War Widow's Pension and Armed Forces Compensation: What to Claim

Losing a partner who served in the armed forces is a deeply difficult experience, compounded in many cases by a sense that the sacrifice made deserves proper recognition and financial support. The UK government provides two distinct compensation schemes for bereaved service families, and understanding which applies to your situation is the critical first step. This guide explains both schemes, how to claim, and what additional support is available.

War Widow’s and Widower’s Pension: Eligibility and Rates

The War Widow’s and Widower’s Pension is paid under the War Pensions Scheme, which covers death or injury attributable to or hastened by service in the armed forces. This scheme primarily covers deaths arising from service before 6 April 2005, although some cases from after that date may still fall under the War Pensions Scheme rather than the AFCS depending on the circumstances.

To be eligible, the death must be attributable to service — meaning there must be a link between the service member’s military service and their death. This includes:

• Death in action or as a direct result of injuries sustained in service
• Death from a disease or condition that arose due to service conditions
• Death where a pre-existing condition was aggravated or worsened by military service

The War Widow’s/Widower’s Pension is a weekly payment. The higher standard rate for 2026/27 is approximately £161.50 per week, though this varies depending on the rank held by the deceased service member at the time of death or discharge. The pension is completely tax-free and is paid for the lifetime of the surviving spouse or civil partner, regardless of whether they remarry or enter a new relationship. (Note: this was changed in 2015 — before that year, remarriage or cohabitation would have caused the pension to cease.)

You may also receive supplementary allowances on top of the basic pension, including a children’s supplement if you are bringing up dependent children, and an age supplement for older widows and widowers.

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme: Post-2005 Deaths

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) was introduced on 6 April 2005 and covers injury, illness, and death caused by service in the armed forces from that date. Where a service person dies as a result of service on or after 6 April 2005, the AFCS — rather than the War Pensions Scheme — generally applies.

Under the AFCS, bereaved spouses and civil partners may receive:

• Bereavement Grant: A lump sum payment of £25,000 (payable once) to the surviving spouse or civil partner. This is a tax-free payment made at the time of the claim.
• Survivors’ Guaranteed Income Payment (Survivors’ GIP): A monthly income payment for the lifetime of the surviving spouse or civil partner. The amount is calculated as a percentage of the deceased’s pensionable pay at the time of death. Unlike the War Widow’s Pension, the Survivors’ GIP is subject to income tax.
• Children’s GIP: An additional payment for each eligible child, paid until they reach 18 (or 23 if in full-time education).

The Survivors’ GIP was significantly reformed in 2015. Before the reforms, it ceased upon remarriage. Since April 2015, the GIP continues for life regardless of relationship changes, bringing it in line with the War Widow’s Pension.

How to Claim Through Veterans UK

Veterans UK is the single point of contact for all claims under both the War Pensions Scheme and the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. They are part of the Ministry of Defence and handle claims on behalf of bereaved families.

Veterans UK helpline: 0808 191 4218 (free from most landlines and mobiles, Monday to Thursday 7:30am to 5pm, Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm)

When you contact Veterans UK, they will advise you which scheme applies and send you the appropriate claim form. For War Pensions Scheme claims, this is form WPA/WPS (Widow/Widower’s Pension Application). For AFCS claims, it is form AFCS25.

Information and documentation you are likely to need:

• The deceased’s service number and service records
• Death certificate
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Medical evidence linking death to service (if available)
• Your National Insurance number and bank details

Veterans UK will request any additional information or medical evidence they require. They have access to Ministry of Defence service records, so you do not necessarily need to obtain these yourself. Claims are assessed by experienced caseworkers and there is a right of appeal if your claim is rejected or the award level is disputed.

Additional Support for Bereaved Service Families

Beyond the formal compensation schemes, bereaved service families can access a range of additional support:

• The Royal British Legion: Provides financial assistance, advice, and practical support to veterans and their families. Their welfare team can help identify entitlements and support the claims process. Call their helpline on 0808 802 8080 (free, 8am to 8pm, 365 days a year).
• SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association): Offers caseworkers who can visit in person and help with financial needs and navigating the application process. They also provide confidential support with emotional and practical issues.
• The War Memorials Trust: Provides grants to support communities in maintaining war memorials, which may be of interest to families wishing to preserve a memorial to their loved one.
• Local veteran welfare services: Many local authorities have a dedicated veteran welfare officer or service, and charities such as Help for Heroes and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity provide additional financial grants in cases of particular need.

Housing support may also be available. If the deceased was living in Ministry of Defence housing (Service Family Accommodation), the surviving family will typically have a period after the death during which they can remain in the property while alternative arrangements are made. Contact the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) housing team for specific guidance on your situation.

If Your Claim Is Rejected or You Disagree With the Award

Both the War Pensions Scheme and the AFCS have formal appeals processes. If you disagree with a decision by Veterans UK — whether a rejection or an award at a lower level than you believe is appropriate — you have the right to appeal.

For War Pensions Scheme decisions, appeals are heard by the Pensions Appeal Tribunal (PAT). For AFCS decisions, appeals go to the First-Tier Tribunal (War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber). Both are independent judicial bodies.

You have six months from the date of the decision to appeal. The Royal British Legion and SSAFA can provide representation and support throughout the appeals process, which is often decisive in securing a successful outcome. Do not hesitate to seek help — appeals are not uncommon and many are successful when supported by medical evidence.