Skip to main content

Armed Forces Pension Calculator UK 2026 Edition

Estimate your AFPS 75/05/15 pension, preserved benefits, EDP lump sums, and McCloud remedy adjustments — updated with 2026 CPI uplift.

Armed Forces Pension Estimator

Choose your pension scheme, service years, and pensionable salary to see your estimated annual pension, tax-free lump sum (if applicable) and early departure payment (EDP).

Preserved pension payable at Normal Pension Age (NPA). EDP if service ≥ 18 years (AFPS75/05).

Estimated benefits (2026 figures)

Estimates based on current UK Armed Forces pension rules & 2026 CPI uplift (approx 4.1%). EDP: early departure lump sum + income stream for ages 40–55.
Understanding your armed forces pension calculator
AFPS 75, AFPS 05, AFPS 15, preserved pensions, medical discharge & McCloud remedy — 2026 updates

Whether you're a veteran, currently serving, or planning transition, using a armed forces pension calculator helps you visualise future income. The armed forces pension scheme calculator reflects distinct accrual rates: AFPS 75 (1/70th final salary + automatic lump sum), AFPS 05 (1/70th final salary with flexible lump sum), and AFPS 15 (career average 1/47th). Our uk armed forces pension calculator also incorporates the McCloud remedy (2015 remedy) that gives eligible members a choice between legacy schemes for the remedy period (2015–2022). This armed forces pension remedy calculator ensures you don’t lose value.

AFPS 75 pension calculator

Armed forces pension scheme 1975 afps 75 calculator formula: (Service/70) × Final Salary gives annual pension. Automatic lump sum = 3 × annual pension. Preserved pension at age 60 (or 55 for some). For 2026, pensions increased by 4.1% CPI.

AFPS 15 & career average

AFPS 15: annual pension = (Service/47) × Career Average Revalued Earnings. No automatic lump sum, but you can commute up to 25%. Normal Pension Age aligns with State Pension Age (68). armed forces pension calculator 2015 shows lifetime benefits.

Key benefits: preserved pension, EDP, medical discharge

If you leave with at least 2 years’ service, you’re entitled to a armed forces preserved pension calculator benefit. Early Departure Payment (EDP) applies after 18+ years service (AFPS 75/05) – providing a tax-free lump sum (2.25× annual pension) plus an income from age 40 until State Pension Age. For those facing medical discharge, the armed forces medical discharge pension calculator uses enhanced accrual (Ill-Health benefits). Our tool offers baseline estimates; veterans should consult SPVA for exact figures.

UK Armed Forces pension schemes comparison

SchemeAccrual rateNormal Pension AgeAutomatic lump sum2026 accrual example (22 yrs, £42,500)
AFPS 751/70th final salary60 (or 55 with 22+ yrs)Yes (3x annual pension)£13,357 annual + £40,071 lump sum
AFPS 051/70th final salary65 (preserved at 65)Optional commutation£13,357 annual (optional lump sum reduces pension)
AFPS 151/47th CAREState Pension Age (68)No (can commute up to 25%)£19,894 annual (CARE £42,500) + commutable

McCloud Remedy & 2026 pension increase

The mccloud armed forces pension calculator addresses the remedy period (1 April 2015 to 31 March 2022). Eligible members can now choose AFPS 15 or legacy AFPS 75/05 benefits for that window. Our calculator assumes default alignment, but veterans should request a remedy statement. Moreover, 2026 sees a 4.1% annual uplift applied to all in-payment pensions and deferred benefits from April 2026. That directly impacts armed forces pension increase 2025 26 calculator outputs.

✓
Exclusive checklist: maximise your armed forces pension
  • Verify your statement using the annual armed forces pension statement (MyPension).
  • For 1975 scheme members, consider preserving until NPA to avoid reductions.
  • If you left between 2015-2022, request a McCloud remedy calculation – it could increase your preserved pension.
  • Use armed forces added pension calculator to explore extra contributions (APC) for AFPS 15.

How to calculate your preserved pension (deferred)

The armed forces deferred pension calculator formula differs: preserved pension is calculated using the accrual rate at date of leaving, then increased by CPI up to pension age. For AFPS 75, it’s revalued by CPI + 1.5% each year until age 60. Our tool incorporates the 2026 revaluation index. Veterans often ask "how to calculate armed forces pension after I have left the forces" — the same rules apply with inflation linking.

Medical discharge pension
Enhanced benefits: immediate pension without reduction. Use armed forces medical pension calculator for tiered Ill-Health (lower tier = preserved, higher tier = immediate pension).
2026 commutation factors
You can exchange pension for lump sum. AFPS 15: £1 pension gives ~£12 lump sum. AFPS 05: commutation factors updated for 2026.

Frequently asked questions – Armed Forces Pension

What is the AFPS 75 pension calculation method?
Annual pension = (total service years ÷ 70) × final pensionable salary, plus automatic lump sum = 3× annual pension. For 2026 rates are uprated by CPI.
How do I calculate my preserved pension if I left service early?
Your preserved pension is based on service and salary at leaving, then revalued by CPI (and +1.5% for AFPS 75) until Normal Pension Age. Our armed forces preserved pension calculator does this dynamically.
Does McCloud remedy affect my 2026 pension estimate?
Yes. The remedy gives eligible members a choice of scheme for 2015–2022 period. Our armed forces pension remedy calculator considers the best outcome for that window.
What is the Early Departure Payment (EDP) and who qualifies?
If you completed 18+ years service in AFPS 75/05 and leave before age 55, you get EDP: a lump sum (2.25× annual pension) plus an income from age 40 until State Pension Age.
How accurate is the armed forces pension calculator 2026?
It provides estimates based on official scheme rules, CPI uplifts, and commutation tables. However, final figures are subject to MOD Veterans UK confirmation and individual circumstances.
When will the armed forces pension calculator be updated for 2026 pay rise?
This calculator reflects April 2026 CPI increase (4.1%) and updated pay tables. It’s the most current version available for AFPS members.
Can I use the same calculator for Canadian or Indian armed forces pension?
No, this tool is specialised for UK armed forces (AFPS). For Indian or Canadian forces, you need separate tools, but TotalCalcHub offers local variants.
Disclaimer
This armed forces pension calculator is for illustrative and educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on public information about AFPS rules, 2026 CPI uplift (4.1%) and standard assumptions. It is not an official MOD tool. Always request a formal pension statement from Veterans UK or your pension administrator before making financial decisions.