The UK Government is urging war widows and widowers to apply for the War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme before it closes on 15 October 2025, offering a one-off, tax-free payment of £87,500 to those who lost service-attributable pensions due to remarriage or cohabitation before 2015.
Understanding the Scheme
The War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme addresses a historical injustice where bereaved spouses lost their pensions if they remarried or cohabited before 2015.
This initiative provides financial redress to those affected by outdated rules, ensuring they receive recognition for their sacrifices. Eligible applicants include widows, widowers, civil partners, and unmarried cohabiting partners of regular and reservist Army, Navy, or RAF members.
Financial Relief for Families
- One-off payment of £87,500 is tax-free
- Over 240 individuals have benefited since October 2023
- Total projected cost of around £33.6 million
- Scheme set to end after distributing approximately £21 million
- Support available through Veterans UK helpline (0808 1914 218)
Impact on Bereaved Families
This scheme offers significant financial relief to families affected by pension loss due to remarriage or cohabitation rules prior to 2015. For many bereaved spouses and partners, this payment can ease personal financial burdens and improve long-term financial stability.
However, with applications slowing recently—fewer than five received since January 2025—the government believes more eligible individuals remain unaware or hesitant.
A Historical Perspective
The scheme aligns with the Armed Forces Covenant—a pledge by the UK government to treat service members and their families fairly. It responds to a long-standing issue where spouses forfeited survivor pensions if they remarried or cohabited before 2015.
The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to rectify past pension inequities while balancing fiscal responsibility with veterans’ welfare needs.
Government’s Call for Action
Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns MP emphasized the scheme’s importance as “vital redress” for those who sacrificed for the country.
He said,
“The War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme has provided vital redress to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. With the scheme closing on 15 October, I urge anyone who believes they may be eligible to apply.
“The Government remains steadfast in our commitment to the Armed Forces community to ensure those who have given the most receive the recognition and support they deserve.
“We are renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve, and who have served, and the families that support them.”
Additional Reading
Bottom Line
The War Widows Recognition Payment Scheme represents an essential step toward addressing historical military pension injustices in the UK.
As its closure approaches in October 2025, eligible individuals must act promptly to secure this vital financial support. Continued awareness efforts are crucial in ensuring all deserving families benefit from this opportunity.
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Sources: UK Government, Ministry of Defence, and Veterans UK.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
