| If death occurs whilst serving in HM Armed Forces
(This section describes the procedure for considering claims under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Deaths resulting from Service prior to 6th April 2005 will be considered under the War Pensions Scheme)
Stage 1.
All Deaths that occur whilst a person is serving in HM Armed
Forces are notified to Service Personnel and Veterans Agency normally within 24 hours of death.
Upon receipt of notification, we establish if there is a surviving
adult dependant; this could be a widow, widower, civil partner or a partner
of the opposite sex if they were in a substantial relationship at the time
of death. We also establish if there are any eligible children.
Stage 2.
If it is established there is a surviving adult dependant and/or
eligible child, we arrange for a Veterans Welfare Manager to visit to
assist in the completion of a pension claim form. The Welfare Manager will
also offer advice regarding other benefits that may be available to claim.
Evidence is obtained to establish if Service was the predominant cause of
death.
The type of evidence varies depending on the cause of death,
for example:
- if death is due to natural causes we would normally obtain
the Service Medical Documents and any hospital records; or
- if death is due to an accident we need to obtain details
from the Commanding Officer and any board of enquiry reports.
Stage 3.
Once all the evidence is obtained clerical staff consider the
case.
If an award of Survivors Guaranteed Payment (SGIP) and/or Childs
Guaranteed Income Payment (CGIP) is appropriate, we obtain details of the
deceased’s salary at the time of death and pension payments due to
the widow, widower or partner.
Stage 4.
The amount we pay is calculated by multiplying the salary by
a factor based on age at the time of death. 60% of that figure will be paid
for the surviving adult dependant. The SGIP is reduced by any benefit paid
under the Armed and Reserve Forces Pension Schemes by 75%. Please note any
money due is taxable.
In addition we can also pay a Bereavement Grant of up to £20,000.
If the deceased was a member of the AFPS75 Pension Scheme we can pay the
full grant.
If the deceased was a member of the AFPS05 Pension Scheme and
the salary was less than £20,000 we would pay the balance between the
salary and £20,000. If the salary is more than £20,000 no Bereavement
Grant is payable.
All decisions are notified in writing.
If you wish to make an enquiry about these procedures, timescales
involved or any other related matter, please contact
us.
|
