Military Legal Services · Information Only
War Pensions Scheme
Compensation for Injuries & Illnesses Caused by Service Before 6 April 2005
This page provides information about the War Pensions Scheme. Please note that PDA Law does not handle War Pension Scheme claims — see the notice below for details of what we can help with.
Important: PDA Law Does Not Handle War Pension Scheme Claims
We are able to provide information about the War Pensions Scheme, but we do not act for clients in War Pension Scheme applications or appeals. If you need representation for a War Pension Scheme matter, you should seek advice from a specialist in that area.
However, if you have a War Pension Scheme application and you also have a separate claim — for example, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) caused by military service — we may be able to help with that related claim. Many veterans with a War Pension application also have an NIHL or tinnitus claim that falls outside the WPS and can be pursued independently.
What is the War Pensions Scheme?
The War Pensions Scheme (WPS) is a no-fault compensation scheme for veterans and serving personnel who suffered an injury, illness or death caused by service in the UK Armed Forces before 6 April 2005. It is administered by Veterans UK.
The main benefit under the WPS is the War Disablement Pension — a weekly payment based on the assessed level of disablement caused by service. Additional allowances may be available depending on the severity of the condition.
Injured after 6 April 2005? The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) applies instead.
War Pensions Scheme vs AFCS — Key Differences
War Pensions Scheme
- For injuries/illnesses caused by service before 6 April 2005
- Weekly War Disablement Pension based on % disablement
- No strict time limit for claims
- Appeals to First-tier Tribunal
- Additional allowances available (e.g. Constant Attendance Allowance)
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
- For injuries/illnesses caused by service from 6 April 2005
- Lump sum tariff award + possible Guaranteed Income Payment
- 7-year time limit (or 3 years from leaving service)
- Appeals to First-tier Tribunal
- Separate from civil claims against the MOD
War Pensions Scheme — Common Questions
What is the War Pensions Scheme?
The War Pensions Scheme (WPS) provides no-fault compensation for injuries, illnesses and deaths caused by service in the UK Armed Forces before 6 April 2005. It is administered by Veterans UK. For injuries caused by service on or after 6 April 2005, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) applies instead.
Who can claim a War Disablement Pension?
Veterans and serving personnel who suffered an injury or illness caused by service before 6 April 2005 may be entitled to a War Disablement Pension. Widows, widowers and surviving civil partners of service personnel who died as a result of service before 6 April 2005 may be entitled to a War Widow's or War Widower's Pension.
How is a War Disablement Pension calculated?
A War Disablement Pension is calculated as a percentage of the full pension rate, based on the assessed level of disablement caused by service. A 100% assessment results in the full pension rate. Lower percentages result in proportionally lower awards. The assessment is carried out by Veterans UK.
Can I appeal a War Pensions Scheme decision?
Yes. If you are unhappy with a War Pensions Scheme decision — for example, if your claim was rejected or the level of disablement assessed is too low — you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber). You should seek specialist advice on the prospects of a successful appeal.
Is there a time limit for making a War Pension claim?
There is no strict time limit for making a War Pension claim, but claims should be made as soon as possible. Backdating of awards is limited, so early claims generally result in higher total payments. We recommend seeking advice without delay.
Can I claim both a War Pension and a civil claim against the MOD?
In some circumstances, yes. A War Pension and a civil claim against the MOD are separate routes. Any War Pension received will generally be taken into account in civil proceedings. Specialist advice should be sought on the interaction between the two routes.
What PDA Law Can Help With
Although we do not handle War Pension Scheme claims, we specialise in a range of military legal matters. Veterans who have a War Pension application sometimes also have a separate claim that we can assist with — particularly noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) or tinnitus caused by military service.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
Civil claims against the MOD for hearing damage caused by military noise exposure.
Military Tinnitus Claims
Compensation claims for tinnitus caused by service noise.
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Advice on AFCS claims for injuries caused by service from 6 April 2005.
PTSD & Psychiatric Injury
Claims for psychological injuries sustained during military service.
Not sure if your claim falls under the War Pensions Scheme or a separate route? Many veterans have both a WPS application and a civil NIHL or tinnitus claim. These are entirely separate matters — and we can help with the civil claim even if you already have a WPS application in progress. View all military legal services →
Your Military Claims Journey