Why am I getting this email ?
Following the recent review of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), changes have been made from August 2010. This email provides more information about these changes and the wider scheme.

What is AFCS?
• The Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) provides compensation for injury,    illness or death predominantly caused by Service after 5 April 2005. The War Pension    Scheme still compensates for injuries, illness and death related to Service before then .
• It covers all members of the UK Armed Forces, including Reservists.
• AFCS is entirely separate from personal accident cover such as PAX or SLI.

Lump Sums and Guaranteed Income Payments
Eligible AFCS claimants receive a tax free lump sum of between £1,155 and £570,000 according to the seriousness of their injury or illness. Those with more serious injuries also receive a tax free index-linked income stream called the Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP), paid monthly from discharge. The GIP is an enhancement to the Armed Forces ill-health pension.
 
Why are things changing?
The former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral The Lord Boyce, recently conducted a wide ranging review of the scheme. The review found that whilst the scheme is fundamentally sound, adjustments are required in some areas. We are now working to implement the changes recommended by Lord Boyce as quickly as possible.

What's changing in August 2010?
• The time limit for making a claim is extended from 5 years to 7 years.
• The time limit for claiming for 'late onset' illness, such as some mental health conditions,    is extended from 1 year to 3 years from the date of first seeking medical help.
• Some payments for hearing loss are increased.
• The way in which the Scheme is communicated to Service personnel and their families is   being improved. This bulletin is part of that.

What's changing from March 2011?
• All lump sums to increase, except the maximum award which was recently doubled to   £570,000.
• Increases in GIP to reflect the lasting effect of serious injuries on future promotions.
• Increases in GIP to reflect the impact of injuries up to age 65 (rather than 55).
• Every person who has sustained multiple injuries arising from a single incident will    receive some compensation for each injury.
• The maximum award for mental illness to be increased.
• The time limit for requesting the reconsideration of a decision to be increased from 3 to 12   months.
• Seriously injured personnel will have access to independent financial advice.
• A new expert body is being created to advise on the right level of compensation to pay for   certain injuries and illness that might be caused by Service, such as hearing loss and   injury to genitalia.

What do I need to do?
Already received an award?
Those who have already received an award under AFCS will benefit from the changes. All previous awards will be revisited and awards uplifted in line with the improvements. No action is necessary on the part of the claimant. They will be contacted and receive the additional payment by June 2012.

To make a new Claim:
• Contact the SPVA free helpline on 0800 169 2277   (overseas +44 1253 866043) to request  a claim form.
• Claim forms and information for both Serving and   ex-Service personnel can be found on SPVA's website www.veterans-uk.info
• Never second guess a claim outcome. Experience shows trying to estimate the award   payable is not in the best interests of the claimant.
• Don't delay a claim. If you have a claim,submit it now to get the existing benefits. Once the   review changes are implemented, all existing claims will be revisited and awards uplifted   in line with the improvements.


Expert advice and contacts

SPVA helpline:

0800 169 2277 (UK only)

+44 1253 866043 (overseas)

The helpline provides advice on all aspects of the scheme, including obtaining claim forms. You can receive help in completing the claim form by calling the helpline and asking to speak to a SPVA Welfare Manager.

Websites:
www.veterans-uk.info
www.spva.mod.uk