Latest news with #VeteransUK
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DWP to give payments of up to £12,471 to people who qualify
The money is available to people who meet a set of key criteria, with an online application form open now People who have served in the armed forces are being made aware of a little-known scheme that could provide up to £12,471 a year. The War Pension Scheme (WPS) can offer up to £12,471 annually to those who have suffered an illness, condition or injury caused during their time in the Armed Forces before April 6, 2005. Anyone who meets the criteria might qualify for one of two WPS types, based on their level of 'disablement'. A medical advisor assesses this score, which varies from 1% to 100%, with 100% indicating the most severe level. Typically, people with 'disablement less than 20%' receive a tax-free lump sum, while those with 'disablement more than 20%' are provided with ongoing tax-free payments. These payments can be made weekly or monthly. The scheme covers physical and mental health conditions. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Veterans UK clarifies: "The rules of the scheme and the value of the payments awarded are set by Parliament. The value of the payments increase each year in line with the consumer price index. The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme provides compensation for any injury, illness or death which is caused by service on or after 6 April 2005." The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published a list of War Pension rates valid until March 2026. To file a claim, Brits should visit the Government's website, where there is an online form. Or, you can request a paper version by phoning the Veterans UK Helpline on 0808 1914 218 on weekdays 8am to 5pm or by emailing veterans-uk@ The Government requires the following details as part of an application: Your doctor's information and any hospitals that have treated you for the condition Your bank account information Your personal National Insurance number Details on your Armed Forces service, including dates served Details of charities or welfare advisors helping you make the claim The injury or illness you are claiming for, and why you think they are related to the Armed Forces Email address (if you claim online) Other compensation or benefits you currently receive/have received in the past According to Devon Live, online guidance adds: "If the person named in the application has ever served with the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF), either directly or in a support role, you must contact the MOD A Block Disclosure Cell before making a claim. "You may be asked to apply for Express Prior Authority in Writing (EPAW) and will be given a reference number to quote when you make your claim. "Email MAB-Disclosures@ explaining you want to apply for Armed Forces Compensation or a War Pension."
Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Britain has forgotten to thank its veterans
The 80 th anniversary of VE day is an extraordinary moment. It's a time to remember a magnificent generation who met the challenge of their day head on. On days like today it is hard to fully comprehend the scale of the sacrifices made to win the Second World War. Even more so when viewed in a contemporary context – would we be so prepared to do what it takes, to unite around a common cause; to place ourselves at such personal disadvantage to protect the nation we profess to love so much? We are good at remembering in this country: the ceremonies and services are always world class. However, these events sometimes focus more on words and photoshoots than what the act of remembrance actually means. If you're a veteran, public figures will look at you affectionately whenever there's a camera. But once you tell them about feeling disadvantaged or hounded by the courts for your service, those same leaders suddenly turn away. In 2019, I established the Office for Veterans Affairs because we cannot authentically remember their service without showing our respect too. Saying thank you is one thing, but ultimately showing you are thankful is far more important. And despite the hundreds of service charities and increased spending on veterans since the Office was created, it can still be awful being a veteran in 2025. Every day I spend half an hour answering emails or messages about people seeking help: from the struggles with the bureaucracy of Veterans UK – the body I tried to reform – to the wildly inconsistent application of the 'armed forces covenant', which promised no disadvantages for veterans and their families as a result of their service. My effort to challenge this kind of poor treatment, the Legacy Act, was repealed by this new Government despite it giving veterans of Northern Ireland legal protection from claims that would otherwise follow them to their grave. But hey, at least they've steered us on a course that may see public money being paid out to Gerry Adams instead. And nor does it stop there. Sir Keir Starmer went back on his word about having a dedicated veterans minister in Cabinet – changing the post from junior minister to parliamentary under-secretary of state – despite making that promise to me privately at a Remembrance event in 2023. He also moved the Office from the centre of Government back into the Defence department. So forgive me if I would rather just sit with the good old boys and girls in my village this weekend and listen to their stories over an ale. Without veterans, this nation doesn't exist. Without people prepared to fight and sacrifice we would not be here. That's something worth remembering this weekend.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Britain has forgotten to thank its veterans
The 80th anniversary of VE day is an extraordinary moment. It's a time to remember a magnificent generation who met the challenge of their day head on. On days like today it is hard to fully comprehend the scale of the sacrifices made to win the Second World War. Even more so when viewed in a contemporary context – would we be so prepared to do what it takes, to unite around a common cause; to place ourselves at such personal disadvantage to protect the nation we profess to love so much? We are good at remembering in this country: the ceremonies and services are always world class. However, these events sometimes focus more on words and photoshoots than what the act of remembrance actually means. If you're a veteran, public figures will look at you affectionately whenever there's a camera. But once you tell them about feeling disadvantaged or hounded by the courts for your service, those same leaders suddenly turn away. In 2019, I established the Office for Veterans Affairs because we cannot authentically remember their service without showing our respect too. Saying thank you is one thing, but ultimately showing you are thankful is far more important. And despite the hundreds of service charities and increased spending on veterans since the Office was created, it can still be awful being a veteran in 2025. Every day I spend half an hour answering emails or messages about people seeking help: from the struggles with the bureaucracy of Veterans UK – the body I tried to reform – to the wildly inconsistent application of the 'armed forces covenant', which promised no disadvantages for veterans and their families as a result of their service. My effort to challenge this kind of poor treatment, the Legacy Act, was repealed by this new Government despite it giving veterans of Northern Ireland legal protection from claims that would otherwise follow them to their grave. But hey, at least they've steered us on a course that may see public money being paid out to Gerry Adams instead. And nor does it stop there. Sir Keir Starmer went back on his word about having a dedicated veterans minister in Cabinet – changing the post from junior minister to parliamentary under-secretary of state – despite making that promise to me privately at a Remembrance event in 2023. He also moved the Office from the centre of Government back into the Defence department. So forgive me if I would rather just sit with the good old boys and girls in my village this weekend and listen to their stories over an ale. Without veterans, this nation doesn't exist. Without people prepared to fight and sacrifice we would not be here. That's something worth remembering this weekend. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
