Help and support when a veteran or service person dies
The death of a family member is a difficult time. We provide a number of free services to families when a veteran or service person dies.
What to do when a service person or veteran dies
Information about the services and support available to the families and loved ones of deceased armed forces personnel and veterans.
Support after a veteran has died due to service before 6 April 2005
You may be entitled to War Widows or Widowers Pension if your husband, wife or civil partner died as a result of their service in Her Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces before 6 April 2005.
Additional period of Restored War Widows/War Widowers Pension
Information and eligibility guidance for an additional period of payment due to the estate of a person who received a Restored War Widows/War Widowers Pension.
War Widow(er)s Recognition Scheme
Widow(er)s of Armed Forces personnel who forfeited their service attributable pensions prior to 2015 could now be eligible for a one-off payment of £87,500 as part of the Government’s continued support for the Armed Forces, their families and veterans.
Support after the death of a service person or veteran was predominantly caused by service on or after 6 April 2005
Information about bereavement compensation for families and dependants of armed forces personnel whose death was predominantly caused by service on or after 6 April 2005.
Financial assistance towards education costs for children of service personnel whose death was due to service
Information and guidance on how to apply for the Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme (AFBSS). Bereaved service children can apply for financial support for further education or lower or a university scholarship including technical education.
Funeral expenses for War Pensioners and veterans
Information and guidance on how to apply to claim for the funeral expenses of a veteran whose death was due to service before 6 April 2005.
Last updated 16 October 2023 + show all updates
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Included guidance and a link to the War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment scheme.
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Added a link to the Additional period of Restored War Widows/War Widowers Pension page.
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Added a note relating to changes to services.
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First published.