Forces pensions explained
The Armed Forces Pension Schemes are extremely complex pieces of legislation, and like all statutes inevitably contain unintended anomalies that disadvantage certain groups of people.
Normally these would be resolved by an objective and dispassionate argument from someone representing the pensioners. But the Armed Forces Pension Schemes, uniquely in the public sector, have no trustees or independent representation for the member (the pensioner).
Not only that, the Forces have no trade union or federation to speak on their behalf - a Service person is entirely dependent on his or her employer (the Ministry of Defence) to discharge this duty of care fairly.
Sadly, this has not always occurred, and so it falls on the Forces Pension Society to campaign for equitable treatment for the Armed Forces.
Did you know, for instance, that although Armed Forces Pension Schemes are usually considered to be non-contributory, the salaries of all Service people are abated by an amount agreed by the Armed Forces Review Body to take into account the value of the pension? This is currently 4%, a not insignificant amount and is a contribution about which you, the contributor, have no say.
There are two Armed Forces Pension Schemes running:
- AFPS 75 - favours short service and has a poor dependants package
- AFPS 05 - favours long service and has a good dependants package
To find out more about each scheme and the main differences between them click on the links to enter the member’s area.
If you wish to have detailed information on particular aspects of the Armed Forces Pension Schemes there is a comprehensive range of leaflets available in the Members Area of this website which are only available to members of the Society who have been issued with a username and password. Non-members can access these by clicking here to register to join the Society.
Members can also contact our pensions expert David Marsh with your query. Non-members can, of course, benefit from David’s depth of knowledge by becoming a member.
Members who have lost or forgotten their username and/or password, please email Stuart Hermelin.
