Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

FAQs

• What are the time limits for making an AFCS claim?

  The time limit for making an AFCS claim is usually 7 years from the date of injury. It is very important to note that you can apply for compensation while you are still in the services. However, there are some exceptions:

  Conditions or illnesses

  Claim forms must be submitted within three years of seeking medical advice

  A service man or woman’s death 

  The claim must be brought within three years of the date of death

  More information about these time limits is available on the Veterans Agency website, where you can also download claim forms.

• How do I apply for an AFCS claim?

  You must submit an AFCS application through Veterans UK, providing details of your injury or illness, including when and how it occurred and its impact on your health.

  Supporting evidence may be requested, such as medical records or reports from your medical officer. Providing copies of medical documents, accident reports, service complaints and relevant military records can help speed up the process and strengthen your claim.

• Why should I apply to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme?

  You should consider making an AFCS claim as some injuries and illnesses can have long-term effects, leading to ongoing costs for treatment, medication and therapy.

  It may also be appropriate if your condition has affected your career, such as missing out on a promotion or being unable to return to work at the same level, resulting in financial loss. Compensation can help ease this financial strain.

  Submitting a claim also supports wider improvements, as reporting injuries to Veterans UK helps the MOD improve safety and best practice for future service personnel.

• What if I have served both before the AFCS scheme came into effect and afterwards?

  A “spanning” case applies to service personnel who served both before and after the AFCS came into effect on 6 April 2005. In these cases, you may be eligible under both the War Pension Scheme (WPS) and AFCS.

  It can be unclear which scheme applies, particularly where a condition has developed over time, such as hearing loss, musculoskeletal or mental health issues. If you are unsure, you should contact Veterans UK, who will assess your claim and usually apply the scheme most favourable to you, often the WPS.

• What if my prognosis is unclear?

  If Veterans UK is unable to decide within three months of receiving your claim, it will provide updates every 12 weeks.

  Where your prognosis is clear, a final award may be made straight away. If there is uncertainty and treatment is ongoing, an interim award may be issued and reviewed within two years, with a final decision made within four years.

  For serious injuries, you may be able to request a Guaranteed Income Payment immediately. In practice, decisions can take longer, and appeals are not uncommon.

• What is the difference between an AFCS award and a civil compensation claim?

  For an AFCS award, a Guaranteed Income Payment is only awarded for serious injuries to reflect loss of earnings.

  A civil claim considers the wider financial impact of your injury, including its short- and long-term effects on your life and career. This can include loss of earnings, care and support, home adaptations, and private healthcare, as well as compensation for reduced employment prospects (handicap on the labour market), loss of a chosen military career, and both past expenses (such as treatment, travel and equipment) and future costs, including ongoing medical care.

• What if I am unhappy with my reward?

  The decision letter will explain how to appeal, which must usually be done within 12 months. Late appeals may be accepted with a valid reason, and the Tribunal can extend the deadline in exceptional cases.

  After an appeal is submitted, a hearing will take place to decide the outcome. If unsuccessful, you can seek permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal, which will review the original decision.

• Am I eligible for AFCS scheme as the partner of a deceased service member?

  If a service person dies as a result of service, their spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner may be eligible to claim under the AFCS. Survivors can receive a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) for life, usually set at 60% of the deceased’s entitlement, along with a tax-free bereavement grant of up to £20,000.

  Payments may also be available for dependent children. Typically, the first two children receive 15% of the full GIP each, and a third child receives 10%, with payments continuing until age 18, or 23 if in full-time education.