Armed Forces Pension Awareness Week (AFPAW) will take place from 9 to 13 September. Here we share the pensions sessions taking place over the week and how you can join them, helping you plan and make informed choices.

The Armed Forces Pension Scheme is one of the most generous UK Pension Schemes across both private and public sectors, reflecting the critical value of our Armed Forces in keeping us safe at home and stronger abroad.

The income provided by the AFPS in retirement is significant and you do not have to contribute any of your salary to it. A Sergeant who serves for 22 years could expect to receive a pension income of around £12,000. In comparison, to achieve a broadly similar income to your Armed Forces Pension – based on commercially available estimates and 2024 values – you would need to pay in the region of £300,000 into a private pension.

It is essential to understand the unique value of your Armed Forces Pension and retirement planning options. That’s why we’re encouraging you to invest in your future, by better understanding your pension this AFPAW – with a range of presentations, webinars, drop-in advice, online myth busting, tips, and factsheets, to help you plan and make informed choices.

Armed Forces Pension Awareness Week 2024 – What’s on?

If you’re interested in finding out more, or have a question you would like to discuss, get involved with the following sessions throughout AFPAW 2024:

10 September, 12.30-13.30 Online
Armed Forces Pension Scheme 15 (AFPS 15): Forces Pension Society webinar highlighting the primary features and benefits of the scheme, how you can add to your pension, and how to understand your Remediable Service Statement(RSS).

10-12 September, 11:00-14:00 each day in person
Speak to a Pensions Expert – MOD Main Building, Pillared Hall (ground floor): Ask the Armed Forces Pension Team any general questions you have about your pension. This drop-in guidance and advice service will be trialled in Main Building this year and, if successful, will be rolled out across the Defence estate during next year’s Pension Awareness Week.

11 September, 10:00-11:00
Remedy eligibility for those who joined the Armed Forces from 1 April 2012 onwards: White Ensign Association webinar.

11 September, 13:00-14:00
2015 Pension Remedy for those who joined the Armed Forces before 1 April 2012: White Ensign Association webinar.

12 September, 12.30-13:30
Forces Pension Society Tax online presentation: Pension savings statements, annual allowance, adjustments to tax for the AFPS 15 Remedy period following ‘roll back’, and what you can expect in October 2024.

There is no need to pre-book the webinars, you can join by using the meeting links provided on the AFPAW 24 Defence Connect page. Frequently Asked Questions and factsheets will also be added to the page throughout the week. To note, Defence Connect can only be accessed by MOD (military and civilian) staff.

The factsheets will cover:

  • An overview of AFPS 15
  • Added Pension
  • 2015 Remedy
  • 2015 Comparison
  • Early Departure Payments and Resettlement Grants
  • Pension Savings Tax
  • Retirement planning and pension forecasts

More information

Pensions questions

Direct your pensions questions to:

Please note: Armed Forces Pension Team members can only answer general pension questions and are unable to provide you with personal financial advice. For advice on AFPS 15, contact [email protected], Freephone (UK) 0808 1914 21.

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