Please note that some of the following links require a Defence Gateway and/or MODnet account
Join Armed Forces Pension Awareness Week (AFPAW) sessions from 9 to 13 September.
The Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) is one of the most generous UK Pension Schemes across both private and public sectors, reflecting the critical value of our Armed Forces in keeping us safe at home and stronger abroad.
The income provided by the AFPS in retirement is significant and you do not have to contribute any of your salary to it. A Sergeant who serves for 22 years could expect to receive a pension income of around £12,000. In comparison, to achieve a broadly similar income to your Armed Forces Pension – based on commercially available estimates and 2024 values – you would need to pay in the region of £300,000 into a private pension.
It is essential to understand the unique value of your Armed Forces Pension and retirement planning options. That’s why we’re encouraging you to invest in your future, by better understanding your pension this AFPAW – with a range of presentations, webinars, drop-in advice, online myth busting, tips, and factsheets, to help you plan and make informed choices.
AFPAW 2024 – What's on?
If you’re interested in finding out more, or have a question you would like to discuss, get involved with the following sessions throughout AFPAW:
- Armed Forces Pension Scheme 15 (AFPS 15) – 10 September, 12.30-13.30: Forces Pension Society webinar highlighting the primary features and benefits of the scheme, how you can add to your pension, and how to understand your Remediable Service Statement (RSS).
- Speak to a Pensions Expert – MOD Main Building, Pillared Hall (ground floor) 10-12 September, 11:00-14:00 each day: Ask the Armed Forces Pension Team any general questions you have about your pension. This drop-in service will be trialed in Main Building this year and, if successful, will be rolled out across the Defence estate during next year’s Pension Awareness Week.
- Remedy eligibility for those who joined the Armed Forces from 1 April 2012 onwards – 11 September, 10:00-11:00: White Ensign Association webinar.
- 2015 Pension Remedy for those who joined the Armed Forces before 1 April 2012 – 11 September, 13:00-14:00: White Ensign Association webinar.
- Forces Pension Society Tax online presentation – 12 September, 12.30-13:30: Pension savings statements, annual allowance, adjustments to tax for the AFPS 15 Remedy period following ‘roll back’, and what you can expect in October 2024.
There is no need to pre-book the webinars, you can join by using the meeting links provided.
Frequently Asked Questions and factsheets will be added to the AFPAW 24 Defence Connect page throughout the week.
The factsheets will cover:
- An overview of AFPS 15
- Added Pension
- 2015 Remedy
- 2015 Benefits
- Early Departure Payments and Resettlement Grants
- Pension Savings Tax
- Retirement planning and pension forecasts
More information
- AFPAW 24 Defence Connect – keep up to date with the latest information
- AFPAW 24 Agenda (MOD staff only)
- Armed Forces Pensions (MOD staff only)
Visit our YouTube pension playlists…
Contact Us
Please note: Armed Forces Pension Team members can only answer general pension questions and are unable to provide you with personal financial advice.
For advice on AFPS 15, contact
- veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
- Freephone (UK) 0808 1914 21
Armed Forces Pay Award 2024
In case you missed it…this year’s Armed Forces Pay Award is the largest for 22 years.
Most Service Personnel, up to and including 1-star rank, will receive a 6% pay increase and members of the senior military (2-star rank and above), and all eligible Senior Civil Service members, will receive a 5% pay award – paid in September and backdated to 1 April 2024.
Discover My Benefits
Armed Forces pensions and pay are accompanied by a range of benefits, allowances, and support – including subsidised accommodation, a new and improved food and dining offer, free health and dental care, wraparound childcare, and employee discounts.
Visit Discover My Benefits to explore what’s available for you.