Website of the UK government

Who is eligible?

You can claim if you were injured or disabled through serving in HM Armed Forces, including the:

Or you can claim if you were injured or disabled through serving as a civil defence volunteer (CDV).

Or you served in the merchant navy, naval auxiliary or coastguard and you were disabled because of an injury you received or a disease you suffered because:

Or during the Second World War, you were:

Where disablement was caused by Service in HM Armed Forces on or after 6 April 2005, claims should be made under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

• Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

Who isn't eligible?

You cannot claim a War Disablement Pension under the War Pension Scheme if you're still serving in HM Armed Forces.

How much do you get?

The amount you're paid depends on the extent of your disablement. You'll be asked to complete a claim form about your disablement. The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency will then consult medical advisers to work out your entitlement.

Your assessment is worked out as a percentage. If the percentage is:

The gratuity amount depends on the extent of your disablement and how long you're likely to be disabled. If your condition is noise-induced sensorineural hearing loss, you won't get a gratuity.

War Disablement Pensions can also be topped up with allowances. For example, your age, care and mobility needs, or loss of earnings may affect the amount you get.

• War Pensions Scheme - Veterans UK website Opens new window

How it's paid

War Disablement Pension is paid directly into your bank, building society, Post Office or National Savings account.

If you're registered blind or need someone who cares for you to collect your money, your payment can be sent by cheque to be cashed at the Post Office.

Effect on other benefits

If you get War Disablement Pension or another payment under the War Pension Scheme, this may affect other benefits you might get, such as Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or Income Support.

Jobcentre Plus can offer advice on how your other benefits may be affected.

• Find your local Jobcentre Plus office Opens new window

How to claim

You can contact the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency to get a claim form and help completing it, on: 

Telephone: 0800 169 2277

Textphone: 0800 169 3458

Lines are open 8.15 am to 5.15 pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.15 am to 4.30 pm on Fridays.

You can also get a form from your nearest Veterans' Welfare Service Office. You'll find this listed in the local phone book under 'War Pensions Agency'.

Or you can download a claim form from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency website, Veterans UK.

• Veterans UK website Opens new window

How to appeal

If you disagree with the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency's decision to refuse your claim for War Disablement Pension, you can ask them for an explanation and to re-assess your claim. If you're still unhappy, they'll tell you how to make an appeal.

Free help with appeals

You can get free help with an appeal by contacting the:

• Royal British Legion website Opens new window
• Royal British Legion Scotland website Opens new window
• Royal Air Forces Association website Opens new window