MoD announces seriously injured veterans to get financial support for life

Friday, Feb 15, 2013

A new benefit will mean that seriously injured veterans will be guaranteed financial support of around £7,000 a year for life, the Defence Minister Mark Francois and Minister for Disabled People Esther McVey have said.

In April the MOD and DWP will introduce the Armed Forces Independence Payment, a brand new benefit for members of the Armed Forces and former members of the Armed Forces who have been seriously injured as a result of their service. In recognition of their immense sacrifice serving their country this will ensure that they receive around £7000, in financial support every year for the rest of their life. This is in addition to the financial support they receive through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

This Government is committed to helping those that have served their nation in as many ways as possible so it has decided to put in place these special arrangements for seriously injured personnel. Rather than face separate assessments the Armed Forces Independence Payment will ensure that seriously injured personnel continue to receive ongoing payments to help with the additional costs associated with their injuries.

This is the latest measure to be announced as part of the Government’s commitment to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant so that personnel and their families are not unfairly affected by their service to their country and to ensure special consideration is given to the injured and bereaved.

Source: MoD