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Armed Forces Benefits and Entitlements: What You Can Claim in the UK

Discover the pensions, compensation, grants, and financial support you may be eligible for. This guide breaks down statutory benefits, service-related compensation, pensions, and charitable grants, showing you who qualifies, how to check eligibility, and where to get support — all without unnecessary complexity.

If you’re serving, a veteran, reservist or part of a military family, you may be entitled to financial benefits, compensation, grants or practical support, but many people miss out simply because the system is confusing.

This page explains what Armed Forces benefits exist, who they’re for, and how to check eligibility, without overcomplicating things.

What counts as an Armed Forces benefit or entitlement?

“Benefits and entitlements” cover three very different things, which often get mixed up:

1. Statutory benefits (from the government)

These are legal entitlements, similar to civilian benefits, but with Armed Forces-specific rules.
Examples include:

  • Universal Credit (with special rules for service)
  • Council tax reductions
  • Pension entitlements

2. Compensation and pensions (service-related)

These apply because of service, injury, illness or length of service.
Examples include:

  • Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
  • War Pension Scheme
  • Armed Forces Pension Schemes (1975, 2005, 2015)

3. Charitable grants and support

Provided by service charities, often for:

  • Financial hardship
  • Housing, mobility or adaptations
  • Family support and emergencies

Knowing which category you’re dealing with saves time, and stops you applying to the wrong place.

Key Armed Forces benefits and schemes to know about

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)

What it is:
A tax-free payment for injury, illness or death caused by service since 6 April 2005.

You might be eligible if:

  • You were injured or became ill due to service
  • The condition is attributable to your Armed Forces role

What people get wrong:

  • Thinking minor injuries don’t count
  • Assuming claims must be made immediately (there are time limits, but late claims can still succeed)

War Pension Scheme

What it is:
Compensation for service-related injury or illness before 6 April 2005.

Best for:
Older veterans or families of those who served pre-2005.

Armed Forces Pension Schemes

There are three main schemes, depending on when you served:

  • AFPS 75
  • AFPS 05
  • AFPS 15

Common issues people face:

  • Not knowing which scheme they’re on
  • Confusion around early departure payments
  • Misunderstanding survivor benefits

Read Troopr’s guide: UK Armed Forces Pension Schemes: What do you need to know?

Universal Credit and means-tested benefits

Serving personnel and veterans can claim civilian benefits, but with Armed Forces-specific rules around:

  • Housing costs during deployment
  • Temporary accommodation
  • Partner income

Still confused? Citizens Advice can offer advice on benefits, as well as Armed Forces charities (see below). You can also search Troopr’s platform to get advice tailored to your location. 

Grants and charitable support (when money is tight)

If you’re facing financial difficulty, service charities can often help where the state can’t.

Common grant support includes:

  • Emergency financial help
  • Household items and white goods
  • Rent deposits and arrears
  • Mobility aids or adaptations

Royal British Legion (RBL)

The Royal British Legion provides tailored financial support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families when they are struggling with money, debt, or sudden financial hardship.

How they help:

  • Emergency grants to help with essentials like rent, utilities, food, and heating
  • Benefits and financial guidance, ensuring people receive everything they are entitled to
  • Long-term financial recovery plans, not just short-term fixes

SSAFA (The Armed Forces Charity)

SSAFA offers specialist financial guidance and welfare support to serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families, often working alongside other military charities.

How they help:

  • Help with benefits, compensation, and pensions
  • Grants for essential living costs, white goods, and emergency expenses
  • One-to-one caseworker support, including home visits if needed

Turn2Us

Turn2Us helps people in financial hardship access benefits, grants, and money advice that they may not realise they are eligible for.

How they help:

  • Online benefits calculator to check what financial support you should be receiving
  • Grant search tool that identifies charitable funding based on individual circumstances
  • Simple, accessible financial guidance

Search here to find further support for you.

FAQs: Armed Forces benefits & entitlements

Do I have to be serving to claim Armed Forces benefits?

No. Veterans, reservists and families may all be eligible, depending on the scheme.

Does claiming compensation affect my pension or benefits?

Usually, no, but means-tested benefits can be affected. Always check first.

Can my partner or family claim on my behalf?

Yes – especially for:

  • Bereavement claims
  • Injury or illness support
  • Family grants

What if I were medically discharged years ago?

You may still be eligible for:

  • AFCS or War Pension claims
  • Charitable grants
  • Pension reviews

Time limits apply, but late claims are sometimes accepted.

Don’t assume you’re not eligible! Many people in the Armed Forces community miss out on benefits, compensation or grants simply because the system is unclear or they were told in the past that nothing applied to them. The simplest next step is to check eligibility. Start with the scheme that fits your situation, then get help if anything isn’t obvious. Spending a few minutes checking now can prevent delays, mistakes, or missed support later.

Check which Armed Forces benefits you may qualify for today.