Thousands of Veterans Missing Out on War Pensions

Thousands of former servicemen and women are believed to be missing out on millions of pounds in war pensions, with some losing up to £100 a week. The Royal British Legion has launched a campaign to raise awareness of the benefits and encourage them to apply. Anyone who was injured or contracted a disease while in the forces is entitled to claim, regardless of whether their service was during a war or not.

Key Takeaways:

• Over 5,000 people have contacted the Royal British Legion for information on war pensions in the past four days alone.
• The Royal British Legion has won over £18m in benefits for veterans in the year to September 1993.
• Deafness and post-traumatic stress disorders are among the most common problems covered by war pensions.
• Anyone with a disability incurred or made worse due to their service in the armed forces is entitled to claim, regardless of the nature of their disability.
• Lump-sum payments are available to people with a condition less than 20% disabling, with a weekly pension ranging from £19.78 to £98.90 paid if the condition is more than 20% disabling.
• The amount of money received depends on the condition of the individual.
• The campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage veterans to apply for the benefits they are entitled to.

Statistics:

• £18m: The amount won by the Royal British Legion in benefits for veterans in the year to September 1993.
• £19.78-£98.90: The weekly pension range for those with a condition more than 20% disabling.
• 5,000: The number of enquiries received by the Royal British Legion in the past four days alone.
• 20%: The threshold for determining the level of disability and corresponding pension.

Sources:

• The Sunday Times, 1994