renew the Veterans Railcard online and have it available on your phone or wallet for easy access during your travels.

For more details, visit the Veteran Railcard website: https://www.veterans-railcard.co.uk/

Free Swimming for Veterans

On Armed Forces Day 2023, the Welsh Government announced the continuation of the Armed Forces Free Swimming scheme. This initiative allows serving members of the armed forces and veterans in Wales to swim for free at participating leisure centres and pools, using their Defence Privilege Card. The scheme aims to promote physical and mental well-being among the armed forces community.

For more details, please contact your local leisure centre.

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