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UK Armed Forces Pension Schemes: What do you need to know?

Created on 23 Jan 2025

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Updated on 15 Apr 2025

Your Armed Forces pension is one of the most valuable benefits of your service, and understanding it is key to planning a strong financial future. Whether you’re currently serving, a reservist, transitioning out, or supporting as a military spouse, having the right information puts you in control. That’s why Troopr has created this easy-to-follow guide to help you get started — and we’ll also point you toward the experts who can offer extra support when you need it.

The Armed Forces Pension Schemes: Which One Are You On?

There are four main pension schemes depending on your service history. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. AFPS 75 (For Regulars who left before 2005)

The AFPS scheme is for servicemen and women who left the Armed Forces before 6th April, 2005. If you are non-commissioned, you can leave with immediate pension award entitlements after 22 years of service. Commissioned Officers can leave with immediate pension award entitlements after 16 years of service. A minimum of two years’ service is needed in order to be entitled to this pension. 

  • Immediate pension available: Yes, after 22 years (non-commissioned) or 16 years (commissioned).
  • Minimum service required: 2 years.

2. AFPS 05 (For Regulars who joined after 2005)

You will not receive an immediate pension if you are a Service leavers under the age of 55. You will receive an early departure payment and lump sum if you are aged between 40 and 55 and have completed 18 years’ service. A minimum of two years’ service is needed in order to be entitled to this pension. 

  • Immediate pension available: No, unless over 55.
  • Early Departure Payment (EDP) and lump sum: Yes, if aged 40-55 with 18 years’ service.
  • Minimum service required: 2 years.

3. AFPS 15 (For All Regulars & Reservists after 2015)

You will not receive an immediate pension if you are a Service leaver under the age of 60. There is an early departure payment and lump sum payable to Regular leavers only, if aged between 40 and 60. You must have completed 20 years’ service. A minimum of two years’ service is needed in order to be entitled to this pension.

  • Immediate pension available: No, unless over 60.
  • Early Departure Payment (EDP) and lump sum: Yes, for Regulars aged 40-60 with 20 years’ service.
    Minimum service required: 2 years.

4. RFPS 05 (For Full-Time Reservists)

You will not receive an immediate pension if you are a Service leaver under the age of 60, and there are no early departure payments. All short periods of service are payable at the age of 60 - if you leave as a full-time reservist. One days’ service is needed to be entitled to this pension. 

  • Immediate pension available: No, unless over 60.
  • Early Departure Payment (EDP): No.
  • Minimum service required: 1 day.

How much you receive and when depends on your service length and pension scheme.

Can I Claim My Armed Forces Pension Early?

You may be able to access your pension early if you’re unable to work full-time due to physical or mental ill-health. If you were medically discharged, don't forget, you could also be eligible for compensation through:

Visit the government website for more details.

Do Military Spouses & Dependents Have Pension Entitlements?

If you’re the spouse, civil partner, or dependent of a Service member who has passed away, you may be entitled to pension benefits:

  • AFPS 75, 05, and 15 provide pensions for spouses and civil partners.
  • AFPS 05 & AFPS 15 extend benefits to unmarried partners.

For more information on spousal entitlements click here.

Pension rules can be complex, so it’s best to speak to the experts.

Seeking Expert Guidance for Your Armed Forces Pension Planning

For expert advice on your Armed Forces pension, whether you are serving or a spouse, these organisations can help:

Planning your future? Make sure you’re getting the pension support you deserve!