What is a AFPS15 EDP and when do we get it?
by Marty Small - Regional Manger West, Wales and London
This is a question we get asked on a regular basis! So, to help dispel the myths that you don’t receive any Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (AFPS15) benefits until State Pension Age please see information below:
The Early Departure Payment (EDP) Scheme aims to retain personnel in Service through to at least age 40 and to compensate for the fact that a full career to age 60 (normal pension age) or beyond is not available to the majority of personnel. The EDP is a benefit which is entirely separate to any pension you may be entitled to and, in the Public Sector, is unique to the Armed Forces.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
To be eligible for an EDP, you will have to reach age 40 or over (but before the age of 60) and serve as a Regular for at least 20 years. This is known as the 20/40 EDP point, since both the 20 and 40 year marks have to be passed. If you have a break in Service of more than 5 years, on returning to the Armed Forces you will need to serve for another 20 years or more in order to qualify for an EDP.
What will I receive and when?
If you leave the Regular Armed Forces on or after the 20/40 EDP point but before age 60 (normal pension age), you will receive a tax-free lump sum, equal to 2.25 times your annual deferred pension.
You will also receive a taxable monthly income, which is worth 34% of the value of your annual deferred pension. For each year served beyond the 20/40 EDP point, the value of the EDP will be increased by 0.85% of your deferred pension. From age 55, the EDP income is adjusted to take account of annual increases in the Consumer Price Index.
Since an EDP is not a pension, once you reach State Pension Age, the EDP income stops. At this point, your deferred pension becomes payable. It is important to remember that you must claim this pension from DBS Veterans UK.
For further information please follow this link Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015: your pension scheme explained (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Or alternatively if you are seeking guidance on your armed forces pension scheme, please contact The White Ensign Association