What to do when a service person or veteran dies

Information about the services and support available to the families and loved ones of deceased armed forces personnel and veterans.

Support after a veteran has died due to service before 6 April 2005

You may be entitled to War Widows or Widowers Pension if your husband, wife or civil partner died as a result of their service in Her Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces before 6 April 2005.

Additional period of Restored War Widows/War Widowers Pension

Information and eligibility guidance for an additional period of payment due to the estate of a person who received a Restored War Widows/War Widowers Pension.

War Widow(er)s Recognition Scheme

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.

Support after the death of a service person or veteran was predominantly caused by service on or after 6 April 2005

Information about bereavement compensation for families and dependants of armed forces personnel whose death was predominantly caused by service on or after 6 April 2005.

Financial assistance towards education costs for children of service personnel whose death was due to service

Information and guidance on how to apply for the Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship Scheme (AFBSS). Bereaved service children can apply for financial support for further education or lower or a university scholarship including technical education.

Funeral expenses for War Pensioners and veterans

Information and guidance on how to apply to claim for the funeral expenses of a veteran whose death was due to service before 6 April 2005.