A government-backed route could see qualifying veterans receive deposits worth up to £12,471 a year from late 2025 onward.
The money comes via the War Pension Scheme (WPS), which compensates former service personnel whose injury, illness, or medical condition was caused or worsened by service before 6 April 2005.
While many headlines label these as “DWP payments,” the scheme is administered by Veterans UK (Ministry of Defence) and often paid alongside DWP benefits, which is why it’s frequently grouped under the broader “DWP” umbrella in news coverage.
From April 2025, WPS rates rose in line with inflation (CPI 1.7% based on September 2024), setting the 100% disablement weekly rate at £239.00, which equals £12,471 per year—the figure currently circulating in headlines.
These updated rates continue to apply into 2025/26, meaning new awards made now will be deposited into claimants’ bank accounts at the new, higher level.
What Exactly Is the War Pension Scheme?
The War Pension Scheme is a long-standing compensation route for ex-service personnel with service-attributable disablement that occurred before 6 April 2005.
(For injuries on or after that date, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) applies.)
The WPS award can be either a lump-sum gratuity—if disablement is assessed at 1–19%—or an ongoing war disablement pension if your disablement is 20% or more.
Key points for 2025/26:
How Much Can You Get in 2025/26?
Your disablement percentage determines your weekly and annual payment.
The table below shows the current 2025/26 WPS rates (effective from the payday in the week commencing 7 April 2025).
If you’re awarded a new pension in late 2025 or 2026, deposits will reflect these rates.
War Disablement Pension Rates (2025/26)
| Disablement % | Weekly Rate (£) | Estimated Annual (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | 239.00 | 12,471 |
| 90% | 215.10 | 11,224 |
| 80% | 191.20 | 9,977 |
| 70% | 167.30 | 8,730 |
| 60% | 143.40 | 7,483 |
| 50% | 119.50 | 6,236 |
| 40% | 95.60 | 4,988 |
| 30% | 71.70 | 3,741 |
| 20% | 47.80 | 2,494 |
| Rates shown are for 2025/26 following the CPI-linked uprating (1.7%). |
Payment frequency: Most other ranks receive payments weekly (traditionally on Wednesday), with officers’ paydays varying.
Your award/decision letter confirms the exact deposit timing and cadence for future payments.
Add-On Allowances That Can Boost Your Total
If your circumstances qualify, supplementary allowances can increase what lands in your account:
- Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA)—for those who need daily care because of a service-related disability (multiple rates, uprated in 2025/26).
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)—to help with extra mobility costs caused by a service-related disability.
- Allowance for Lowered Standard of Occupation (ALSO)—if your accepted condition permanently prevents you from doing your usual job or comparable work (rules apply, typically at ≥40% disablement and <65 when claiming).
- Unemployability Supplement, Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance, and other specific supports.
These allowances have their own uprated rates for 2025/26 and can materially raise your total annual deposits once awarded.
Will These Payments Affect Other Benefits?
The interaction with means-tested benefits depends on the benefit and your local authority’s policy:
- There’s a statutory disregard of £10/week for War Pensions in several legacy benefits and Housing Benefit calculations.
- Local councils can choose to **disregard more—or even all—**of War Pension income in Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction assessments. Many councils do this, which can protect your entitlement.
- Under Universal Credit, War Pension income is generally ignored in the calculation, while AFIP is fully disregarded. Always check your local policy or seek advice.
Who Is Eligible in Late 2025 and 2026?
You can pursue a WPS claim in the future if:
- Your injury, illness, or condition was caused or made worse by service before 6 April 2005.
- A disablement assessment confirms at least 20% for an ongoing pension (or 1–19% for a gratuity).
- You provide supporting medical evidence linking your condition to service (Veterans UK helps gather evidence during the claim).
There’s no deadline, but awards only pay from the claim date, so earlier applications mean earlier deposits in your account.
How To Claim Now (So Future Payments Start Sooner)
- Apply online or request a paper form (AFCS/WPS claim pack). Veterans UK can post you a form with a pre-paid return envelope.
- The customer journey includes submitting your form, evidence gathering (including medical assessments), and a decision letter with appeal rights.
- Once approved, payments begin and continue at the current uprated rate.
Useful contacts (for when you’re ready to apply):
- Veterans UK Helpline: 0808 1914 218 (Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm)
- Email: [email protected]
- Veterans UK (JPAC) Freephone: 0800 085 3600 (pensions queries)
Charities such as Royal British Legion and specialist organisations (e.g., Blesma) also offer free guidance and, where needed, tribunal representation.
Example: How a Future Award Could Reach £12,471
If you’re assessed at 100% disablement in late 2025, your deposit schedule would reflect the £239.00 per week rate, delivering around £12,471 across 12 months.
If you also qualify for CAA or WPMS, your total annual amount could be significantly higher. The exact deposit amounts depend on your final assessment and which supplements are awarded.
Checklist Before You Apply
- Gather service details, NI number, and medical history (GP/consultant letters, hospital records, diagnoses).
- List how your condition affects daily life and work capability (relevant for allowances like ALSO or Unemployability Supplement).
- If you have access needs, ask Veterans UK for reasonable adjustments (alternative formats, assistance filling forms).
Why This Matters for 2025/26
Alongside broader household pressures, the WPS uprating from April 2025 and the £12,471 top rate mean that new future awards can materially support eligible veterans.
With no time limit but no backdating before the claim date, acting now ensures earlier future deposits at current rates, plus potential supplementary allowances that can lift your total further.
If you served before 6 April 2005 and have a service-related injury or illness, the War Pension Scheme offers a powerful, future-proofed route to regular deposits—up to £12,471 per year at the top rate—indexed each year and potentially enhanced by supplementary allowances.
Because awards start from your claim date, preparing and submitting a claim now is the most reliable way to unlock future payments at the 2025/26 rates and get money deposited into your account as soon as your award is made.
If in doubt, contact Veterans UK or a reputable veterans’ charity for free, practical help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Claimants awarded 100% disablement under the War Pension Scheme receive £239.00 per week in 2025/26, which totals £12,471 a year.
Lower assessments receive proportionally lower rates; additional allowances can increase your total.
Rules vary. There’s a £10/week statutory disregard in several legacy benefits and Housing Benefit, but many councils fully disregard War Pension income for Housing Benefit/Council Tax Reduction, protecting entitlement.
Check your council’s policy and seek advice if you receive UC, HB, or CTR.
Apply now. There’s no time limit, but WPS only pays from the claim date.
Use the Veterans UK online form or request a paper pack; once approved, payments are made at the uprated rates and follow the payment schedule detailed in your award letter.
0 Comments