Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for any injury, illness or death which was caused by service on or after 6^th of April 2005

Two types of AFCS awards:

• tax-free lump sum payment
• tax-free guaranteed income payment

The scheme is designed to provide compensation, irrespective of fault, across the full range of circumstances in which illness, injury or death may arise as a result of service. It does not affect your right to make a civil negligence claim against the Department for injury, illness and death.

If you are no longer serving and your disablement was caused or made worse as a result of service in the armed forces before 6 April 2005, you can claim under the War Pension Scheme (WPS).

Who can claim?

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme covers all regular service personnel, the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and members of the reserves for all 3 services. You can claim whether you are still serving or have left HM Armed Forces.

How do you claim?

You can make a claim for AFCS on the AFCS and WPS claim form - it comes with notes telling you how to complete the form.

If you cannot download or print the form you can phone or email the Veterans UK Helpline.
0808 1914 218 – Email veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk.

Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

The Armed Forces Independence Payment is an additional allowance which provides financial support for service personnel and veterans who are in receipt of an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) which is in band A-C.

AFIP is paid at the same rate as the combined enhanced daily living and mobility components in Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

You are eligible for an AFIP if:

• You were injured on or after 6 April 2005, and
• You are given an AFCS GIP which is in band A-C

If you are eligible you will get the payment for as long as you’re entitled to this level of Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP). You will not be re-assessed in the future.

Importantly – you cannot get an Armed Forces Independence Payment at the same time as the following benefits:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• War Pensioners Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
• War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA)
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Scheme (IIDB) Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA)

How to claim?

Veterans UK will automatically issue a claim form to those who have an AFCS GIP which is in band A-C.

If you do not receive a claim form contact Veterans UK Helpline:
By phone:  0808 1914 218 – email:  veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk