Log In/Register

Your Complete Guide to Military Pensions and Support (2025)

How to understand what you’re owed, avoid common pitfalls, and make the most of your Armed Forces pension.

military person in uniform using a calculator

Veterans are planners by nature. You’ve managed operations and missions, but now it’s time to plan the next one: your financial future. If you’re looking for Armed Forces pension advice, this guide breaks down the steps, schemes, and support that can help you make the most of what you’ve earned.

What Makes Military Pensions Different and Why It Matters in 2025

Unlike many civilian schemes, Armed Forces Pensions are non-contributory. The MoD pays in on your behalf throughout your service. But your exact benefits depend on when you joined and which scheme(s) you fall under.

Here’s the simplest breakdown you’ll find:

AFPS 75

Who it’s for: Joined before 6 April 2005
Type: Final salary pension
Key features:

  • Pension based on rank and length of service.
  • Immediate pension after 22 years (other ranks) or 16 years (officers).
  • Generous commutation options (exchange pension for tax-free lump sum).
  • Includes resettlement grant, enhanced survivor benefits, and ill-health tiers.

AFPS 05

Who it’s for: Joined between 6 April 2005–31 March 2015
Type: Career average pension with some final salary elements
Key features:

  • No automatic lump sum, but members can commute up to 25% of the pension.
  • Resettlement grant for those leaving before pension age.
  • Early Departure Payment (EDP) if leaving with 18+ years' service and age 40+.
  • Pension payable at 65, with actuarial reductions for taking it early.

AFPS 15

Who it’s for: Anyone joining after 1 April 2015 (or transitioned under the 2015 reforms)
Type: Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE)
Key features:

  • Pension builds year-by-year based on a 1/47th accrual rate plus annual revaluation.
  • Normal retirement age linked to State Pension age.
  • EDP for those who served 20 years and reached age 40.

The Big 2025 Change: McCloud Remedy & RSS Statements

Transitional changes are still rolling out - and this affects every serving member and many veterans, following the McCloud remedy.

Remediable Service Statements (RSS): What You Need to Know

Veterans UK are issuing RSSs between now and Dec 2025 – Mar 2026.

There are two groups:

1. Immediate Choice

For people who left the military between 2015–2023 with pensions/EDPs.

→ You’ll get 12 months to choose which scheme (legacy or AFPS 15) you want for 2015–2022 service.

2. Deferred Choice

For serving members and those not yet drawing a pension.

→ You choose at the point your pension becomes payable.

If you don’t choose, the default is your legacy scheme — so it’s worth understanding the difference in benefits.

Veterans UK have published an ‘easy to read’ AFPS15 Remedy booklet on GOV.UK - worth a look. 

How to Claim Your Armed Forces Pension: Step by Step

Whether you’re weeks from discharge or decades into retirement, claiming your pension correctly prevents delays.

Here’s how:

  1. Check your eligibility. Confirm which AFPS scheme(s) you’re part of by checking on your JPA if you are still serving - and/or your annual pension statement.
  2. Gather documents. Have your service number, discharge date, and any previous claims handy.
  3. Submit AFPS PenForm 1 to Veterans UK.
  4. Wait for confirmation. Processing can take 8–12 weeks, so apply early.
  5. Update your details. Always inform Veterans UK of address or bank changes to avoid missed payments.

For personalised help, the Forces Pension Society offers 1-to-1 guidance and member resources. You can find further support and advice on Troopr here.

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 dependants 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):

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.