YOU MAY HAVE A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATIONArmed Forces Compensation Scheme ClaimsIf you need to make an AFCS claim, our experts can help maximise your payout. Your case will be reviewed by AFCS specialist law firm who will be able to tell you how much you could be owed. Start claim Home E Personal Injury E Military Injury E Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)Overview of AFCS claimsThe Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) is a compensation scheme for members of the Armed Forces who are injured, ill or disabled as a result of service on or after 6 April 2005. The scheme provides compensation for injury, illness or death caused by service, including injuries sustained in combat, training or other military operations.The AFCS is a no-fault compensation scheme, meaning that compensation is paid regardless of who was at fault for the injury or illness. The scheme provides compensation in addition to any other benefits that the injured person may be entitled to, such as pension benefits.In this section› AFCS Claims› Claim overview› The criteria needed to qualify› The legal argument for the claim› The evidence you need› A guide to compensation amounts› Claim duration› Common questionsCriteria needed to qualify for an Armed Forces compensation scheme claimTo qualify for the AFCS, an injured person must have been a member of the Armed Forces at the time of the injury or illness. The person must have suffered a minimum level of disablement as a result of the injury or illness.The level of disablement required to qualify for compensation varies depending on the type of injury or illness. For example, a person who loses a limb or suffers a serious head injury may qualify for compensation even if they have not suffered a high level of disablement, whereas a person with a less serious injury may need to have suffered a higher level of disablement to qualify.Did you know?If you have accessibility issues, then the government is required to make reasonable adjustments so that you have the same ability to claim as anyone else.Legal argument for an AFCS claimThe legal argument for the AFCS claim is that the injury or illness was caused by service. This means that the injury or illness would not have occurred if the person had not been serving in the Armed Forces.Key FactsYou have seven years from when the incident occurs to make a claim for your injury.The evidence needed to support an Armed Forces compensation claimTo support an AFCS claim, the injured person will need to provide evidence that the injury or illness was caused by service. This may include medical records, witness statements and reports from military commanders or other officials.It is important to provide as much evidence as possible to support the claim, as this will help to ensure that the claim is processed quickly and fairly.Did you know?If your incident occurred before April 6th 2005, then your claim will be considered under the War Pension Scheme instead of AFCS.A guide to compensation AFCS amountsCompensation amounts under the AFCS vary depending on the type and severity of the injury or illness. The compensation is calculated based on a percentage of the person’s pre-injury or pre-illness earnings, with a minimum payment of £1,200.The compensation payments are divided into three bands:Band 1For injuries that cause less than 6% disablement, the compensation payment is £1,200.Band 2For injuries that cause between 6% and 50% disablement, the compensation payment is calculated based on a percentage of the person’s pre-injury or pre-illness earnings.Band 3For injuries that cause more than 50% disablement, the compensation payment is calculated based on a percentage of the person’s pre-injury or pre-illness earnings, with a maximum payment of £650,000.Key FactsOf the 4,317 injury and illness claims that were registered under AFCS in 2021/22 , as many as 47% were awarded. The total compensation awarded for service-related injury and illness was £93.8 million.How long do Armed Forces compensation claims take?The length of time it takes to process an AFCS claim can vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the claim and the amount of evidence provided. In general, it can take several months for a claim to be processed, and in some cases, it may take longer. However, the Ministry of Defence has committed to processing claims as quickly as possible, and aims to process the majority of claims within six months.The AFCS claim processThe AFCS claim process can be a complex and lengthy process, depending on the nature and severity of the injury, illness or death. The process can be initiated by the individual who has been injured, the family of a deceased individual, or a representative acting on their behalf. The claim must be made within seven years of the incident occurring, or within seven years of the individual becoming aware of the condition.The first step in making an AFCS claim is to complete an AFCS claim form. The form can be downloaded from the Veterans UK website, and it is important to complete it accurately and fully. The claim form will require information such as the individual’s personal details, their service history, and details of the injury, illness, or death. It is important to provide as much detail as possible, as this will help to ensure that the claim is processed as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you would like help making a claim and completing any documentation, Claims Bible can help pair you with the right legal team.Once the claim form has been submitted, it will be reviewed by Veterans UK. The review process can take several months, and it may involve obtaining further information from the individual, their medical records, and other sources. Veterans UK will use the information provided in the claim form to determine whether the individual is eligible for compensation under the AFCS, and if so, how much compensation they are entitled to.If the claim is successful, the individual will receive a lump sum payment, which is intended to compensate them for their injury, illness or death. The amount of the payment will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the injury or illness, the impact on the individual’s life, and the individual’s age and service history. The payment may also include ongoing support and assistance, such as medical treatment or disability benefits.If the claim is unsuccessful, the individual has the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process can be lengthy and complex, and it may involve obtaining further evidence to support the claim. It is important to seek the advice of a solicitor or other legal representative when appealing a decision, as they can provide guidance and support throughout the process as well as ensure that you get the best possible outcome. This way, you can avoid any unnecessary stress or wasted time and simply rest assured that you will be informed once a settlement has been reached.Common questionsWho is eligible to make an AFCS claim?Any individual who has been injured, become ill or died as a result of their service in the British Armed Forces is eligible to make an AFCS claim. This includes serving personnel, veterans, and their families.What types of injuries and illnesses are covered by the AFCS?The AFCS covers a wide range of injuries and illnesses, including physical injuries, mental health conditions and diseases caused by exposure to harmful substances or conditions. Any injury or illness that stems from time during the military, whether this is actively serving or during a training exercise, for example, means you are entitled to compensation. The scheme also provides compensation for death caused by service-related incidents for the family of those who served.For more common questions, please refer to the specific claim pages or read our general FAQs page.
