FEBRUARY 2004

Additional Pension In Certain Cases Of Severe Disablement

(War Pensions Act 1954, S.23)

More usually know as a Section 23 payment. What is it? Who can get it?

It is payable when a veteran is suffering from total blindness or with two or more serious disabilities, this can include the amputation of limbs, severe facial disfigurement and incurable insanity, but also many other serious problems. Or the veteran could be “totally disabled and permanently bedridden, or if not totally bedridden, is, in the opinion of the Secretary for War Pensions, so restricted in his activities and pursuits that he is prevented from engaging in normal social and recreational activities – and a pension for total disablement in respect of the blindness, disabilities or disablement is for the time being payable under S.19(1) of the Act,” (this gives the eligibility rules for claiming a War Disablement Pension). Any person requesting this additional pension will normally already be in receipt of a War Disablement Pension at 100%.

Having got over these hurdles the Secretary for War Pensions may increase the rate of the pension. How is it done? There is a questionnaire asking for details concerning your health and what you can and cannot do, what you need help with and your social life. You will also be visited by your local War Pensions Claims Panel members who will look at your circumstances and make a decision on whether you qualify for additional pension and if yes the rate they consider applicable in your case. This additional pension is, like your main War Disablement Pension, NOT income or asset tested, but depends solely on your disabilities.

Not everybody will be entitled to the higher amounts, but some will be able to have as much as a 160% War Disablement Pension, which amounts to $255.62 per week for the under 60 years of age veterans, and $281.19 for the 60s and over. This is at April 2003 – April 2004 rates.

If you believe that you might qualify for additional pension under s.23 you should write to War Pensions Services giving a brief outline of your problems, and if possible a letter from your GP to state how your disabilities affect your day-to-day life.