Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) Claims

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme pays awards as a lump sum based on the severity of your injury. The minimum award is £1,200, with a maximum lump sum award of £570,000 available. 

You will also be entitled to a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) if you receive an award over £15,500. A GIP provides tax free monthly payments as a percentage of your final salary and is determined on the level of your AFCS award. 

You can arrange a free initial consultation with one of our military lawyers for advice on your case and how much compensation you may be able to claim.

The AFCS covers injuries caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. The time limit for claiming through the AFCS is seven years from when you sustained your injury.

If you’re making a mental health claim (including PTSD) you can make a claim within seven years of first seeking medical help for your condition.

Awards can cover multiple injuries suffered in the same incident, providing the total doesn't exceed £570,000. Injuries are assigned an award by Veterans UK, based on their nature and severity. 

Awards will be paid as a lump sum. If you receive an award over £15,500 then you will also receive a Guaranteed Income Payment, which is a monthly payment received for life. In limited circumstances supplementary awards may be available and we can advise you on that in a free initial consultation about your case. 

Evidence is crucial in determining the level of your award. We will collect evidence on the cause, nature and severity of your injury. This could involve accessing your medical records, seeking independent medical advice and interviewing witnesses.

You may be eligible for a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) if you receive a lump sum award above a certain threshold. A GIP is in addition to your lump sum payment and does not replace it. If you receive a GIP it is important to remember that:

• A GIP is a monthly payment
• A GIP is paid for your lifetime,
• It is tax free and is adjusted annually for inflation and rising prices
• The amount you receive is based on your final salary and age.

Irwin Mitchell’s team of armed forces solicitors could help you make a claim through the AFCS and we have a history of securing settlements above GIP thresholds when appropriate.

Private insurance plans, such as PAX, are not taken into consideration when awarding settlements through the AFCS so you don’t need to worry about insurance claims affecting your award.