Forces Pension Society

Looking back, moving forward: AGM highlights and our 80th anniversary 🎉

We were delighted to bring members, partners and guests together for this year’s AGM - made even more special as we celebrated 80 years of the Society.

From key updates to a memorable shared 80th birthday moment 🎂, it was a great opportunity to reflect on our journey and look ahead to the future.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us! 👉 Read more about the day: https://ow.ly/cXj350Z7vlb

MILROY CASE UPDATE on unfair pension treatment for part‑time Reserve service (pre‑2015)

In January, the MOD was refused permission by the Employment Appeal Tribunal to challenge the decision. The MOD then applied to the Court of Session in March - and a hearing date has now been confirmed for 8 October.

ℹ️ No further updates are expected before the hearing, but if you think this could affect you, please read the case details and our guidance ⬇️⬇️ LINK IN COMMENTS

The latest AFCAS results are in, spanning morale, leadership, workload, family life, and pay and pensions. 📊

Pensions! It's clear that better pension communication is essential so Armed Forces personnel can make informed decisions and feel confident about their financial future. 💷📢

Read the highlights:

➡️ https://forcespensionsociety.org/2026/05/2026-armedforces_continuous_attitude_survey/

2026 Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey - Forces Pension Society Key insights to inform MOD policy and improve support for Service personnel.

⚠️ A worrying trend for the future…

Right now, an estimated 15 million people in the UK aren’t saving enough for retirement - and that number could rise to 19 million if action isn’t taken. That means millions could be facing a serious financial “cliff-edge” when they retire. This comes from a recent interim report by the Second Pensions Commission

The findings underline the urgent need for increased awareness, policy attention, and meaningful action to strengthen long-term financial security across the UK.

You can read the report in full and share your views with the Pensions Commission at the link:
https://forcespensionsociety.org/2026/05/pensions-commission-pension-undersaving/

Looking back on your service or career, what’s one thing you wish you’d known earlier about your Armed Forces pension? Your experience could really help others in the community.

👇 Share your thoughts below - please keep comments constructive

CAN I TAKE MY PENSION EARLY? Answer: Yes - but it will be reduced, and there are rules.

💠 AFPS 75: from 60
💠 AFPS 05 & RFPS: from 55
💠 AFPS 15: from 55

📉 The earlier you take it, the bigger the reduction.
💡 Ill health exception: You may be able to take it early without reduction if illness prevents full-time work (rules apply).
👉 Bottom line: Early access is possible — but usually comes at a cost, so consider guidance first.

For more detail and full rules see ➡️

Can I Draw My Preserved/Deferred Pension Early? - Forces Pension Society Those of you leaving with preserved or deferred pension benefits might be wondering when you can access them. Preserved/deferred pensions are pensions which do not come into payment on discharge from the Armed Forces and are, instead, kept by the scheme until you are entitled to claim them. In this....

As a Service Leaver, you may feel confident about your pension benefits - but could there be gaps in your pensions knowledge that might impact you later? 🤔

If you’re approaching resettlement, make sure you’re fully informed and attend a Career Transition Partnership Financial Aspects of Resettlement Brief. This brief is a must for those leaving the Armed Forces! Learn more about upcoming sessions.

👉 https://forcespensionsociety.org/2026/05/the-far-brief-essential-for-anyone-leaving-the-armed-forces/

⚠️ There are still significant challenges facing Armed Forces pensions.

Earlier this year, our Chief Executive highlighted six key issues that continue to impact the military community. Here’s a reminder of what we’re up against.

https://forcespensionsociety.org/2026/02/the-six-key-challenges-for-the-society-in-2026/

This year, we’re proud to mark 80 years of supporting the military community.
Since 1946, we’ve worked to ensure fair pension provision for Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families.

Our Chief Executive, reflects on this important milestone—and why our work remains as vital today as ever.

Learn more: ➡️ https://forcespensionsociety.org/2026/05/celebrating-80-years-of-the-forces-pension-society/