A-Z of Benefits

(claims for injuries on or after 06.04.05 will be considered under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme)

Who is it for?
Ex-Service men and women, who were injured, disabled or have suffered an illness (physical or psychological) through service in HM Forces. There are also provisions for UDR. RIR, Home Guard, Civil Defence Volunteers, Merchant Seamen, and Polish Forces.

Who pays it?
Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA)
Norcross
Blackpool
Freephone: 0800 169 2277
Textphone: 0800 169 3458
E-mail   veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk
Internet  www.veterans-uk.info

Which leaflet? How is it claimed?
Service Personnel and Veterans Agency

What are the age limits?
No.

National Insurance based?
No.

How long does it last?
For life or until disablement no longer exists.

What is the effect on other benefits?
Reductions for a number of benefits some authorities disregard for housing benefit and council tax.

Is it taxable?
No.

Increases for dependants?
In some cases.

Payable if in EU or other?
Yes, but check uprating variations and taxable in some countries.

Points to watch
Help and advice contact Veterans Agency Helpline – access to War Pensioners’ Welfare Service and ex-Service organisations. War Pensions supplementary allowances payable in some cases. 

The A-Z of Benefits 2008 was compiled by Gary Vaux and Community Care.