Compensation advice | Royal British Legion

On this page you will find information about:

The difference between War Pensions and the Armed Forces Compensation scheme.
How the Royal British legion can help with appeals.
Armed Forces Independence Payment.

If you have suffered an injury or illness due to service, you may be able to claim compensation.

The MOD runs two schemes to provide financial support or compensation for those who have been injured as a result of or have an injury which was made worse by their service. The schemes are called the War Pension and Armed Forces Compensation, and both are administered by the MOD through Veterans UK.

What can be claimed for under these schemes?

Any injury, illness, or adverse health condition caused or worsened by your time in the military can be claimed for; it does not have to have been caused by conflict, operations, or military exercises and can include activities such as training, and recognised, authorised sport.

Both are no-fault liability schemes; you do not have to prove anyone was at fault or to blame for the injury to claim. You only have to show that your injury or condition was caused or made worse by service.

Which compensation scheme I should apply for?

War pension

If the injury was sustained or the condition developed before 6 April 2005, you should make a claim for a War Pension.

Begin your claim on GOV.UK.

Find out more about War Pensions here on the RBL website.

Armed Forces Compensation

If the injury was sustained or the condition developed after 6 April 2005, you should make a claim for Armed Forces Compensation.

Begin your claim on GOV.UK.

How can the Royal British Legion help me with a War Pension or Armed Forces Compensation scheme claim?

If you have already made a claim and do not agree with the decision made, our experts can provide guidance and may be able to represent you at a tribunal for free, if you want to take further action.

We can also give advice about supplementary allowances linked to War Disablement Pensions, such as Mobility Supplement and Constant Attendance Allowance.

Our team of War Pension & Compensation Representatives will advise you over the phone and discuss your case, the decision made by Veterans UK and the need for further evidence if appropriate. They will also be able to explain how the Tribunal process works and what to expect at your hearing.

Learn more about making an appeal and how the RBL could support you through this process, here on our website.

You really helped with my compensation claim and made the process simple. Aron Shelton

Has someone close to you died as a result of service in the Armed Forces?

If you have lost a husband, wife, partner, parent or guardian as a result of service in the Armed Forces you may also be entitled to compensation.

If you are facing a service inquest, we can also give you guidance and support through our Independent Inquest Advice (IIA) service.

To find out more about the support the RBL could offer you, contact us via

Telephone: 0808 802 8080
Telephone overseas: +44 (0)20 3376 8080
Calls are free from UK landlines and main mobile networks
Email: [email protected]

Open our online chat function

Armed Forces Pensions

As someone who is currently or has previously served with HM Armed Forces, you may be entitled to an Armed Forces Pension.

Read guidance on understanding your pensions including claiming early and how your dependants could make a claim on GOV.UK.

If you would like to know how much you are entitled to you can use the GOV.UK calculator or submit a form.

Find out an estimation of what Armed Forces Pension you are entitled to on GOV.UK.

Armed Forces Independence Payment

In April, 2013 the MOD introduced the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP). AFIP is intended to cover the costs that veterans and Service personnel may have due to their injuries.

AFIP is an alternative to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Adult Disability Payment (ADP), so you cannot receive both. However, if you are not eligible for AFIP, you can still make a claim for PIP or ADP.

You may be eligible for AFIP if you were injured on or after 6 April 2005 and are given an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Guaranteed Independence Payment (AFCS GIP) which is in Band A - C.

If you are eligible, Veterans UK will automatically issue a claim form.