The Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) is a financial benefit for seriously injured service members and veterans. It provides compensation for the extra costs associated with injuries or disabilities resulting from service in the Armed Forces.
What is an Armed Forces Independence Payment?
AFIP is for injured service personnel and veterans only, and is designed as an alternative to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). It is administered through Veterans UK and is not means-tested, meaning eligibility does not depend on income or savings.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for AFIP, you must
- Have been injured on or after 6 April 2005
- And be entitled to a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) of 50% or more through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
You can contact the Veterans UK helpline on 0808 191 4218 to find out your GIP rate if you’re unsure.
AFIP is available to eligible service members and veterans in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It’s tax-free and is intended to provide ongoing support for those who have made significant sacrifices while serving their country.
Can I get an Armed Forces Independence Payment with other benefits?
To qualify for AFIP, you must not be receiving any of any of the following benefits.
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA).
AFIP does not count as income for means-tested benefits, so it won't reduce the amount you receive from other support programs. Additionally, households with an AFIP recipient are exempt from the Benefit Cap, which limits the total amount of benefits a household can receive.
Should I get an Armed Forces Independence Payment or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?
Choosing between AFIP and PIP depends on your circumstances.
AFIP is specifically available to those receiving a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) of 50% or higher through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). PIP, on the other hand, is accessible to anyone with qualifying disabilities, regardless of military service.
Here are some key considerations.
AFIP
- Specifically for injured service personnel and veterans
- No regular reassessments are required
- Guaranteed payment for as long as you receive a GIP of 50% or higher.
PIP
- Available to civilians and service personnel
- Requires regular reassessments
- Payment amounts may vary based on reassessments.
If you're eligible for AFIP, it may be the better option due to its lifetime guarantee and lack of reassessments.
However, if you're not eligible for AFIP, PIP could be a suitable alternative to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term health condition or disability.
How much Armed Forces Independence Payment will I get?
The amount of AFIP you receive is set at a standard rate, which is reviewed annually. It’s tax-free and paid every four weeks into your bank account.
Armed Forces Independence Payment Rates by Year
- 2024 - £184.30 per week
- 2023 - £172.75 per week
- 2022 - £163.15 per week
How do I claim ?
The process for claiming AFIP is straightforward. Eligibility is based on your Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) status. Here's how it works.
- If you're awarded a GIP of 50% or higher through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, you'll be automatically considered for AFIP
- Veterans UK should contact you directly to tell you that you are eligible
- You'll receive a claim form to provide the necessary details for payment
- Once your claim is processed, payments will begin automatically.
There are no additional assessments, and you don’t need to provide medical evidence, as your AFCS award already establishes your eligibility.
Can I appeal a decision?
While AFIP decisions are usually straightforward due to the automatic eligibility process, there may be instances where you disagree with a decision. In such cases, you have the right to appeal, and you should contact Veterans UK.
Since AFIP eligibility is tied to your GIP award, most appeals would likely relate to the underlying AFCS decision rather than AFIP itself.
What if I have questions or need help?
For help and queries, you can contact the Veterans UK Helpline directly on 0808 1914 218, Citizens Advice and the Veterans Welfare Service.
Get help
If you need support with your physical or mental health, feel lonely, or need help with housing, or applying for benefits, just get in touch. We also host free activities and events across the UK so you can spend time with other veterans and find activities to enjoy in your community.
To get support, all you need to do is submit an online form or call our friendly helpline team on 0300 303 9888.
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