Question 1

Which Armed Forces pension scheme does this calculator cover?

Accepted Answer

This calculator estimates Regular service benefits across AFPS 75, AFPS 05 and AFPS 15 using simplified scheme rules. It does not model Reserve Forces schemes, Gurkha Pension Scheme, Gibraltar Pension Scheme, added pension, transfers, pension sharing, ill-health awards, commutation, or 2015 Remedy choices.

Question 2

How are AFPS 75 and AFPS 05 estimated?

Accepted Answer

AFPS 05 is estimated as a final-salary pension using 1/70th of final pensionable earnings for each year of reckonable service, plus an indicative 3 times pension lump sum. AFPS 75 is a rank and representative-pay scheme, so this calculator uses the user's pensionable pay as a proxy and caps the estimate at the guide's stated full-career percentage.

Question 3

How is AFPS 15 calculated?

Accepted Answer

AFPS 15 is a Career Average Revalued Earnings scheme. Each scheme year adds 1/47th of that year's pensionable earnings to the member's pension account. The account is then revalued while the member remains in service.

Question 4

When can Armed Forces pensions be paid?

Accepted Answer

Payment age depends on the scheme. AFPS 15 is normally payable immediately from age 60, or deferred to State Pension age if leaving before 60, with reduced early payment possible from age 55. AFPS 05 is normally payable from age 55 if leaving at or after that age, or deferred to age 65 if leaving earlier. AFPS 75 has separate immediate-pension and deferred-pension rules.

Question 5

What is the AFPS 15 Early Departure Payment?

Accepted Answer

The Early Departure Payment is separate from the pension. Broadly, it can apply when a Regular service member leaves from age 40 and before age 60 with at least 20 years qualifying service. The simplified formula uses a lump sum of 2.25 times deferred pension and annual income starting at 34% of deferred pension, with an extra 0.85% for each full year beyond the 20/40 point.

Question 6

Is this an official Armed Forces pension forecast?

Accepted Answer

No. It is an independent planning estimator. Current and former service personnel should use the official GOV.UK Armed Forces Pension Calculator or request a formal forecast from Veterans UK before making pension decisions.

Estimate your Armed Forces pension and EDP.