UK Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (AFPS 15) rules
AFPS 15 is a non-contributory defined benefit CARE pension scheme. Members accrue 1/47th (2.1276%) of their annual pensionable earnings each year, revalued annually by CPI.
Personnel who serve at least 18 years and reach at least age 40 qualify for the Early Departure Payment (EDP), consisting of a tax-free lump sum equal to 2.25 times their deferred pension and annual income until State Pension age.
Worked example: AFPS 15 pension calculation
A Sergeant with a £38,000 pensionable salary and 20 years of qualifying service accrues an unreduced annual pension of approximately £16,170 per year (£1,348 per month), with £0 employee contributions paid over their military career.
Inputs for the uk armed forces pension calculator
Salary & Rank
Enter your current annual pensionable military pay and total years of military service.
Commutation
Select whether to commute pension into a tax-free lump sum at a 1:12 ratio.
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
UK armed forces pension calculator questions
What is the Early Departure Payment (EDP)?
The EDP provides a financial bridge between leaving the armed forces (after at least 18 years service and age 40) and receiving the main AFPS pension at State Pension age.
Do service personnel pay monthly pension contributions?
No, British Armed Forces pension schemes (AFPS 75, 05, and 15) are entirely non-contributory for serving personnel.