Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason veterans in receipt of war pensions assessed at less than 40% do not receive cost-of-living support.

The Government has paid a £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment to those in receipt of Armed Forces Independence Payment, War Pension Mobility Supplement, or War Pension Constant Attendance Allowance, with a further £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment in 2023-24. These payments were selected because they are the allowances under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and War Pension Scheme that are similar to the relevant benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, such as Personal Independence Payment. Receiving a war pension does not prevent individuals from receiving payment of the broader social security benefits that are in scope for the disability payment.

The basic War Pension is worked out based on an individual’s degree of disability as a percentage to enable Defence to take a holistic view of impact of their conditions on their overall health and functionality, with payments made to reflect that. There are specific set levels of assessments for certain prescribed injuries, which range from 20 to 100 per cent. These are mainly for the loss of body parts or total sensory loss and help act as a benchmark for assessing conditions which are not listed. Ongoing pensions can be for a single or a number of conditions but the overall assessed disablement level, called a combined assessment, is certified and cannot exceed 100 per cent. For those injuries that are minor in nature, with a percentage disablement of less than 20 per cent, a lump sum gratuity may be payable

The War Pensions Scheme and civilian disability payments provide financial support for two different things, which is why they do not align. The War Pensions Scheme provides compensation for any injury, illness or death which was caused by service before 6 April 2005. Civilian disability benefits provide financial support for those too ill, or whose conditions prevent work to support themselves entirely independently.

The Ministry of Defence is confident that extant War Pensions assessments are appropriate and there are no plans to reassess existing entitlements outside the scope of routine reviews. It is possible for pensions to be increased as a result of a request for a review from the individual or an appeal against the percentage level awarded. Defence considers the level of payment available to those with degenerative conditions under the War Pensions Scheme to be appropriate.