What is Armed Forces Independence Payment?
Serving in the Armed Forces can have a huge impact on the lives of personnel. When it comes to military benefits for veterans, the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) offers financial support to military personnel or veterans who have suffered a significant injury, as a result of their service.
It’s intended to help to cover some of the costs that they face as a result of their injury as well as any loss of income.
No matter which service or rank, military personnel face frequent relocation, irregular shift work and long-term deployments, but the impact of serving in the forces is never felt more so than when a serious injury occurs.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for AFIP you must:
- Currently or previously have served as a member of the Armed Forces (the British Army, the Royal Navy or the Royal Air Force), the Royal Gibraltar Regiment or a member of the reserves for any of the three services.
- Have sustained a service-related injury on or after 6 April 2005.
You must also be entitled to a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme which is 50% or more of your previous earnings, or in Bands A-C.
You cannot get Armed Forces Independent Payment if you already receive any of the following benefits:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Industrial Injuries Disablement
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance
Armed Forces Independence Payment is not means tested, so your assets will not be taken into account when determining your eligibility.
How much is AFIP in 2025?
In 2025/26 Armed Forces Independence Payment is £187.45 per week.
This is the same as the enhanced rate of PIP for both the Daily Living and Mobility components, and the highest rate of both components of DLA. Every eligible person will receive the same rate.
AFIP is not counted as income when assessing your eligibility for other benefits, and your household will also be exempt from the benefit cap if you receive AFIP.
Once you are eligible for and receive AFIP, you will continue to receive payments for as long as you are entitled to Guaranteed Income Payment from the relevant bands. You will not need to be reassessed at any point.
How to apply
If you receive a Guaranteed Income Payment in Bands A-C, Veterans UK will automatically issue a claim for you. If you have not yet received a claim form or think you may be eligible, you should get in touch with Veterans UK using one of the following methods:
Email:
veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Telephone:
Freephone (UK only): 0808 1914 2 18
Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043
Help and support
Independent Advice
Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
Veterans UK
Mental health support for the armed forces
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