Disability benefits for injured Service personnel simplified
The Ministry of Defence and Department for Work and Pensions have announced a simplification and streamlining of the financial support system for members of the Armed Forces who have been seriously injured.
Rather than face separate assessments, personnel who have been seriously injured as a result of military service will receive ongoing payments to help with the additional costs associated with their injuries.
This is the latest measure to be announced following the Government’s commitment, given last year, to upholding the Armed Forces Covenant, and the measure is consistent with the principles of the Covenant.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said:
I am delighted that, in addition to tax-free payments from the MOD’s Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, seriously injured serving personnel and veterans will also be able to avoid the unnecessary duplication of reassessments and receive disability benefits via these new arrangements.
These brave individuals have served their country with honour and it is only right and proper that they receive financial support to help them with injuries caused by their service.
Recognising the considerable sacrifice made by a number of courageous members of the Armed Forces who have been injured as a result of their service, the Government has decided to put in place special arrangements for these personnel to help them cover the ongoing costs of their injuries.
Rather than face separate assessments these individuals will automatically be entitled to payments to help with the additional costs associated with their injuries. Eligibility for these payments will be linked to their Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) awards and the payments will provide financial reassurance for the future.
Those currently in receipt of an AFCS award for serious injury and Disability Living Allowance will also benefit from the arrangements.
Please tell us what you think about government news on the web by filling in the short survey at Related Links.