Form AFPS Form 19
Q1. Intentionally left blank
Q2. Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Pension Schemes Request for assessment of Pension Scheme Benefits or Cash Equivalent Valuation for divorce proceedings/dissolution of civil partnerships
Q3. Important Notice for Members affected by the 2015 Pension Remedy (McCloud) Judgment
Q4. If you are in receipt of a pension from 1st October 2023 onwards and have not yet received your Remediable Service Statement (RSS) to make a remedy choice. Instruction on the calculation method that must be applied to provide your Cash Equivalent Value in these particular circumstances is not yet confirmed. The timeframe on this is not yet known, as such it will take longer to process your application. More information is available in the 2015 Pension Remedy - Divorce Information Note at Armed forces pensions - GOV.UK. If you are in this position you can still submit this form. On receipt we will investigate whether we can issue you a Remediable Service Statement to enable a remedy choice and we will provide further instruction if we are able to do so. If not we will provide you with a the Cash Equivalent Value as soon as the updated guidance and processes are in place.
Q5. If you are an active member, have a deferred pension or a pensioner who has made a remedy election and pension position is now settled. The implementation of the Pension Remedy meant it was not immediately possible to provide a Cash Equivalent Value owing to complexities and the production of relevant guidance. This is now resolved, though owing to a backlog requests will take longer to process than normal. For requests accumulated since 1 October 2023 these are being processed in date received order and will be prioritised over newly received requests. New request are currently taking up to 6 months to process though every effort is being made to reduce this as soon as possible.
Part A – Member’s Personal/Service Details
Q6. Surname Address (This is where your valuation will be sent to)
Part A – Member’s Personal/Service Details
Q7. First and middle name(s)
Part A – Member’s Personal/Service Details
Q8. Postcode
Part A – Member’s Personal/Service Details
Q9. Service Number
Part A – Member’s Personal/Service Details
Q10. National Insurance Number
Part A – Member’s Personal/Service Details
Q11. Date of Birth
Part A – Member’s Personal/Service Details
Q12. Contact Telephone Number
Part A – Member’s Personal/Service Details
Q13. Email Address
Part B - Member's Service and Pension history
Q14. Are you paying or have you ever paid for Additional Voluntary Contributions?
Options: Yes; No
Part B - Member's Service and Pension history
Q15. Are you paying or have you ever paid for Added Pension?
Options: Yes; No
Part B - Member's Service and Pension history
Q16. Have you transferred pension benefits from previous employment into the AFPS/RFPS/NRPS?
Options: Yes; No
Part B - Member's Service and Pension history
Q17. Have you transferred benefits from the AFPS/RFPS/NRPS to another pension scheme?
Options: Yes; No
Part B - Member's Service and Pension history
Q18. Do you already have a Pension Share Order in place against your pension?
Options: Yes; No
Part B - Member's Service and Pension history
Q19. Do you have more than one AFPS pension currently in payment to you?
Options: Yes; No
Part C - Scottish Law Divorces/Dissolutions
Q20. If your divorce is being heard under Scottish Law, you must tell us whether your pension rights are to be valued using a 'relevant date'. If a valuation using a 'relevant date' is required, an administrative charge will be made. Charging has been suspended at this time, only for those affected by the following: if you are eligible for Remedy, have not yet received your RSS and are currently in receipt of a pension - please see the Remedy Notice at the top of this form.
Options: Yes; No
Part C - Scottish Law Divorces/Dissolutions
Q21. If yes, what is the agreed 'relevant date' of your separation?
Part D - Options for Requesting Information
Q22. A free of charge, basic statement detailing my pension benefits, which may include a transfer value in the case of those with deferred benefits and serving members without sufficient service to qualify for an immediately payable pension. I understand that this type of statement has not been specifically designed for disclosure in a divorce/dissolution case.
Part D - Options for Requesting Information
Q23. A full statement detailing my pension benefits, including a Cash Equivalent Valuation, in a format suitable for disclosure in a divorce/dissolution case. I agree to the payment of relevant charges prior to receiving this service.
Part F - Consent for email correspondence
Q24. I authorise Veterans UK of the MOD to use email whenever possible in its correspondence with me via my nominated email address shown on the front of this claim form. I accept that the information may include my personal details excluding bank account numbers, National Insurance number, medical details and any other information that could compromise my identity.
Options: Yes; No
Part F - Consent for email correspondence
Q25. I understand that correspondence transmitted by email may be open to abuse because it is transmitting over an unsecured network. I accept that the MOD will not be liable for interception or unauthorised use of information transmitted this way. I am content for Veterans UK to correspond with me from the email address shown at the front of this claim form.
Options: Yes; No
Part G – Declaration
Q26. I confirm that: the information I have given is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Part G – Declaration
Q27. I certify that: I understand that I will be responsible for any charges for divorce/dissolution services related to my Armed Forces/Reserve Forces Pension(s) in accordance with the scheme charging regime.
Part G – Declaration
Q28. I understand that chargeable services will only be supplied to me upon the pension scheme administrators (Veterans UK) receiving confirmation that all charges have been fully paid.
Part G – Declaration
Q29. Remember – You must sign this form yourself if you can, even if someone else has filled it in for you. If a representative who acts as a Power of Attorney or Appointee for the claimant is signing this form, they must enclose evidence to show that they are the legal representative.
Part H – Signature of Applicant
Q30. Signature
Part H – Signature of Applicant
Q31. Printed name
Part H – Signature of Applicant
Q32. Date
Part J – Current Charges and Payment Methods
Q33. Do not complete Part J if you are: eligible for Remedy, have not yet received your RSS and are currently in receipt of a pension. Please see the Notices at the top of this form for further information.
Part J – Current Charges and Payment Methods
Q34. COST Provision of Pension Statement in a format designed for disclosure in Divorce/Dissolution £150.00 Sub-total £150.00 VAT (20%) £ 30.00 TOTAL DUE £180.00
Part J – Current Charges and Payment Methods
Q35. Please indicate your preferred method of payment by ticking one of the boxes below: A single deduction directly from my next available Salary payment. Please note this facility is not available to Volunteer Reservist Personnel.
Part J – Current Charges and Payment Methods
Q36. A single deduction directly from my next available pension payment. Please note this facility is not available to Volunteer Reservist Personnel.
Part J – Current Charges and Payment Methods
Q37. By bank transfer using the details below: Account Title: MOD DBS MIL PERS UK Receipts Sort Code: 60 – 70 – 80 Account Number: 10021116 If paying from abroad please use the following: IBAN Number: GB87NWBK60708010021116 SWIFT Code: NWBKGB2L
Part J – Current Charges and Payment Methods
Q38. Date If paying by bank transfer, please confirm the date the transfer was made In all bank transfers please use your service number followed by the reference POD in all cases, as in Service Number/POD.
Part K – General Notes for Completion
Q39. It is our policy to provide information directly to our Scheme member, even if the scheme member gives written authority to provide information to a third party. This is because: It is the scheme member’s legal obligation to disclose relevant information during the divorce/dissolution proceedings, in accordance with the Court’s requirements. It is the scheme’s obligation to provide information about his/her benefits to the schemes member, unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Part K – General Notes for Completion
Q40. Pension Schemes are allowed by law to charge for services relating to divorce/ dissolution proceedings, and it is the scheme member who is responsible for those charges, unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Part K – General Notes for Completion
Q41. Once completed this form should be returned to DBS-JPAC-PODAFPSForm19@dbspv.mod.uk By exception, if you cannot return this form by email, it should be returned in full by post to: Veterans UK Pensions Complex Team Mail Point 480 Kentigern House 65 Brown Street Glasgow G2 8EX
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q42. On 1st April 2015, certain members of the Armed Forces transferred to a new pension scheme, the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015. Members included in this transfer are now members of AFPS15 with accrued rights in the scheme to which they belonged prior to 01 April 2015.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q43. Transitionally Protected Members The Government provided Transitional Protection for those who were within ten years of their respective scheme’s Normal Pension Age (NPA) on 1 April 2012. The AFPS 75 and AFPS 05 both have a Normal Pension Age (NPA) of 55 and RFPS 05 has a NPA of 60. This means if you were aged 45 or over or 50 or over respectively on 1 April 2012, you remained in your legacy pension scheme until moving to AFPS 15 on 1 April 2022.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q44. Members with Accrued Rights Regardless of Legacy scheme accrued rights, all active members are part of AFPS 15 with effect from 1 April 2022.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q45. New Members Members of the Regular Armed Forces who joined on or after 1 April 2012 and before 1 April 2015, will have accrued rights in AFPS 05 but automatically joined AFPS 15 on 1 April 2015 where all subsequent pension rights earned were in that scheme.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q46. Members of the Armed Forces who joined on or after 2015 automatically joined AFPS 15 and all future pension rights they earn will be in that scheme.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q47. All Members Members who have a separate period of service may also have benefits under an additional scheme(s). Impact on Valuations We will now provide separate cash equivalent valuations for each scheme in which the service person holds benefits. This will allow the divorcing parties to make a more informed decision on which pension benefits should be included in the financial settlement.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q48. Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) The Government is currently finalising proposals to address discrimination identified by the Courts in respect of certain members that may affect the cash-equivalent transfer value (CETV) set out in this communication. It is expected that, in due course, eligible members with relevant service between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2022 may be entitled to different pension benefits in relation to that period. It is important for the recipient of this CETV to note that the value given may change in the future.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q49. Impact on Pension Sharing Orders We will require a separate annex for each scheme against which the order is to apply. The percentage to be transferred to the former spouse/civil partner may be different for each scheme.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q50. Current Armed Forces schemes are: Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 (AFPS75) Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2005 (AFPS05) Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (AFPS15) Full Time Reserve Service 1997 (FTRS97) Non- Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS) Reserve Forces Pension Scheme 2005 (RFPS05)
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q51. Former Spouse/Civil Partner payable ages: NRPS payable at age 60 AFPS 75, AFPS 05, FTRS97 and RFPS05 payable at age 65 AFPS 15 payable at State Pension Age (SPA) of the former spouse/civil partner
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q52. Pension credits in all schemes may be paid from age 55, at an actuarially reduced rate.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q53. Impact on Pension Attachment Orders We will require a separate annex for each scheme against which the order is to apply. The targeted benefits and the percentage thereof, payable to the former spouse/civil partner, may be different for each scheme.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q54. Current Armed Forces schemes: As above.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q55. Former Spouse/Civil Partner payable ages: When the pension benefits become payable to the scheme member.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q56. Commuation to raise a lump sum AFPS75 AFPS05 AFPS15 FTRS97 NRPS RFPS05 Yes No Yes No No No Pension abated then Pension abated restored at age 55 for life Please see our individual scheme booklets for full details of this option.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q57. Effect on the Member If the parties decide on pension sharing or pension attachment, Veterans UK will require a suitably worded Court Order and a separate Pensions Sharing/Pension Attachment Annex for each scheme. The Order must make it clear what type of order is being made against the AFPS benefits, and the Annex must clearly identify the particular scheme against which the order is to apply.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q58. Example Service person born 1981. Served between 1999 - 2003 and was a member of AFPS75. They re-joined in 2007 and are still serving. Upon re-joining, they became a member of AFPS05. On 1st April 15, they transferred to AFPS15. They have not yet opted to aggregate their AFPS 75 service with their current service. They therefore have deferred benefits in AFPS 75 and are currently a member of AFPS15 with accrued rights in AFPS 05.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q59. After receiving three separate statements showing the value of the benefits held under AFPS 75, AFPS 05 and AFPS 15, the parties decide to make a pension sharing order which will give the former spouse 35% of the value of the deferred AFPS 75 benefits; 10% of the value of the AFPS 05 benefits and 5% of the value of the AFPS 15 benefits.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q60. In order to achieve this outcome, Veterans’ UK would require: a Court Order, which confirms that a pension sharing order has been made; a pension sharing annex which identifies the scheme as AFPS 75 and shows the percentage as 35; a pension sharing annex which identifies the scheme as AFPS 05 and shows the percentage as 10; a pension sharing annex which identifies the scheme as AFPS15 and shows the percentage as 5.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q61. Scheme members may have many variations on the above example and can choose, if they so wish, to levy a higher percentage against one scheme and nothing against any other scheme the service person may be a member of. We are happy to comment on draft orders, free of charge. We may also provide additional information in some circumstances, although a charge may be made for this service.
Part L - Pensions on Divorce - Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS 15)
Q62. Further information, our Pensions on Divorce Booklet and Charging Regime can be found at the following links: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/armed-forces-pensions-on-divorce-and-dissolution-of-civil-partnerships/guidance-and-information https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/551145/20160826-MMP131_AFP_guide_on_divorce_and_dissolution_of_civil_partnerships.pdf