Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's policy is on ensuring that veterans in receipt of the War Pension Unemployability Supplement have access to the same passported benefits as recipients of equivalent Department for Work and Pensions income-replacement benefits.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the importance of supporting veterans in receipt of the War Pension Unemployability Supplement (UnSupp) and continues to work with relevant parties to ensure veterans receive appropriate support. However, responsibility for passported benefits remains with the relevant government department, devolved administration, or organisation responsible for those benefits. These operate independently of MOD compensation schemes.

The MOD does not have a policy to extend passported benefits to UnSupp recipients. However, those who claim UnSupp may be eligible for additional War Pension Scheme benefits, including Invalidity Allowance and Comforts Allowance.

Currently, while recipients of the War Pension UnSupp do not automatically qualify for the same passported benefits as those receiving equivalent income-replacement benefits administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, they may still be eligible to apply for such benefits.