What’s driving the record number of Pension enquiries at the Forces Pension Society?
At the Forces Pension Society, we have received a record number of pension enquiries since the start of the New Year. The key driver of this upsurge among our membership (and no doubt in the wider military community) is concern about the resolution of issues arising from the 2015 McCloud Remedy. To remind you, those impacted by the case are Armed Forces personnel who were in service both on or before 31 March 2012 and on or after 1 April 2015 with any break in service of less than 5 years. They will have the option to elect whether they wish to receive legacy scheme benefits or equivalent AFPS 15 benefits for the remedy period (1 April 2015 – 31 March 2022). On 1 April 2022 all serving personnel became members of AFPS15, and all legacy schemes closed on 31 March 2022.
It was originally intended that all personnel eligible for the 2015 Remedy would receive a Remediable Service Statement (RSS) from Veterans UK by 1 April 2025. However, the MOD and Veterans UK have had to adjust their timeline for issuing RSS’. It is anticipated that members who do not receive an RSS by 1 April 2025 will receive theirs by 30 September 2025.
Veterans UK is now issuing “information” RSS’ to serving members who are in scope but who are not yet due to leave the Armed Forces. They state that no action is required currently.
Maj Gen Neil Marshall, CEO of the Forces Pension Society said:
“Many are understandably concerned about their position and are keen to make the best choices for themselves and their families. When they do receive their RSS requiring them to make an election, our Members know that our expert Forces Pensions Consultants stand ready to assist them. For those who are not Members of the Society, it’s not too late to join us so they can be prepared when the time comes.
“Meanwhile, our website can be accessed for our latest 2015 Remedy situation report here: www.forcespensionsociety.org/2025/02/mccloud-sitrep/ “
The Forces Pension Society is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that exists to help its Members make the best pension choices. Our 66k+ membership also benefits from our representation of their interests on the formal bodies for Armed Forces and Public Sector Pensions and from our wide range of membership benefits. Visit our website at:
