Soldiers Pensions

Lets get behind this boys ..

Len (Ciphers)
Soldiers' Pensions - More MoD parsimony

For those of you who don't know, Sergeant Matty Telford was killed 3rd Nov2009 by a rogue Afghan Policeman. Now, you will all remember him from the news as Sergeant Matty Telford but the army give his children his pension at Corporal rate because he was a Sergeant for less than a year. The unfairnessof this is that he was promoted so he could do this job in Afghanistan and had he not been promoted he would have been doing a different job and may have been with us today. After this petition was started it came to light that this is happening to a lot of our soldiers' families.

If a soldier was being paid as a sergeant when he was killed, then it seems to me that that should be the basis for his widow's pension.
If you agree, please sign.

http://soldiers-pensions.co.uk/?q=petition

(In signing the petition you will not be expressing a political opinion on any of the conflicts our servicemen are dispatched to.)

Signed.

what a disgrace. signed

Saw that somewhere else to day Len..Signed

On Brian Streetly's site Gordon ..

Len (Ciphers)

signed

Bloody pen pushers.

signed.

It has always been the case since 1975 (AFPS75) that the pension scheme paid for the 2 highest years substansive rank in the last 5 years of service for OR's, and unfortunately that applied to the Widows Pensions as well, and a few cases were highlighted over the years. I agree 100% that it is wrong and should be looked at again in light of currant operational circumstances.

Duly signed, but hold out little hope of any further change, as the new AFPS05 now says a year... But sould be abolished all together for 'Killed in service'

Signed

Signed.

Now some pen pusher here in DND HQ's in Ottawa is going to see this and think it's a great idea for our lads on active service.

Signed

already signed.

Pensions, Preserved Pensions - seems some have not claimed?    Perhaps believing pay out would be automatic.  
It isn't  -  if you have entitlement you have to claim.    
Lump sum is 3 times annual rate (tax free) at the point the pension goes in to issue,
and then a regular somewhat indexed link monthly (in arrears) pay out:  

Everyone's Pension Matters

Armed Forces Pension Scheme reached me with their "AFPS Quarterly Digest"  - they still haven't got to me with the Veterans' ID Card - suspect it will be nailed on my box where the 3rd ID Disc should go!

However, of essential interest to those drawing an AFPS pension - this year's increase looks to be 0.5 % - just a ha'penny in the pound!  Spend it wisely chaps! or donate it - you won't miss it!


BUT I get the Newsletter because I have claimed  Preserved Pension or at least spoken/written to the Veterans UK so they have my address (have had three moves since leaving the Colours), arrangements can be made for homeless vets to be given contact address - get known homeless vets to speak to nearest Regt Association or RBL or Vets Org

And those who have not claimed yet?   (In some circmstances, best discussed with the help desk, late applications might be backdated).
"Veterans approaching pension age (or who have not yet CLAIMED)   should use AFPS Form 8 around 3 months BEFORE reaching pension age:
NOTE:
                Under AFPS 75  at age 60
                Under AFPS 05  at age 65
                Under AFPS 15  at UK State Pension age (67?)

and when your preserved pension starts there is also a lump sum coming in at THREE times the annual rate of pension (UK tax free)

Completed AFPS 8 (obtained from
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/veterans-uk-armed-forces-pensions-forms  )  
to be submitted to: Veterans UK, Mailpoint 335, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, GLASGOW, G2 8EX."

From the form claimants can see arrangements can be made for people without Bank/Building Society accounts, for homeless veterans and/or for those living outside UK

 Help is available from JPAC Enquiry Centre on (UK callers)  0800 085 3600, or 0044 141 224 3600 if calling from abroad  - you will need your National Insurance Number, and Service Number for reference.

Applications for Army Pensions - see here:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/veterans-uk-armed-forces-pensions-forms#opting-inout-of-the-armed-forces-pension-scheme

and for those with Preserved Pension Rights (you have to apply and keep the Pension Office up to date with your  valid address/bank arrangements)

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1019435/AFPS_Form_8.pdf

Once you are in receipt of a Pension you can register for the Forces Discount Scheme - even before the Veteran's ID Card arrives!

Addendum:  Make sure Veterans who have no Bank Account or Fixed Home Address or
are otherwise off the Grid,
are aware that alternative arrangements can be made :

https://www.bigissue.com/news/housing/homeless-bank-accounts-without-one-you-might-as-well-not-exist/

quote:

"Applications for Army Pensions - see here:  
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/veterans-uk-armed-forces-pensions-forms#opting-inout-of-the-armed-forces-pension-scheme


https://www.bigissue.com/news/housing/homeless-bank-accounts-without-one-you-might-as-well-not-exist/
and for those with Preserved Pension Rights (you have to apply and

keep the Pension Office up to date with your valid contact address/bank arrangements)

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1019435/AFPS_Form_8.pdf

Once you are in receipt of a Pension you can register for the Forces Discount Scheme - even before the Veteran's ID Card arrives!  "

https://support.veteransgateway.org.uk/app/answers/detail/a_id/395/~/unclaimed-service-pensions


Am I owed a pension?
Initially, individuals had to serve for five years and be at least age 26 to qualify.
From April 1988, qualification period reduced to two years paid service from age 18
(21 for Officers).

The only veterans who will never receive pensions are those who:

Left before April 1975 without an immediate pension.
Only served for a very short time.
Transferred their preserved pensions out of the AFPS.
Served on gratuity earning terms rather than pensionable terms.
Forfeited their pension for disciplinary reasons.  (check this last condition; some changes in 2022)