Unclaimed pensions up; more Veterans let down
Thousands of former Service personnel are still missing out on AFPS benefits they have earned. The latest AFPS Annual Report and Accounts 2025–26 shows that the number of unclaimed deferred pensions has risen again, reaching 17,018, up from 15,113 the previous year.
At the Forces Pension Society, we are extremely concerned to see this increase. Every unclaimed benefit represents a former member of the Armed Forces who has not received the pension they have earned through service.
The rising figure shows that MoD efforts to reduce the backlog are not yet having the desired impact. More consistent tracing, clearer communication, and targeted outreach would help ensure that former Service personnel receive the benefits they have earned.
And most of all, changing the system to notify all those who leave, of their right to claim their entitlement should be implemented immediately.
Through our Unclaimed Pensions campaigning we aim to continue raising awareness, signposting eligible Veterans to unite them with their pension benefits.
Maj Gen Neil Marshall, CEO of the Forces Pension Society said:
“These latest figures for the year to March 2026 are most disappointing. Not only has there been no improvement in the numbers of unclaimed pensions, but the figures have gone in the wrong direction.
“It’s high time that service leavers should be notified of their entitlements. At present, they have to request payments. That should change immediately: the problem of tracing all those already losing out has to be tackled vigorously.
If you think you, or someone you know, might not have claimed their pension on leaving, or if you’d like to help us with a donation toward our campaign to unite Veterans with their pensions, please visit: https://forcespensionsociety.org/unclaimedpensions/“
FPS is an independent, not-for-profit membership organisation providing pension guidance to its growing membership base of more than 60,000 serving personnel and veterans. The Society champions pensions on behalf of the whole military community and, this year, celebrates its 80th anniversary. For more information about our work, visit forcespensionsociety.org