Earlier this year we shared the news that the Government announced that war widow(er)s who forfeited their pensions prior to 2015 could be eligible for a one-off payment of £87,500 utilising a key principle of the Armed Forces Covenant, “that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those who have given so much, such as the injured and the bereaved”.
Following on from the Ministerial announcement on 17 May 2023, the War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment Scheme has now been launched and those eligible are able to claim at this link.
Background
Widow(er)s of Armed Forces personnel who forfeited their service attributable pensions prior to 2015 could now be eligible for a one-off payment of £87,500 as part of the Government’s continued support for the Armed Forces, their families and veterans.
This recognition payment is made under a key principle of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, and their families, will be treated fairly and will not be disadvantaged in accessing public and commercial goods and services as a result of their military service. It also allows for special provision when justified for those who have sacrificed the most, such as the bereaved and injured.
If you think you may be eligible to receive the payment, please refer to the fact sheet and the policy document, and then complete the claim form which you can either print off and manually complete or attach in an email.
Contact details
Veterans UK. Tomlinson House, Norcross, Thornton-Cleveleys, FY5 3WP
Veterans UK Helpline 0808 1914 218
Overseas +441253 866043
Email: DBSVets-Widows@mod.gov.uk
Those who have already contacted the Ministry of Defence about the payment will be sent a claim form without having to contact them again.
