FAA/RN Pensions contact

[son of brommers]

My late father had been of the understanding that he was not entitled to/been part of a pension scheme whilst he served (1964-1975). Having seen a few articles recently, I believe that he may well have been entitled to a pension payout but have so far drawn a blank of who/where to approach to bottom the issue out.

Do any of my learned superiors have any pension contacts that they could prevail of please?

[Background Noise]

Generally, service before 1975 of less than 16 years was not pensionable. It changed on 6 Apr 75 so leaving date might be important. This is from the gov.uk pensions page:

Prior to 6 April 1975 there was no provision for a preservation of pension benefits and service personnel who left the armed forces had to have completed 16 years from age 21 (officers) or 22 years from age 18 (other ranks). Those who left before that date without completing the above criteria, lost all pension entitlement.

The rules changed on 6 April 1975 to provide for pensions to be preserved for payment at age 60 for all those discharged over the age of 26 with a minimum of 5 years service. On 6 April 1988, the qualifying period was reduced from 5 to 2 years and the age criterion was dropped. Preserved pensions have to be claimed at age 60 or at age 65 if your service began after 5 April 2006. However, you can claim your preserved pension sooner if you become permanently incapacitated.

Service pensions are administered by Veterans UK but pension payments are made by Paymaster (1836) Ltd, the paying authority for the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS).

Contact details
For help and information on your armed forces pension please ring the Veterans UK on 0800 085 3600

Start by looking here: https://www.gov.uk/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans#pensions, and I suggest that if you think you have any entitlement and need help, join the Forces Pension Society.

[Al R]

Given the passage of time, I suggest you contact Voxpop, the font of knowledge for that.

[Akrotiri bad boy]

It's not looking good if he left pre Apr '75 without completing 16 or 22 years . However you can always contact the pensions people direct, all service pensions are administered from:

Armed Forces Pension Scheme
Mail Point 480
Kentigern House
65 Brown Street
Glasgow G2 8EX

Akro

[bike2lv]

Also worth checking 'Combined Armed Forces Federation UK". They have an ongoing campaign re pension benefits for personnel in similar circumstances to those you mention.

[Voxpop]

The quote is quite right. If he left after 6 April 1975, was over 26 and had at least 5 years service there will be a small preserved pension and lump sum waiting for him.

If you are in any doubt about his date of discharge, get him to write to the address given above and ask. The worst that can happen is that they say 'no'.