War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment
The War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment Scheme closed on 15 October 2025.
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Details
The War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme is now closed. Should any of the bereaved Armed Forces Community require further support, please visit the Armed Forces Covenant website.
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.
This recognition payment is made under a key principle of the Armed Forces Covenant. The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation that those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, and their families, will be treated fairly and will not be disadvantaged in accessing public and commercial goods and services as a result of their military service. It also allows for special provision when justified for those who have sacrificed the most, such as the bereaved and injured.
If you think you may be eligible to receive the payment, please refer to the fact sheet and the policy document, and then complete the claim form which you can either print off and manually complete or attach in an email.
Contact Details
Veterans UK
Tomlinson House
Norcross
Thornton-Cleveleys
FY5 3WP
Veterans UK Helpline 0808 1914 218
Overseas +441253 866043
Email: DBSVets-Widows@mod.gov.uk
Those who have already contacted the Ministry of Defence about the payment will be sent a claim form without having to contact us again.
Updates to this page
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The War Widow(er)s Recognition Payment Scheme closed on 15 October 2025.
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Added 'War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme review' and notice stating the scheme will close on 15 October 2025.
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First published.