Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) Claims

If you’ve suffered an injury or illness in the course of military service, our solicitors could help you make a claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).

What Is The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme?

The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) was set up by the government to provide compensation to military personnel injured on or after 6 April 2005. Managed by Veterans UK, it uses a tariff system to award set payments for injuries caused by service.

Unlike a civil personal injury claim, seeking compensation through the AFCS means there’s no need to prove blame.

Who Can Make An AFCS Claim?

You could claim through the AFCS regardless of whether you’re still serving, or a veteran. This applies not only to regular forces, but also to reservists or members of the Special Forces.

You may be able to make a claim if you’ve sustained an injury in the course of military service, including while:

On operations
Participating in service approved sports
Training
Exercising to maintain military fitness.

In certain circumstances you may be able to seek compensation through the AFCS as well as making a separate civil personal injury claim. Our lawyers can discuss this with you in a free initial consultation.

What Are The Time Limits For Making An AFCS 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.

Why Choose Us?

Making a claim through the AFCS can be a difficult and slow moving process, and the results of your claim are dependent upon the evidence provided. The AFCS is a complicated and technical scheme, and relying on Veterans UK to process your compensation claim without seeking legal advice might mean you receive a lower award.

We could advise you on:

Making a new claim through the AFCS
Challenging an award if we believe you’ve not received the correct tariff
Challenging a decision to reject your claim on the grounds of eligibility.

We may be able to handle your AFCS claim on a no win no fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and there is no cost to you if your claim is unsuccessful.

We have a dedicated team of military specialists including former service personnel. Our expert lawyers have an in depth knowledge of the AFCS, with a proven track record of claiming through it.

Contact Us

For a free initial consultation about your Armed Forces Compensation Scheme claim, please call us on 0800 022 3321 or contact us online and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Proven track record in AFCS claims

Expert lawyers with a service background

Links with support agencies to assist with rehabilitation support

In depth understanding of the AFCS

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Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Claims - More Information

- How Much Compensation Could I Get From The AFCS?
- 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.
- How Are Awards Determined?
- 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.
- Can I Claim a Guaranteed Income Payment?
- 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 paid for your lifetime, 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.
- What Effect Will Claiming Have On My Personal Insurance?
- 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.

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