Armed Forces Pension Calculator
Calculate Your Military Pension
Enter your service details below to estimate your Armed Forces pension benefits. This calculator provides projections for AFPS 75, AFPS 05, and AFPS 15 schemes.
Armed Forces Pension Schemes
The UK Armed Forces operate three main pension schemes, each with different benefits and calculation methods. Your scheme depends on when you joined the forces.
AFPS 75
For those who joined before 6 April 2005. Provides a pension based on final salary and years of service, with an automatic lump sum worth three times the annual pension.
AFPS 05
For those who joined between 6 April 2005 and 31 March 2015. Uses Final Pensionable Salary calculation with inflation protection for the best 365 consecutive days’ pay in the last three years.
AFPS 15
Current scheme for all serving personnel. Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme where 1/47th of annual pay is added to your pension pot each year, revalued by Average Weekly Earnings.
Early Departure Payment
Available after 20 years’ service (minimum age 40) under AFPS 15. Provides immediate payment equivalent to at least 34% of deferred pension plus tax-free lump sum.
How Military Pensions Work
Pension Age
Normal pension age varies by scheme. AFPS 75 and AFPS 05 benefits can be claimed from age 60 (for service before 6 April 2006) or 65 (for service after that date). AFPS 15 has a normal pension age of 60, with deferred benefits payable from State Pension Age if you leave earlier.
Lump Sum Options
Most schemes allow you to exchange part of your pension for a tax-free lump sum at retirement. AFPS 75 and AFPS 05 provide automatic lump sums, whilst AFPS 15 allows you to take up to 25% of your total pension value as a lump sum at a rate of £12 for every £1 of annual pension given up.
Inflation Protection
All Armed Forces pensions receive annual increases to protect against inflation. AFPS 75 pensions increase by Consumer Price Index (CPI) after age 55. AFPS 05 and AFPS 15 pensions increase by CPI from the point they come into payment.
Added Pension
Service personnel can purchase additional pension through Added Years (AFPS 75/05) or Added Pension contracts (AFPS 15). These provide extra pension income at retirement and are particularly valuable for those who may not serve to full pension age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I leave the forces before normal pension age?
If you leave with at least two years’ service, you’ll receive a preserved pension payable from normal pension age. With AFPS 15, if you serve at least 20 years and leave after age 40, you may qualify for an Early Departure Payment.
Can I transfer my military pension to another scheme?
Yes, you can transfer your preserved Armed Forces pension to another registered pension scheme, but this is a complex decision that requires careful consideration and professional advice. Transfer values are calculated according to government actuarial guidance.
What happens to my pension if I’m medically discharged?
Medical discharge may entitle you to enhanced pension benefits. AFPS 15 has three tiers of ill-health pension, with higher tiers providing enhancement for future service you would have completed. The level depends on your likelihood of returning to gainful employment.
How does divorce affect my military pension?
Military pensions can be subject to pension sharing orders in divorce proceedings. The court may award a portion of your pension to your former spouse. Veterans UK can implement these orders and provide separate pension statements.
When should I apply for my pension?
You should apply approximately three months before you want your pension to start. For immediate pensions (if you’re over 60), contact Veterans UK before leaving service. For preserved pensions, apply closer to your expected start date.
Important Notice: This calculator provides estimates based on current legislation and rates. Actual pension amounts may differ due to factors not captured in this tool. For accurate projections, request an official pension forecast from Veterans UK using Form 12 (serving personnel) or Form 14 (veterans).
References
Ministry of Defence. (2024). Armed Forces Pension Calculator User Guide. Veterans UK.
HM Government. (2024). Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015: Your Scheme Explained. Ministry of Defence.
Veterans UK. (2024). A Guide to Deferred and Preserved Pension Entitlement. Ministry of Defence.
Forces Pension Society. (2024). How Does My Pension Grow During My Service? Armed Forces Pension Information.
HM Government. (2024). Understanding Your Armed Forces Pension. Veterans UK Guidance.
Ministry of Defence. (2024). Armed Forces Pension Scheme Family Benefits. Veterans UK Publications.
