Veterans aged 60 and over urged to ask about military pensions

UK Armed Forces veterans aged 60 or over who were serving at any time from 1975, are being urged to ask about their eligibility for a military pension as part of a new campaign by Age Cymru that will refer individuals to the MOD's Veterans Welfare Service.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that there are many veterans in Wales who are not claiming an Armed Forces pension to which they are entitled – money that could help transform their lives and enable them to live a life of quality rather than having to constantly worry about paying their bills.

The campaign will also urge those veterans who believe they may have an injury or illness which was caused or made worse by the result of Service, and arose before 2005, to get in touch to see if they are eligible for financial support through a War Pension.

The charity believes there are several reasons why veterans don't claim their rightful pension. Some are put off by the prospect of undertaking large amounts of paperwork, while others aren't aware they need to apply for the pension rather than be automatically awarded it. But for many veterans it is simply a case of not knowing where to turn to for help and support.

Age Cymru's Steve Boswell says:

"Pensions are going unclaimed by veterans each year – money that rightfully belongs to those who have served their country and which could help transform their lives.

"I would urge any veteran aged 60 or over and who were serving anytime from 1975 to call the Veteran Welfare Service to find out if they are eligible.

"We know through our work with veterans that many of them are proud people who may not like making claims. But eligible veterans have already paid into a pension scheme, so it is therefore rightfully theirs to claim.

"This additional income could help transform their lives from one of making do to one full of meaningful activities and opportunities."

For more information about military pensions call the MOD's Veterans Welfare Service on 0808 1914218.

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Notes to Editors

Project 360°

The campaign is being run by Project 360°Project 360°is a partnership project led by Age Cymru, alongside Age Alliance Wales and veteran's charity Woody's LodgeProject 360°is funded by the Aged Veterans Fund via the Chancellor using LIBOR money.Heather Ferguson manages Project 360° on behalf of Age Cymru. It isProject 360° is a Wales wide project focussed on the development of services and support specifically for older military Veterans through the project partners.

Age Cymru

Age Cymru is the national charity for older people in WalesWe are the force combining Age Concern Cymru and Help the Aged in WalesWe work with local Age Cymru Partners across Wales to improve life for older peopleAge Cymru is a registered charity 1128436

5. Company limited by guarantee and registered by in England and Wales 6837284

6. Age Cymru is funded by donations from the public, corporate partners, our trading enterprises and the Welsh Government