Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

If you have suffered an injury during your time with the military, you may be entitled to make a claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).

The specialist team of personal injury solicitors at JMW has years of experience in helping armed forces personnel ensure they get the compensation they deserve after suffering an injury that was caused by service If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of your service, we can help you to make a claim.

Start your claim with us today by calling 0345 872 6666 or, if you would like us to call you, complete our online enquiry form. If you are unsure whether you are eligible to make a claim, we can answer any questions you may have and help you to get the process underway.

What is the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme?

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for any injury or death during service on or after 6th April 2005. Any injuries before this time are compensated by the War Pension Scheme (WPS).

The AFCS is a no-fault scheme, meaning compensation is awarded without claimants needing to prove blame. It is separate from any other personal accident cover, such as PAX or SLI, which means that any accident cover you may already hold is not taken into account when determining an AFCS award.

What Types of Claims Can be Made?

The AFCS covers any injury that you sustained as a result of service. This includes anything from fractures to amputations and other serious conditions, including mental health disorders.

There are two main types of AFCS financial awards:

Lump Sum

A lump sum payment for pain and suffering, reflected by the severity of your injury, is one type of AFCS award. Lump sum payments are made for up to £650,000 depending on the type and severity of the injury.

Guaranteed Income Payments (GIPs)

A Guaranteed Income Payment is an income stream awarded by the AFCS for serious injuries. This is a tax-free, index-linked monthly payment that is paid, if you make a claim while in service, from the day after service ends, or from the date of claim if you have claimed after discharge.

Submitting an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Claim

We can help you with the paperwork needed to submit an AFCS claim, and will talk you through what information you will need to have ready, and the steps included in making a claim. There are certain details you are required to provide in a claim form, and JMW’s experienced solicitors can help to ensure that you get your application right the first time, to maximise the chances of it being successful

These details can include, but are not limited to:

• Information about the total area covered by a wound or injury
• Details about which side of your body is affected
• What you were doing when the accident occurred
• Whether your injury was sustained during a journey
• Whether your injury happened during a sporting event
• Why you think your injury was caused by your time in service

If your claim is rejected by the AFCS, you can apply to Veterans UK to be reconsidered, or appeal to a tribunal that is independent of the AFCS and Veterans UK. This must be done within 12 months of the rejection.

Why Choose JMW?

Our team has extensive experience in handling armed forces claims, and we understand the specialist nature of the work carried out by members of the armed forces. We can help you understand what options are in place for you and how to get the best result. We deal with all cases on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you don’t have to worry about any additional financial worries while making a claim with us.

FAQs About the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

Who can make an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme claim?

You can make a claim under the AFCS regardless of whether you are a current or former member of the UK armed forces. This includes reservists or members of Special Forces. Claims can be made if you have sustained an injury in the course of military service, including during:

• Operations
• Service-approved sports
• Training
• Exercise to maintain military fitness

In the event of death during service, the scheme can pay out to eligible partners and children. An ‘eligible partner’ is someone who may be cohabiting with you in an exclusive and substantial relationship, with financial and wider dependence.

What are the time limits for making an Armed Forces Compensation Scheme claim?

Typically, you have seven years to make a claim under the AFCS; however, there are some exceptions. It is imperative to take advice as soon as possible to ensure your claim is submitted in time.

What injuries are covered by the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme?

Nearly any type of injury can be eligible for compensation, provided that it was sustained while actively serving in the armed forces.

If you are unsure about your eligibility for the AFCS, you should consult with a legal professional to assess your situation.

How much compensation could I receive from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme?

There are various levels of compensation that you might be eligible to receive. These amounts depend on the type and severity of your injury, with level one being the highest amount at a lump sum of £650,000, and 15 the lowest at £1,236. If you are eligible for a guaranteed income payment you will receive these payments in instalments over a longer period of time.

You could receive a significant amount of money for your injury if it is severe, so seek legal assistance to ensure that you qualify for the right band and get the full amount of compensation to which you are entitled.