Welfare and finance support

AFPS 15 (Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015) – Introduced on 1 April 2015. All Service personnel who are members of an Armed Forces Pension Scheme and will be automatically transferred to AFPS 15, unless they qualify for transitional protection.

AFPS 05 (Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2005) – Introduced on 6 April 2005. From that date those joining the Regular Armed Forces were eligible to become members of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2005. Members of AFPS 75 were given the opportunity to transfer to the new scheme.

RFPS (Reserve Forces Pension Scheme) – Introduced on 6 April 2005 for those joining Full Time Reserve Service. Members of AFPS 75 – FTRS (Full Time Reserve Scheme, part of AFPS 75) were given the opportunity to transfer to RFPS from this date.

AFPS 75 (Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975) – Introduced in 1975 this scheme was closed to new entrants on 5 April 2005.

Read more in the information booklets for the armed forces and reserve forces pensions schemes.

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme - A compensation scheme for UK serving and former service personnel injured because of their service in His Majesty's Armed Forces. It compensates for any injury, illness or death which was caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. (must be within last 7 years).

There are two main types of AFCS awards:

• a tax-free lump sum payment for pain and suffering
• a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) which is a tax free, index linked monthly payment.

DWP Armed Forces Champions - Help for veterans (and in some cases families) who receive Universal Credit (UC), Employment Seekers Allowance (ESA) and Jobseekers. Assessments to see if they are receiving the correct financial support. In many cases, there may be more entitlement that is not being claimed. Email the local Armed Forces Champion.

The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) - The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army’s national charity, there for soldiers, past and present, and their families for life and providing financial assistance to relieve hardship.

Royal Air Force (RAF) Benevolent Fund - The RAF Benevolent supports members of the RAF Family providing practical, emotional, and financial support. They will consider any request for assistance, providing a tailor-made approach to each individual situation. From mobility aids and confidential counselling to financial grants, they offer a range of support tailored to the individual's needs.

The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust - They make grants to assist in a very wide variety of circumstances, such as help towards living expenses, house repairs, disability aids, job training, all sorts of financial difficulties, care home top-up fees, domiciliary care and much more.

The Veterans’ Charity - The immediate needs support charity for Veterans who find themselves battling hardship and distress. They can assist with essentials such as food shopping (including pet and baby products where required), utilities support, clothing and footwear, household items and single appliances, smartphones/tablets and calling credit/data.

Veterans UK - An MOD run service, providing free one-to-one support to veterans or anyone supporting a veteran, their families, and dependants, with a national network of welfare managers. They work together with local authorities, voluntary organisations, service charities and Veterans Advisory and Pensions. Initial phone call or email, then connection with local case worker. Committees to provide a free welfare service that promotes independence, maintains dignity, and provides continuous support through life. 

Army HIVEs - Army HIVE is an MOD organisation, delivering information support for the whole Service community on a wide variety of topics affecting everyday Service and personal life, including relocation, accommodation, health and wellbeing, education, employment, finance, deployment, resettlement, and the local area.

Aurora New Dawn - Launched a helpline for Royal Naval, British Army, and Royal Air Force personnel and their family members who are victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence, Stalking. Coverage is available for all UK forces personnel and their families including those deployed abroad. The service is independent, confidential, and free - with phone and WhatsApp functionality available.

Hounds for Heroes - Open to all HM Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel who have become disabled through illness or injury. An assistance dog can help overcome some of the physical challenges caused by disability or illness. Costs met by charity. Injury/illness does not have to be service attributable.

Scotty’s Little Soldiers - Supporting bereaved military children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces. When a serving parent dies, the impact on their child is significant. The children often feeling they have lost their connection to the military community. Scotty’s Little Soldiers ensures the very best bereavement support remains available for service/veteran families.

The Warrior Programme - 12-month programme, commencing with either a 3-day residential or 5 day online intensive foundation course, followed by regular refresher sessions and online interaction. Introduced to coaching techniques that will enable veterans to stay grounded, build resilience, deal positively with day-to-day life, and ensure that they remain focused and motivated to achieve. Fully funded, including, food and accommodation, (excluding travel arrangements).

Veterans’ Foundation - The Veterans’ Foundation work with hundreds of smaller charities and charitable organisations that provide a better life for armed forces beneficiaries. They help partner organisations by supporting them to deliver life-changing projects through their grant award scheme. (They do not provide casework or direct support).