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  • Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Claims

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Claims

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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
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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

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.


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 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.



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.


Ray Lowrie

Getting the support from Irwin Mitchell with my adapted house has given me the encouragement and independence I needed to get out there and find other things I am interested in."

Ray Lowrie

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does The Claims Process Work?

If we think you have a claim then we'll collect evidence of the cause and severity of your injury. This could involve accessing your medical records, seeking independent medical advice, or interviewing witnesses.

Once a claim has been submitted to Veterans UK they'll look at the medical evidence that we've provided and make an award according to their tariff bands.

If we feel that the award is too low then we can make an application for it to be reconsidered. If the level of compensation is still too low after this, we can look into making an appeal through an independent tribunal.


Should I Make A Civil Claim?

You can make a civil claim and an AFCS claim. Some claims that offer lower lump sum payments won’t be eligible for a Guaranteed Income Payment award. In this case you may get more compensation through a civil claim.

Our military injury team could help you decide if you should make a civil claim alongside, or instead of, an AFCS claim. Contact us online or call us on 0800 022 3321 to arrange a free consultation with one of our experts to find out more.


Read More FAQs

Related Information - Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Claims

Court of Protection - How we can help protect people with reduced mental capacity
PTSD - Our experts can help with mental health issues sustained in the military, as well as physical injuries
Focus On Military - Our bi-annual newsletter for the Service Community
Support Services - We’re here to help you access the support you need

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Excellent and well known team that acts quickly and is a pleasure to work with." 
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They make themselves available to their clients and are willing to go the extra mile."
Chambers & Partners, 2020

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Our Armed Forces Expertise

Since 1987, our specialist military injury team has helped hundreds of injured personnel from the Army, RAF and Royal Navy to claim compensation. We are considered one of the top law firms in the country for military claims and several cases we were involved in were recently featured in the Chilcot Inquiry.

We work closely with a number of Armed Forces welfare branches and organisations, and are the PAX appointed legal representatives under the PAX Personal Accident Insurance Scheme. We're also proud supporters of:

  • The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group
  • Help For Heroes
  • SSAFA Forces Help

Several of our solicitors were part of team that recently won The Claims Innovation Award for Legal Service Team of the Year (2016) for their pro bono work within The Royal British Legion Solicitors Group (TRBLSG).


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About Irwin Mitchell

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