Medical Pension
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: firmly on dry land
Age: 81
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I didn't answer before as I was not sure if there was a difference between the pension following a medical discharge and one where there is a claim for a disability for instance for deafness.
In the first case I believe there are set pension rates etc that are set out in the AFPRB reports.
In the latter there are rates set by the Pensions and Veterans' Agency. I don't know if these are the same.
What is most important for the war pensions claim is that you must submit the application forms within, I think, 3 months (maybe 6) of requesting them. Then the good news is that the pensions clock starts ticking from the day they receive the forms back. This means that if they take 10 months to get around to examine your case, and 2-3 months thereafter to make an award, you will receive a payment backdated to the date they first received your application.
In the first case I believe there are set pension rates etc that are set out in the AFPRB reports.
In the latter there are rates set by the Pensions and Veterans' Agency. I don't know if these are the same.
What is most important for the war pensions claim is that you must submit the application forms within, I think, 3 months (maybe 6) of requesting them. Then the good news is that the pensions clock starts ticking from the day they receive the forms back. This means that if they take 10 months to get around to examine your case, and 2-3 months thereafter to make an award, you will receive a payment backdated to the date they first received your application.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Out there somewhere
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would suggest that you approch your local RAFA/RBL welfare officer. They have an enormous amount of up to date information and are there to help you. The worst part that I found was the 28 pages of questions I had to answer. But at the end a 60% disability pension was well received.
Good luck.
CS
Good luck.
CS
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Cheltenham
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Medical Pension
I've just been booted out (discharged) with a 'medical pension' (war pension in my case) so I have some current info if you need it. It will all depend on your particular circumstances - ie why (the medical reason) have you been discharged, when was the first onset of this ailment, how long have you served etc. PM me for more.
Stan Laver.
Stan Laver.
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good advice above.
Additionally, let me add a little from personal experience. On my third month at Headley Court I was told my injury (leg / accident) would get no better, and that there was a possibility of a medical discharge with medical pension. The inference was that the swing of the pendulum, so to speak, could also be influenced by my preference of choice.
On asking what the pension might be, a fair question I thought, having a family to consider too, I was told that no figure could possibly be given until after a med board. Needless to say, I found this too much of a risk, even if it was to be tax free, and did everything in my power to stay in and make 22 years.
Furtunately, I achieved this, even getting a royal bollocking on my med board for having passed my fitness test (40+ on bike) whilst exempt!
Hope that helps, whatever way you elect to try for (assuming you have a choice), think carefully, and tread even more so.
Oh, you will also likely qualify for a War Pension, and that too is tax free, and depending on severity of injury, normally a lump sump and monthly payment. Also check the AP, the rules changed whilst I was perm, downgraded, and promotions were allowed, but no extension of service. That played in my favour and I came out on Flt Sgts pension, so all in all, not too bad in the long run.
Good luck & best wishes.
Additionally, let me add a little from personal experience. On my third month at Headley Court I was told my injury (leg / accident) would get no better, and that there was a possibility of a medical discharge with medical pension. The inference was that the swing of the pendulum, so to speak, could also be influenced by my preference of choice.
On asking what the pension might be, a fair question I thought, having a family to consider too, I was told that no figure could possibly be given until after a med board. Needless to say, I found this too much of a risk, even if it was to be tax free, and did everything in my power to stay in and make 22 years.
Furtunately, I achieved this, even getting a royal bollocking on my med board for having passed my fitness test (40+ on bike) whilst exempt!
Hope that helps, whatever way you elect to try for (assuming you have a choice), think carefully, and tread even more so.
Oh, you will also likely qualify for a War Pension, and that too is tax free, and depending on severity of injury, normally a lump sump and monthly payment. Also check the AP, the rules changed whilst I was perm, downgraded, and promotions were allowed, but no extension of service. That played in my favour and I came out on Flt Sgts pension, so all in all, not too bad in the long run.
Good luck & best wishes.
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Medical Pension - Tax Exempt?
I'm not getting much joy from the Veterans Agency
This question is only relevant for the AFCS post 6 Apr 2005 scheme.
I have heard variously that
a) My Medical Pension (GIP) will be tax free
or
b) My Medical Pension is added to my normal pension and that combined figure is tax free
Can anyone help?
Not applicable to the old 'War Pension' in this case.
Thanks in advance
SPHLC
This question is only relevant for the AFCS post 6 Apr 2005 scheme.
I have heard variously that
a) My Medical Pension (GIP) will be tax free
or
b) My Medical Pension is added to my normal pension and that combined figure is tax free
Can anyone help?
Not applicable to the old 'War Pension' in this case.
Thanks in advance
SPHLC
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Glowcesestershiiiire
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You would think that whilst at the 'Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Headley Court' one would be able to get some answers on this topic, wouldn't you?
Unfortunately, you'd be WRONG!!
Whilst I still hope to remain 'IN', I am most likely to be looking down the barrel of an MD myself. After 4 months in hospital, 9 months at HC and 4+ more in 'further rehab' I still await some form of solid info on my projected income should I HAVE to leave. This is a little puzzling to say the least. Not to mention worrying, with two young children, a big mortgage, and all of the trappings that accompany these.
Please don't think that anyone at DMRC HC has let me down, because that couldn't be further from the truth. They are all truely awesome. They are just afraid to give individuals incorrect, or out of date, information. Surely someone is able to furnish indiviuals like SPHLC above, and myself, with the sort of information that is needed?
The sort of information which would prevent, or go some way to prevent, the financial anxiety of (potential) discharge?
I could not believe that this was not readily available there?
Any info from the floor, please, would be very well received indeed? (Might even earn you a little bottle of scotch for your trouble
)
Unfortunately, you'd be WRONG!!
Whilst I still hope to remain 'IN', I am most likely to be looking down the barrel of an MD myself. After 4 months in hospital, 9 months at HC and 4+ more in 'further rehab' I still await some form of solid info on my projected income should I HAVE to leave. This is a little puzzling to say the least. Not to mention worrying, with two young children, a big mortgage, and all of the trappings that accompany these.
Please don't think that anyone at DMRC HC has let me down, because that couldn't be further from the truth. They are all truely awesome. They are just afraid to give individuals incorrect, or out of date, information. Surely someone is able to furnish indiviuals like SPHLC above, and myself, with the sort of information that is needed?
The sort of information which would prevent, or go some way to prevent, the financial anxiety of (potential) discharge?
I could not believe that this was not readily available there?
Any info from the floor, please, would be very well received indeed? (Might even earn you a little bottle of scotch for your trouble
)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: exiled
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Med Pension
As a rule, if you are on AFPS 75, if you are given a declared disability of over 15% you will get 3 and 1/2 times your annual salary as a gratuity which is tax free. Also, you will receive a tax free pension. The reason they will not give you a commutable figure is that it all depends on your disability which decides your figures. Dont know much about AFPS 05.
The trick is to get over the 15% mark i would surmise. The RBL are priceless here and are helping me with a lot of advice. I am also a member of the Forces Pension Society and I am about to start seeking their advice as well. I am about to start the med board process and having found out about the above cant helping thinking about green grass etc.
Anyway who wants to PM me - i will happily pass on what I know.
The trick is to get over the 15% mark i would surmise. The RBL are priceless here and are helping me with a lot of advice. I am also a member of the Forces Pension Society and I am about to start seeking their advice as well. I am about to start the med board process and having found out about the above cant helping thinking about green grass etc.
Anyway who wants to PM me - i will happily pass on what I know.
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Back from the sandpit
Age: 63
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Before I answer here please bear in mind that my info maybe well out of date. I was medically discharged in 1997. I was on APFS75 and paid as a reserved rights Master although still only wearing three stripes.
Please note that a Medical Pension is totally different and seperate to a War Pension. A War Pension is always free of tax and is initially dependant on your state of being on discharge as reccommended by the RAF Medical Board. I believe you still have to apply for a War Pension, it is not automatic. It is important to get a break down of your disability percentages relating to your War Pension award, particularly that percentage related to your Primary Invaliding Condition. This becomes of vital importance when relating to your Medical Pension. War Pensions are fluid things and are normally dependant on continuing assessments (In my case a medical every two years) the results of which can either increase or decrease your War Pension award. Always declare ANY and ALL illnesses and injuries that have occurred during your service career from ingrowing toe nails to amoebic dysentry to loss of limb. This may seem mercenary but you won't feel this way if it ends up as your only source of income. If you are unhappy with your initial percentage breakdown then appeal immediately. I made this mistake and have been unable to appeal it since (My PIC was assessed at 0%, absolute joke) although my War Pension award is 30%.
A Medical Pension is a 'slightly enhanced' payment of your normal pension, In my case a 'slightly enhanced' 19/22 of a full pension as I had done 19 years reckonable service at the time. This pension is payable immediately on discharge and is index linked straight away. I know the rules have changed regarding 'acting' ranks, but as I had been paid as a Master for less than two years they tried to screw me down to a Sgt's pension rate, I argued this, saying it was them that was kicking me out not voluntary and therefore wrong. This was accepted and I have a Master's Pension. Gratuity used to 3 x Annual Pension and tax free. As far as tax goes you will pay tax on a Medical Pension UNLESS your PIC is rated at over 20%. Then your Medical Pension automatically becomes tax free. From 1%-19% you have to fight for your Medical Pension to be declared free of tax. NOrmally they will roll over and play dead at the first sign of an appeal in these cases. Because I didn't fight the case of my PIC being 0% in the first place I am now screwed and pay tax.
I hope this helps, I know some things may have changed over the years. Always expect to get shafted and you won't be dissappointed. Join the RBL and the Pension Society. I standby to be corrected on any points, but this is what happened to me.
Please note that a Medical Pension is totally different and seperate to a War Pension. A War Pension is always free of tax and is initially dependant on your state of being on discharge as reccommended by the RAF Medical Board. I believe you still have to apply for a War Pension, it is not automatic. It is important to get a break down of your disability percentages relating to your War Pension award, particularly that percentage related to your Primary Invaliding Condition. This becomes of vital importance when relating to your Medical Pension. War Pensions are fluid things and are normally dependant on continuing assessments (In my case a medical every two years) the results of which can either increase or decrease your War Pension award. Always declare ANY and ALL illnesses and injuries that have occurred during your service career from ingrowing toe nails to amoebic dysentry to loss of limb. This may seem mercenary but you won't feel this way if it ends up as your only source of income. If you are unhappy with your initial percentage breakdown then appeal immediately. I made this mistake and have been unable to appeal it since (My PIC was assessed at 0%, absolute joke) although my War Pension award is 30%.
A Medical Pension is a 'slightly enhanced' payment of your normal pension, In my case a 'slightly enhanced' 19/22 of a full pension as I had done 19 years reckonable service at the time. This pension is payable immediately on discharge and is index linked straight away. I know the rules have changed regarding 'acting' ranks, but as I had been paid as a Master for less than two years they tried to screw me down to a Sgt's pension rate, I argued this, saying it was them that was kicking me out not voluntary and therefore wrong. This was accepted and I have a Master's Pension. Gratuity used to 3 x Annual Pension and tax free. As far as tax goes you will pay tax on a Medical Pension UNLESS your PIC is rated at over 20%. Then your Medical Pension automatically becomes tax free. From 1%-19% you have to fight for your Medical Pension to be declared free of tax. NOrmally they will roll over and play dead at the first sign of an appeal in these cases. Because I didn't fight the case of my PIC being 0% in the first place I am now screwed and pay tax.
I hope this helps, I know some things may have changed over the years. Always expect to get shafted and you won't be dissappointed. Join the RBL and the Pension Society. I standby to be corrected on any points, but this is what happened to me.
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the replies
Top Bunk Tester
So my earned pension is 'slightly enhanced' and is now called a Medical Pension, and tax free?
The reason I am asking is that in normal circumstances, we generally 'commute the maximum' but if it all gets combined, and tax-free, then I just might not commute.
Trouble is, I've just been told by the Veterans Agency that I find out about my award 'the day after my last day of service'
occhips
The Veterans Agency only mention 'an award of tariff 11 or above' for the Guaranteed Income Payment. Does the percentage thing come later?
k1rb5 - maybe see you at Headley Court, end of March?
Top Bunk Tester
A Medical Pension is a 'slightly enhanced' payment of your normal pension
The reason I am asking is that in normal circumstances, we generally 'commute the maximum' but if it all gets combined, and tax-free, then I just might not commute.
Trouble is, I've just been told by the Veterans Agency that I find out about my award 'the day after my last day of service'
occhips
if you are given a declared disability of over 15%
k1rb5 - maybe see you at Headley Court, end of March?
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: beyond the hedge of reason
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
don't worry!
I was invalided out with a war pension in the 80's so can offer no relevant admin details. However, I can tell you that no one in the service or the MoD is interested in having you get anything less than you deserve. In my case, I have to say that I think that I was well looked after and received - and still receive - a very fair pension and allowances for disability.
What can be worrying is that it takes quite a while for them to figure out every little bit of what they owe you. If you do retire, make sure that you get every day of annual and terminal leave you can save up, transfer, whatever. In my case, my bosses allowed me some 'gardening leave' which gave me time to enrol in some education to get myself going again.
As it turned out, my entitlements were notified about 10 days after my official discharge date.
After you get promoted to Mister, you will find that the Veteran's Agency are also very helpful. The attitude I have perceived is that they are employed to ensure you get every penny you are owed for your service.
Don't forget, also, that you may be entitled to social security benefits if there are excessive delays in sorting the pension. Most of us feel a bit sheepish about claiming benefits - but DON'T! You bloody well deserve it and have paid the tax so you are entitled to it.
Good luck, thanks for your service and I hope this relieves a little worry.
What can be worrying is that it takes quite a while for them to figure out every little bit of what they owe you. If you do retire, make sure that you get every day of annual and terminal leave you can save up, transfer, whatever. In my case, my bosses allowed me some 'gardening leave' which gave me time to enrol in some education to get myself going again.
As it turned out, my entitlements were notified about 10 days after my official discharge date.
After you get promoted to Mister, you will find that the Veteran's Agency are also very helpful. The attitude I have perceived is that they are employed to ensure you get every penny you are owed for your service.
Don't forget, also, that you may be entitled to social security benefits if there are excessive delays in sorting the pension. Most of us feel a bit sheepish about claiming benefits - but DON'T! You bloody well deserve it and have paid the tax so you are entitled to it.
Good luck, thanks for your service and I hope this relieves a little worry.
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its okay, not a 'gotcha'. If it was all combined and tax free, then I wouldn't commute.
I've found a large .pdf called 'AFPS - Invaliding' and on a Med Discharge, the Veterans Agency do all the assessment, then this all goes the the Pensions people at Glasgow.
For 20% +, it looks like your earned pension is now enhanced and called a Service Attributable Pension (SAP) or Service Invaliding Pension (SIP)
Gonna have to write a letter to Glasgow...
But I'm a bit anxious that I don't get to plan my finances until after I leave!
I've found a large .pdf called 'AFPS - Invaliding' and on a Med Discharge, the Veterans Agency do all the assessment, then this all goes the the Pensions people at Glasgow.
For 20% +, it looks like your earned pension is now enhanced and called a Service Attributable Pension (SAP) or Service Invaliding Pension (SIP)
Gonna have to write a letter to Glasgow...
But I'm a bit anxious that I don't get to plan my finances until after I leave!
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Back from the sandpit
Age: 63
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WRT my post above, I'm grateful to SPHLC for reminding me of the TLAs.
SIP - Like what I is getting - Enhanced, Immediately Index Linked and most importantly TAXED
SAP - Like what I wish I was getting (and bloody should be) - Enhanced, Immediately Index Linked and most importantly TAX FREE
All I can say is robbing b@stards.
SIP - Like what I is getting - Enhanced, Immediately Index Linked and most importantly TAXED
SAP - Like what I wish I was getting (and bloody should be) - Enhanced, Immediately Index Linked and most importantly TAX FREE
All I can say is robbing b@stards.
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
SAP
Just some notes on the SAP.
1. The award is back dated to the date you apply.
2. If less than a full award you may request a reassessment. The date of any increased award is back dated to the date of your request for reassessment.
3. When you request a reassessment you have just 3 months to submit that paper work, ie if you request on 1 Feb the paper must be back with the SVA by 1 May when para 2 will apply.
When you go for a reassessment take your other half with you. You will be asked how your disability has got worse. You will have forgotten, or not noticed, many things that you can no longer do. Your other half can prompt and fill in the gaps.
1. The award is back dated to the date you apply.
2. If less than a full award you may request a reassessment. The date of any increased award is back dated to the date of your request for reassessment.
3. When you request a reassessment you have just 3 months to submit that paper work, ie if you request on 1 Feb the paper must be back with the SVA by 1 May when para 2 will apply.
When you go for a reassessment take your other half with you. You will be asked how your disability has got worse. You will have forgotten, or not noticed, many things that you can no longer do. Your other half can prompt and fill in the gaps.
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Back from the sandpit
Age: 63
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All good stuff from PN, sadly when I was shown the door I was still in shock for those three months so most things passed me by. Do NOT let that happen to you, although you may not feel like it you have to get all over this the day after your discharge date. I was probably a little unusual though in that I was still naive enough to still love the Air Force and my job, even though grounded, and also believed that loyalty was a two way street and that the Air Force would look after me. I have since smelled the coffee and am now very bitter and twisted about the whole affair, in case you hadn't guessed. 
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
Write to the RBL as soon as you know your discharge date. They will then generate the paperwork and appoint an RBL POC. Complete the paperwork which will include a DPA98 release so they can access your medical papers.
They will request a copy of your medical notes from the RAF and act as your agent with the SPVA. If you have a problem they will do the hand-holding. The SPVA process can take months and answers may be slow in forthcoming. The RBL will provide answers (reassurance really).
On the day of your discharge the RBL will release all the paperwork to the SPVA.
PS:
Additionally the SPVA will issue a Veteran's Card. Initially it was intended only for War Pensioners but I believe it is now available to all Veterans. I am supposed to get priority attention within my disability and medical needs for the problem that is attributable to my service. In practice it seems to work as a magic card.
At an A&E I was getting scant attention until I snapped the card on the counter. I was seen even before I could open a magazine by a consultant no less and I was operated on within 5 minutes of entering A&E. The card helpfully has your NI number.
To get one ring 0800 169 3358 or email [email protected] or visit the website Priority NHS Healthcare for Veterans
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Back from the sandpit
Age: 63
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Again I bow to PNs knowledge, I can't believe how badly I was advised in the early discharge days, ultimately my own fault, but 3 months is a very short time to expect a traumatised dischargee to function at peak capacity. The cynical side of me says that this is another ploy to save money and screw the serviceman, PN is also right about the RBL, get them to hold your hand during the process.
As an aside I did try a late appeal against my initial grading for tax purposes and had the Director of RAF Medical Services at the time of my 'incident' as my star witness, who was appalled at the way I had been treated. 20 minutes before the hearing the RBL rep told me that I could only appeal my latest assessment not the original, which was the one that mattered. Appeal withdrawn. As a small downside to the RBL they also wouldn't give me a one to one prior to the case so i could sit down and talk it through, not overly impressed by that.
As an aside I did try a late appeal against my initial grading for tax purposes and had the Director of RAF Medical Services at the time of my 'incident' as my star witness, who was appalled at the way I had been treated. 20 minutes before the hearing the RBL rep told me that I could only appeal my latest assessment not the original, which was the one that mattered. Appeal withdrawn.
As a small downside to the RBL they also wouldn't give me a one to one prior to the case so i could sit down and talk it through, not overly impressed by that.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: @exRAF_Al
Posts: 3,297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was 'awarded' (as if I had actually won it) a war disability pension and could not commute any of it. Nor was I invited to request it but it is of course, paid without Income Tax deducted.
There were lots of other bolt ons; stuff such as not having to pay child maintenance (if that is your bag) but its a time that everything seems to condense, very very quickly. There were quite a lot of 'rabbits in headlamps' scenarios going on as I recall, and along with getting better and getting a career sorted out, getting what I was entitled to seemed to come in third - we are conditioned to be too proud to ask, or to be seen to stand up for ourselves. Also - don't forget, you'll now get free Tube travel. W'hey!
As mentioned, contact RBL (priceless - there is nothing like having a closet anti-establishment retired WO scribbly on your side), dictate the pace if you can and start as early on as you can; and don't be afraid to make a nuisance of yourself. RBL's Civvy Street prog is great as well. It funded quite a few of my exams way back when. If you need an info steer on what you might want to be looking at with regards to future money needs etc, just PM me.
Home
Boris launches free travel for war veterans ? MayorWatch
Good luck. And as for Headley Court - brilliant place, brilliant people.
There were lots of other bolt ons; stuff such as not having to pay child maintenance (if that is your bag) but its a time that everything seems to condense, very very quickly. There were quite a lot of 'rabbits in headlamps' scenarios going on as I recall, and along with getting better and getting a career sorted out, getting what I was entitled to seemed to come in third - we are conditioned to be too proud to ask, or to be seen to stand up for ourselves. Also - don't forget, you'll now get free Tube travel. W'hey!
As mentioned, contact RBL (priceless - there is nothing like having a closet anti-establishment retired WO scribbly on your side), dictate the pace if you can and start as early on as you can; and don't be afraid to make a nuisance of yourself. RBL's Civvy Street prog is great as well. It funded quite a few of my exams way back when. If you need an info steer on what you might want to be looking at with regards to future money needs etc, just PM me.
Home
Boris launches free travel for war veterans ? MayorWatch
Good luck. And as for Headley Court - brilliant place, brilliant people.
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Nearing the Exit.....
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Qu regarding poss War Pension
I wish to be vague to hide etc...
However, if one is fg a Mil ac that is agreed/confirmed outside of statutory noise limits - does that mean you are/would be entitled to an extra pension on departure from the Service?
Yours interestedly
WTK
However, if one is fg a Mil ac that is agreed/confirmed outside of statutory noise limits - does that mean you are/would be entitled to an extra pension on departure from the Service?
Yours interestedly
WTK