Overview

• The Department for Work and Pensions published rates for 2025–26 that set the full disablement pension at £12,471 per year, an increase of £209 over last year.
• The scheme applies only to injuries, illnesses or conditions caused by service before April 6, 2005, with post-2005 claims handled by the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
• Veterans undergo a medical disablement assessment from 1% to 100%, with awards below 20% yielding a tax-free lump sum and awards of 20% or more providing ongoing tax-free pension payments.
• Claims can be submitted through the government’s online form or by contacting Veterans UK via helpline or email, with evidence of service, medical history and personal details required.
• Applicants who served with UK Special Forces must seek clearance from the MOD A Block Disclosure Cell and possibly obtain Express Prior Authority in Writing, while conditions such as noise-induced hearing loss below 20% remain ineligible for WPS payments.