This section provides an overview of  sources of information for both military and state pensions. Review the documentation, the library articles and the links to government and authoritative websites to find the expert advice you need.

Ex-Service Personnel Pensions Guide

Armed Forces Pensions
There are two Armed Forces pension schemes for members of the Regular Armed Forces. The first was introduced in 1975 and was closed to new entrants from 6 April 2005. This is known as AFPS 75. On 6 April 2005 two new schemes were introduced, the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2005 (AFPS 05) for new entrants to the Regular Armed Forces, and the Reserve Forces Pension Scheme (RFPS) for members of the Reserve Forces. Members of AFPS 75 were given the opportunity to transfer to AFPS 05 on 6 April 2006.  There are also booklets available to explain how these schemes apply if you are medically discharged. Please see the Ill Health Benefits section of the MOD Website.

Armed Forces Redundancy Schemes
The redundancy scheme that applies will depend on when you joined the Armed Forces. Refer to the external links section below for more detail.

War Widow's or War Widower's pension
If your husband, wife or civil partner died as a result of serving in the Armed Forces, you may get a War Widow’s or War Widower's pension. This is based on your husband, wife or civil partner's pay.

For more information, contact the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency.

If you have health problems because of being in the Armed Forces, you may be entitled to payments under the war pension scheme or the Armed Forces compensation scheme (AFCS).

Useful Organisations
More detailed support is available for members of the Forces Pension Society.

Financial Aspects of Resettlement (FAR) Briefs
Pensions are discussed in the Financial Aspects of Resettlement (FAR) Briefs. Find the next available date for this briefing and plan to attend.

State Pensions
The Basic State Pension is the main component of the State Pension. This may be based on your own or your spouse’s National Insurance record. Links to the government websites can be found in the External links section below under State Pensions.

For further information about spouses’ and civil partners’ pensions calculations, please see the ‘Access to contributory state benefits for spouses and civil partners of members of the armed forces’ document.