Your Complete Guide to Military Pensions and Support (2026)

Your Armed Forces pension is one of the most valuable benefits you'll ever receive — and one of the most misunderstood. Unlike most workplace pensions, you don't contribute a penny. The Ministry of Defence funds it entirely through your service. But what you receive, and when, depends on which scheme you're on — and a major set of changes is still rolling out in 2026 that could directly affect your entitlement.

This guide explains everything clearly: which scheme applies to you, when you can access your pension, what your family is entitled to, and where to get free, trusted support.

Which Armed Forces Pension Scheme Are You On?

There are four main schemes, determined by when you joined and how you served. Getting this right is the starting point for everything else.

AFPS 75 — For Those Who Left Before April 2005

A final salary scheme based on your rank and length of service at the point of leaving.

• Who it covers: Regular personnel who left before 6 April 2005
• Immediate pension: Yes — after 22 years (other ranks) or 16 years (officers)
• Minimum service: 2 years
• Key features: Generous commutation options (exchange pension income for a tax-free lump sum), resettlement grant, enhanced survivor benefits, and ill-health tiers

AFPS 05 — For Those Who Joined Between April 2005 and March 2015

A career average scheme, with benefits paid later than AFPS 75 for most leavers.

• Who it covers: Regulars who joined between 6 April 2005 and 31 March 2015
• Immediate pension: No, unless you leave aged 55 or over
• Early Departure Payment (EDP): Yes — if you leave aged 40–55 with 18+ years' service
• Minimum service: 2 years
• Key features: No automatic lump sum, but you can commute up to 25% of your pension. Pension payable at 65, with reductions for taking it earlier.

AFPS 15 — For Those Who Joined After April 2015 (or Transitioned)

A Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme — the current default for serving personnel.

• Who it covers: Regulars and reservists who joined after 1 April 2015, or who transitioned under the 2015 reforms
• Immediate pension: No, unless you leave aged 60 or over
• Early Departure Payment (EDP): Yes — for Regulars leaving aged 40–60 with 20+ years' service
• Minimum service: 2 years
• Key features: Pension builds year-by-year at a 1/47th accrual rate, with annual revaluation. Normal pension age is linked to State Pension age.

RFPS 05 — For Full-Time Reservists

• Who it covers: Full-time reservists
• Immediate pension: No, unless over 60
• Early Departure Payment: Not available
• Minimum service: Just one day of service qualifies you for a pension payable at 60
• Key features: All periods of service are paid at age 60

The 2026 Update: McCloud Remedy and Remediable Service Statements

If you served between 2015 and 2023, there's something you need to act on.

The McCloud Remedy resolved a legal ruling that found the 2015 pension reforms were discriminatory. As a result, Veterans UK is issuing Remediable Service Statements (RSS) to affected personnel — a process running from now through to early 2026.

What Is an RSS?

An RSS sets out your pension options for the period of service affected by the remedy (2015–2022). You'll be asked to choose which scheme you want applied to that period.

Immediate Choice group — If you left the Armed Forces between 2015 and 2023 and are already receiving a pension or Early Departure Payment, you'll receive your RSS first. You'll have 12 months from receipt to choose between your legacy scheme (AFPS 75 or AFPS 05) or AFPS 15 for that period of service.

Deferred Choice group — If you're still serving, or you've left but aren't yet drawing your pension, your choice point comes when your pension becomes payable.

If you don't actively choose, the default is your legacy scheme — but it's worth understanding the difference before that decision is made for you. Visit GOV.UK for more advice.

Can I Access My Armed Forces Pension Early?

It depends on your scheme and circumstances.

Through Early Departure Payments (EDP): Depending on your scheme, you may qualify for an EDP if you leave before normal pension age but have completed sufficient service (18 years under AFPS 05; 20 years under AFPS 15) and are aged 40 or over. Taking benefits early typically means a reduced income for life — so it's worth modelling the numbers before deciding.

Through ill-health discharge: If you're unable to work due to physical or mental health conditions arising from service, you may be able to access your pension early — with different tiers of benefit depending on your capacity to work.

Through compensation schemes: These sit separately from your pension entirely:

• War Pension Scheme (WPS) — for injuries, illness, or death caused by service before 6 April 2005
• Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) — for injuries or illness caused by service after 6 April 2005

How to Claim Your Armed Forces Pension: Step by Step

1. Check which scheme(s) you're on. If you're still serving, check JPA or your most recent annual pension statement. If you've left, contact Veterans UK.
2. Gather your documents. You'll need your service number, discharge date, and details of any previous claims.
3. Submit AFPS PenForm 1 to Veterans UK.
4. Allow processing time. Claims typically take 8–12 weeks — apply early, especially around discharge.
5. Keep your details up to date. Always inform Veterans UK of any change of address or bank details to avoid missed payments.
6. Request a pension forecast. This is free via Veterans UK and gives you a clear picture before making major decisions about your career or finances.
   For personalised help, the Forces Pension Society offers 1-to-1 guidance and member resources. You can find further pension opportunities for veterans and military families on Troopr.

Life After Service: Making Your Pension Work for You

Transitioning into civilian life brings new goals: home ownership, family time, or a second career. Your pension can support those if you plan smartly.

Top ways to stretch your pension

• Budget for the long term. Use tools like the Money Helper Calculator to estimate future costs.
• Consider part-time work or consulting. Many veterans blend pension income with flexible civilian roles. Search for our latest job opportunities. 
• Explore Forces-friendly financial advisors. Remember - financial advice isn’t only for the very wealthy! There are specialist, Forces-friendly advisers and programmes who understand the unique circumstances of those who serve or have served. Whether you’re just leaving the Forces, transitioning to civilian life, or planning your longer-term future, personalised advice can help you avoid pitfalls and take informed steps, whatever your income level. Here are three who offer free advice: 
• Forces MoneyPlan: Free, confidential one-off consultation with a qualified financial adviser for serving personnel and veterans. 
• The Royal British Legion – Offers specialist debt and financial guidance for veterans, service personnel and families. 
• Citizens Advice – Free independent advice on money, benefits and general financial issues for the Armed Forces community.
• Protect your family. Review life-cover and survivor-benefit nominations regularly.

Protecting Your Family. Survivor Benefits Explained

Your pension doesn’t just support you, it protects those you care about most. Every Armed Forces Pension Scheme includes survivor benefits that provide an income to your spouse, civil partner, or eligible dependents after your death.

Here’s how it works:

AFPS 75

• Survivor pensions are normally paid only to a legal spouse or civil partner.
• Unmarried partners are not eligible.
• Widow(er)’s pensions are usually based on the member’s rank and pensionable service.
• Benefits generally continue for life, unless the survivor remarries or enters a new civil partnership (rules vary slightly between officers and other ranks).

AFPS 05

• Recognises eligible partners, including long-term unmarried partners, if the relationship was financially interdependent.
• Survivor pensions continue for life, regardless of remarriage or new partnerships.
• Benefits are based on the member’s career average pension, so payments reflect accrued service.

AFPS 15

• Similar partner recognition to AFPS 05, reinforcing support for long-term partners.
• Survivor pensions are paid for life, with no loss on remarriage.
  Includes standardised modern survivor benefits aligned with other public sector schemes.

Children’s Pensions (all schemes)

• Payable to age 17.
• Continue to age 23 if the child remains in full-time education.
• Can be extended for children who are incapacitated (dependent on circumstances).

Need help understanding entitlements? Troopr signposts verified resources, including the Forces Pension Society and MOD Gov.UK pages. 

Trusted Support for Veteran Financial Planning

In 2025, there’s more support than ever for veterans navigating pensions and post-service finances. You don’t have to go it alone, and choosing the right partner can make a huge difference.

Top trusted sources for armed forces pension advice (2025):

• Forces Pension Society: Independent experts offering tailored help for all schemes.
• One Financial Solution
• Forces Mutual: Specialises in Forces-friendly insurance and savings products.
• SSAFA
• The Royal British Legion : Provide holistic welfare and financial guidance.

Troopr brings these trusted organisations together, so you can find verified, Forces-friendly support quickly.

Smart Moves for a Secure Future (2025 and Beyond)

Retirement isn’t about slowing down, it’s about gaining control. The earlier you start planning, the more options you’ll have!

What to do next? 

1. Get your pension forecast early. Don’t wait until discharge, it’s free via Veterans UK.
2. Understand your tax position. Some pension payments affect tax codes or benefits.
3. Review your benefits annually. Especially after life events like marriage or new employment.
4. Stay informed. Pension rules evolve, check updates on Troopr or via GOV.UK.
5. Budget and know your entitlements. Find out more on our dedicated finance page.

Discover opportunities and expert financial and Armed Forces Pension advice on Troopr today

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Armed Forces Pension Scheme work?
The AFPS is a defined benefit scheme — your pension is based on your final salary or career average earnings, plus your years of service. You don't make personal contributions. Your service builds your entitlement automatically, with the MoD funding the scheme on your behalf.

What's the difference between AFPS 75, AFPS 05, and AFPS 15?
AFPS 75 is a final salary scheme with earlier access for those with sufficient service. AFPS 05 is career average, with benefits generally paid from age 65. AFPS 15 is a career average revalued earnings scheme, with pension age linked to State Pension age. Each has different rules on lump sums, retirement ages, and survivor benefits.

Can I claim my military pension early?
Yes, in certain circumstances — through Early Departure Payments (if you have sufficient service and are aged 40+), through ill-health provisions, or by taking benefits early with an actuarial reduction. Getting advice before making this decision is strongly recommended.

How is my Armed Forces pension taxed?
Your pension income is taxed as regular income according to your tax band. You do not pay National Insurance on it. Tax-free lump sums remain exempt from income tax. Your Armed Forces pension has no effect on your State Pension.

What happens to my pension if I die?
All AFPS schemes include survivor benefits for spouses or civil partners. AFPS 05 and AFPS 15 also extend benefits to eligible long-term unmarried partners. Dependent children may also qualify for a children's pension. The amount varies by scheme and service record.

What is the McCloud Remedy?
A legal ruling found that the 2015 pension reforms were discriminatory. The McCloud Remedy gives affected personnel the opportunity to choose which scheme applies to their 2015–2022 service — legacy scheme or AFPS 15. Veterans UK is issuing Remediable Service Statements to those affected. If you served during this period, check whether you need to act.

Does my Armed Forces pension affect my State Pension?
No. Your Armed Forces pension is entirely separate from your State Pension entitlement and sits alongside it.

Find verified, Forces-friendly financial support and pension resources on Troopr.