What to do when a veteran dies

There are a number of services and support packages available to families after a veteran or service person has died.

You’ll also need to tell banks, utility companies and landlords or housing associations yourself.

If the veteran was receiving compensation

If the veterans was getting compensation from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) or the War Pension Scheme (WPS), call 0808 1914 218 (option 3 for bereavements).

If the veteran was not receiving compensation

If the veteran was a member of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) and not receiving payments from the AFCS or WPS, please notify Equiniti of the death.

If the death was caused by service on or after 6 April 2005

If your wife, husband or civil partner died as a result of service in the UK armed forces on or after 6 April 2005, you should claim through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

You may also be eligible to other entitlements.

If the death was caused by service before 6 April 2005

If your wife, husband or civil partner died as a result of service in the UK armed forces or during a time of war before 6 April 2005, you should see if you are entitled to a War Widow(er)’s Pension.

They must have served before 6 April 2005, but you may be eligible if they died as a result of their illness or injury later.

There are a number of organisations that can provide bereavement support and advice at this difficult time.

Veterans Services help bereaved families by arranging access to all appropriate services. Help and guidance is available over telephone or face-to-face through a national network of welfare managers.