SAP war pension & uc

Kitt799

Can you apply for UC if you receive Service attributable pension & war pension? Any help will be most grateful

NedS

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, you can claim UC (assuming you are eligible, based upon your circumstances).

Any Service Attributable Pensions and war pensions are disregarded when claiming UC.

Normally, any pension income you receive is deducted from your UC award pound for pound. Your regular armed service pension that you accrued for time served is treated this way, but any additional pension payments such as a war pension or SAPs are fully disregarded. When you claim, make sure you provide specific information to show what any pension payments are and advise them that you understand they will be disregarded as this is an area which UC commonly get wrong by taking war or SAP pensions into account when they should be disregarded. They will normally book you an appointment in the jobcentre after you have made your claim to verify your ID and provide evidence of your pension(s).

Kitt799

Dear  NedS thank you for your reply. Just can’t get my head around both War disablement pension & SAP are disregarded, it is substantial amount nearly 2k, surely they wouldn’t give me UC with this amount, don’t know if it’s relevant but I am single, your thought would be grateful appreciated 

NedS

Kitt799 said:

Dear  NedS thank you for your reply. Just can’t get my head around both War disablement pension & SAP are disregarded, it is substantial amount nearly 2k, surely they wouldn’t give me UC with this amount, don’t know if it’s relevant but I am single, your thought would be grateful appreciated 

That's correct, any SAP and/or War Pension component is disregarded but any regular armed forces pension is taken into consideration and deducted pound for pound.

Kitt799

Wow so I can get 2k worth of pension’s & UC, maybe HB too? That sounds really bizarre NedS. Sorry im not saying ur wrong its just I’m  vulnerable adult takes quite bit for me fully understand things.& get my head around things… I did a calculator thing it said I’d be entitled to £800 UC also HB, just can’t comprehend it, I’d be mega well off wouldn’t I? Do u know anyone with similar circumstances as me who gets War pension & SAP who also gets UC & HB? I do appreciate u helping me means lot

huckster

Link below to answer from Government ministers in House of Commons recently. 

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pensions: Means-tested Benefits: 26 Jun 2025: Hansard Written Answers - TheyWorkForYou https://share.google/ISLD0ZOelzOUuKLGV

peteuk

I know you wont either like what I am about to say, or fully understand it.

Take what you are entitled to and don’t ask questions.

As a veteran myself, I know what you’ve been through to some degree.  You’ve given more than most people will ever understand.  It seems that your SAP war pension is disregarded when it comes to UC.  I realise this may go against the grain but you’re entitled to it.  Dont over think it, sure try and understand it, so your not getting it wrong but it seems your entitled to UC.

Silvertabby

From another veteran.... I agree with peteuk.  I was once told by a (civvie) colleague that I was 'lucky' to have my RAF pension.  I replied that yes, I was very lucky - to have completed my 22 years with my life, body and mind intact.  Unlike so many others.

SAP and war pensions aren't given lightly.  Take what you are entitled to, you've more than earned it.

If you still need reassurance, have a chat with the RBL War Pensions experts - they will know exactly what you are entitled to.