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Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

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Has anyone here had any dealings with this scheme? I'm after some info on how long a claim can take. I put my form in at the beginning of April. At the end of April I got a letter acknowledging they'd received my form and since then I've heard nothing. So i've just given them a call to ask if there'd been anything happening on my case only to be told that absolutely nothing had been done and they were still waiting for a case worker to even look at it. That's 2 months and it's just been sat there. I appreciate i'm not the only one with a claim in but that seems ridiculous.

So has anyone had any dealings with them?
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Comments

  • kyh
    kyh Posts: 278 Forumite
    That does seem a long time for someone to even look at your case, no direct personal experience here but lots of colleagues who have.

    Have you got support form one of the service charities - they may have someone who can provide additional support/ pressure for your claim - I would go RBL first and then depending when and who you served with one of the single service charities from there
  • If you submitted in April still early days yet and I would guess a few months more before you get any resolution.
    I am a Financial Adviser specialising in Mortgages, Protection, Health and Medical Insurance. I also write wills. All information posted on this site is for discussion only, and should not be taken as advice.
  • Hi I broke my fibula and ankle six weeks ago. I have been on home leave since and I am making weekly visits to the hospital. I had a plat fitted and 7 pins. I also ripped my ligaments in the foot and it is still not moving at all. I am seeing a specialist next week about that. I also have poor circulation to the foot which isn't helping and I've been told my bone in the leg has gone soft now.
    I was told by my army doctor to use the AFCS to claim. My question is do I have to or can I use a civilian company to claim. Which would be better? Also what tarrif is my injury likely to be in. I have already been down graded at work and the physiotherapist thinks 12 months at least before I'm back on the road.
    Thanks for any replies in advance.
  • In personal experience some claims took over a tear where some were paid inside 3 months. If they have acknowledged your claim they are aware of it. The AFCS has become more and more popular for obvious reasons. (you can get a payout straight away rather than going through war pensions when you leave)
  • You don't get a choice about whether you claim under AFCS or the War Pensions scheme - it's about when the illness/injury occurred:

    You can claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) where the illness or injury was caused as a result of service on or after 6 April 2005. You do not need to have left the armed forces before claiming.

    You can claim under the War Pensions Scheme (WPS) if you are no longer serving and your disablement was caused as a result of service in the armed forces before 6 April 2005.

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/armed-forces-compensation/armed-forces-compensation-what-you-need-to-know

    As to why claiming is so popular, that's a whole different debate, but for those entitled, why wouldn't you?
    Mortgage Free thanks to ill-health retirement
  • I think mine took about 3-4 months. Mine was simpler though, managed to break my hand -.-
    Busting this debt!

    Started in August 2024 with debt = £19,966

    Loan: £225 to go.

    I eat far too much chocolate...
  • I think mine took about 3-4 months. Mine was simpler though, managed to break my hand -.-

    Mind informing me of how much you got? My claim for a broken hand has just gone in!
  • Hi I was just wondering if you have the number you called? I can't find a number anywhere online.
    Many thanks :)
  • My girlfriend broke both her hips whilst serving in the Army, done during circuit training on camp, had 2 years rehabilitation then Med discharged, got a !!!!!! pension & a poor payout, AFCS didnt even want to know even though her hips will be knackered again by the time she's 60.

    Wouldnt get your hopes up oppo
  • British Legion may be able to guide and support on any possible appeal if haven't explored that route yet.
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