What you're entitled to — and how to get it

🏅 War Pension Scheme

If you have an illness or injury caused by service before 6 April 2005, you may be eligible for a War Pension. This is a weekly, tax-free payment.

Who can claim

• Former service personnel with a disablement caused or made worse by service before 6 April 2005
• Widows, widowers, and surviving civil partners of veterans who died as a result of service
• Civilian casualties of World War II

What it covers

• Physical injuries and conditions
• Mental health conditions including PTSD
• Conditions caused or aggravated by service even if diagnosed after leaving

🪖 Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)

The AFCS covers injuries, illness, and death caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. It provides a lump sum payment and, for more serious cases, a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) — a tax-free monthly income for life.

Tariff levels

Injuries are assessed on a tariff from 1 (most serious) to 15 (least serious). Level 1 injuries attract a lump sum of up to £650,000 plus a GIP. Mental health conditions including PTSD are fully covered.

Time limits

You must claim within 7 years of leaving service, or 7 years from when your condition was diagnosed — whichever is later. Don't wait.

💰 Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP is not a military benefit — it's available to anyone with a long-term health condition or disability that affects daily living. Many veterans are entitled to it and don't claim it.

PIP has two components:

• Daily Living — if your condition affects personal care, communication, managing medication, and so on
• Mobility — if your condition affects getting around

Each component has a standard and enhanced rate. PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, TBI, and neurodivergent conditions can all qualify.

How to claim PIP

Call DWP on 0800 917 2222 to start a claim. Be honest and describe your worst days, not your best.

📋 Universal Credit

If you're on a low income, out of work, or unable to work due to a health condition, you may be entitled to Universal Credit. If you have a health condition that limits your ability to work, you should be placed in the Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) group, which significantly increases your payment and removes work requirements.

• PTSD, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and neurodivergent conditions can qualify for LCWRA
• You'll need a Work Capability Assessment — again, describe your worst days
• Get support from Citizens Advice or SSAFA when completing forms

🏥 NHS Priority Treatment

Veterans are entitled to priority NHS treatment for any condition related to their service. This is enshrined in the NHS Constitution.

• Tell your GP and any healthcare provider that you're a veteran
• Your service-related conditions should be prioritised
• Op COURAGE provides specialist NHS mental health services specifically for veterans — you can self-refer without going through your GP
• Some areas have veteran-friendly GP practices — ask your local NHS

🏠 Housing Support

Veterans in housing difficulty have specific rights and access to specialist support.

• Local authority housing — veterans must be given reasonable preference on housing waiting lists. If you're being turned away, challenge it.
• SPACES — specialist housing support from Alabaré for veterans
• Veterans Aid — emergency accommodation and crisis support
• SSAFA — welfare support including housing assistance
• Help for Heroes — adapted housing for injured veterans

📬 Other Entitlements

🤝 Get help claiming

Claiming benefits is confusing and stressful. These organisations will help you for free: