04. Who can receive a service pension?

A service pension is an occupational (work-related) pension paid by the armed forces.

You normally have to have served in the forces for a certain number of years to get a service pension. The number varies depending on when you left the services. It is up to the Ministry of Defence to decide whether you should get a service pension.

If you leave the forces before you would normally need to serve to receive a service pension, you may still be able to get a 'preserved pension'. This means you may still receive your service pension:

• once you turn 60; and
• provided you served in the forces for at least two years.

If you become permanently unable to work because of illness, you may start getting your preserved pension before you reach 60.

If you are ill or disabled, and you cannot receive a war disablement pension, you may be able to receive a service pension in certain circumstances. If you think this may apply to you, you should contact the Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency (AFPAA). The Ministry of Defence website also has useful information. See 'Further help' below for details.