Military Legal Services · Chester & England & Wales
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)
No-Fault Compensation for Injuries & Illnesses Caused by Service
Specialist AFCS solicitors advising serving personnel and veterans on claims, tariff awards and appeals across England and Wales.
No obligation — speak to us first.
What is the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme?
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) is a government scheme providing no-fault compensation to serving personnel and veterans who have suffered an injury, illness or death caused by service in the UK Armed Forces on or after 6 April 2005.
Unlike a civil claim against the Ministry of Defence, you do not need to prove that the MOD was negligent. You only need to show that your injury or illness was caused by your service. The scheme is administered by Veterans UK.
For injuries before 6 April 2005, the War Pensions Scheme may apply instead.
Who Can Claim Under the AFCS?
Serving Regular Personnel
Members of the Regular Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force injured or made ill by service on or after 6 April 2005.
Reservists
Members of the Army Reserve, Royal Naval Reserve and RAF Reserve injured during mobilised or training service.
Veterans
Former service personnel who suffered an injury or illness caused by service on or after 6 April 2005, regardless of when they left the Forces.
Dependants
Surviving spouses, civil partners and eligible children of service personnel who died as a result of service may be entitled to a Survivor's Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP).
Important: AFCS claims must generally be made within 7 years of the injury or illness, or within 3 years of leaving service (whichever is later). Time limits can be complex — seek advice early.
AFCS Tariff Bands — How Awards Are Calculated
AFCS awards are made on a tariff basis with 15 levels. Level 1 is the most serious (highest award). In addition to a lump sum, those with more serious injuries may receive a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) — a tax-free monthly payment for life.
| Tariff Level | Examples | Lump Sum (approx.) | GIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Most serious injuries — e.g. loss of multiple limbs, severe brain injury | Up to £650,000 | Yes — for life |
| Levels 2–6 | Serious injuries — e.g. loss of one limb, severe PTSD, significant hearing loss | £120,000–£570,000 | Yes — for life or fixed term |
| Levels 7–11 | Moderate injuries — e.g. moderate hearing loss, moderate PTSD, fractures | £8,000–£115,000 | Possible |
| Levels 12–15 | Minor injuries — e.g. minor hearing loss, minor soft tissue injuries | £1,100–£7,000 | No |
* Figures are approximate and subject to annual uprating. Actual awards depend on individual circumstances.
How to Make an AFCS Claim
- 1
Free Confidential Assessment
We discuss your service history, your injury or illness, and whether the AFCS is the right route for your circumstances.
- 2
Gathering Evidence
We help you gather the medical and service evidence needed to support your AFCS claim, including medical records and service documentation.
- 3
Submitting Your Claim
We prepare and submit your AFCS claim to Veterans UK on your behalf, ensuring it is presented in the strongest possible way.
- 4
Award & Appeal
If the initial award is too low or your claim is rejected, we advise on the prospects of an appeal and represent you through the process.
AFCS vs Civil Claim Against the MOD
The AFCS and a civil claim against the Ministry of Defence are separate routes. In some cases, both may be available. We will advise on the most appropriate route for your circumstances.
AFCS
- No-fault — no need to prove negligence
- Tariff-based awards (structured)
- Administered by Veterans UK
- Faster process in most cases
- Available for injuries from 6 April 2005
Civil Claim Against the MOD
- Must prove MOD negligence or breach of duty
- Can result in higher compensation
- Covers loss of earnings, future care, pain & suffering
- Available for injuries before and after 2005
- AFCS award taken into account
AFCS — Common Questions
What is the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS)?
The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) is a no-fault compensation scheme for injuries, illnesses and deaths caused by service in the UK Armed Forces on or after 6 April 2005. You do not need to prove that the MOD was negligent — you only need to show that your injury or illness was caused by your service.
Who can claim under the AFCS?
The AFCS is open to serving personnel (Regular and Reserve) and veterans who suffered an injury, illness or death caused by service on or after 6 April 2005. Dependants of service personnel who died as a result of service may also be entitled to a Survivor's Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP).
How are AFCS awards calculated?
AFCS awards are made on a tariff basis. There are 15 tariff levels, with Level 1 being the most serious (highest award) and Level 15 the least serious. The tariff level is determined by the nature and severity of the injury or illness. In addition to a lump sum, those with more serious injuries may receive a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) — a tax-free monthly payment for life.
How long do I have to make an AFCS claim?
AFCS claims must generally be made within 7 years of the injury or illness, or within 3 years of leaving service (whichever is later). There are some exceptions. We strongly recommend seeking advice as early as possible to protect your position.
Can I appeal an AFCS decision?
Yes. If you are unhappy with an AFCS decision — for example, if your claim was rejected or you believe the tariff level awarded is too low — you can appeal. The appeal process involves an independent review and, if necessary, a tribunal hearing. We can advise on the prospects of a successful appeal and represent you throughout the process.
Can I claim under the AFCS and also bring a civil claim against the MOD?
In some circumstances, yes. The AFCS and civil claims against the MOD are separate routes. However, any AFCS award received will generally be taken into account in civil proceedings. We will advise on the interaction between the two routes and which is most appropriate for your circumstances.
Your Military Claims Journey
Your Specialist Solicitor
Jonathan Cloudsdale
Head of Military Legal Services
Over 10 years' specialist experience in complex military claims, personal injury, industrial disease and catastrophic injuries. Multiple six-figure settlements achieved.
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Prefer to speak with us? Call 01244 757352