Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015: new video launched
A new video has been launched which explains what the new armed forces pension scheme (AFPS 15) means for service personnel.
![Armed forces personnel [Picture: Crown copyright]](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/30439/s300_Pensionspic1.jpg)
Armed forces personnel
AFPS 15 will be introduced from 1 April 2015 when most regular and reserve service personnel will transfer automatically to the new scheme.
If you were within 10 years of your respective scheme’s normal pension age on 1 April 2012, you have transitional protection and you will remain a member of your current pension scheme.
For those personnel transferring to AFPS 15, any benefits you have accrued in your current scheme are protected up to the point of transition and you will be able to draw that proportion of those benefits at the same time as you previously expected.
Those benefits will be based on your final salary (rank) at the point you leave the armed forces, not your salary (rank) at the point of transition to AFPS 15.
One of the features of the new scheme is the inclusion of part-time volunteer reserves, who will become members of AFPS 15 in the same way as their regular counterparts, with all paid service, including man training days and drill nights, from 1 April 2015 contributing to their individual pension pots.
Chief of Defence Personnel, Lieutenant General Andrew Gregory, said:
Armed forces pensions are changing and it is important that you understand what this means for you. We have produced an AFPS 15 video which will help you to understand what you are entitled to and the commitment made by MOD to ensure your pension scheme remains one of the most competitive available.
A pension which reflects the unique nature of service life is a crucial aspect of our offer to you and so I urge everyone to take a look at the video.
VIDEO: Thinking about your future
More information on AFPS 15 is available here. You can also use the pension calculator to provide you with a forecast of the pension and non-pensionable benefits you could receive under AFPS 15, as well as the pension benefits you have already earned in your existing pension scheme.