How Much Is an Army Pension After 12 Years of Service?

Curious about how much pension you’ll receive after 12 years in the British Army? Learn about Armed Forces Pension Schemes, eligibility and how benefits are calculated.

For those serving in the British Army, pension benefits are a key part of their long-term financial security. But how much pension can a soldier expect to receive after 12 years of service?

The answer depends on:

  • Which Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS) you are under.

  • Your rank and salary progression.

  • Whether you qualify for Early Departure Payments (EDP).

This guide will break down the pension entitlements for those leaving the Army after 12 years, explaining how benefits are calculated under different Armed Forces Pension Schemes (AFPS 75, AFPS 05, and AFPS 15).

Which Armed Forces Pension Scheme Are You In?

The British Army has transitioned through several pension schemes over the years:

1. Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 (AFPS 75)

  • Covers those who joined before 6 April 2005.

  • You need at least 22 years of service (other ranks) or 16 years (officers) for an immediate pension.

  • If you leave after 12 years, you won’t receive an immediate pension, but you will have a deferred pension payable at age 60.

2. Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2005 (AFPS 05)

  • Covers those who joined between 6 April 2005 and 31 March 2015.

  • Pension is based on final salary and years of service.

  • If you leave after 12 years, you will receive a deferred pension payable at age 65, plus an Early Departure Payment (EDP) if you serve for at least 18 years.

3. Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (AFPS 15)

  • Covers those who joined on or after 1 April 2015.

  • Pension is based on Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) rather than final salary.

  • If you leave after 12 years, you get a deferred pension payable at State Pension age but no Early Departure Payment unless you complete at least 20 years of service.

Now, let’s break down how much pension you might receive after 12 years of service.

How Much Pension Will You Get After 12 Years in the Army?

AFPS 75 – Pension After 12 Years

  • You do not qualify for an immediate pension after 12 years.

  • Instead, you receive a deferred pension at age 60.

  • The amount will depend on rank and final salary, but as an estimate:

    • A Corporal leaving after 12 years may receive a deferred pension of around £5,000 - £7,000 per year at age 60.

    • An Officer leaving after 12 years may receive a higher deferred pension, depending on rank progression.

AFPS 05 – Pension After 12 Years

  • No immediate pension is payable.

  • You qualify for a deferred pension at age 65.

  • Pension is calculated as:

    • Final pensionable salary x 1/70 x years of service

  • If your final salary is £40,000, your estimated pension would be £40,000 x 12/70 = £6,857 per year (payable at age 65)

  • No Early Departure Payment (EDP) unless you serve 18+ years.

AFPS 15 – Pension After 12 Years

  • Pension is based on Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) rather than final salary.

  • You qualify for a deferred pension at State Pension age.

  • Pension accrues at 1/47th of your salary each year.

Example calculation:

  • If you earn £30,000 per year, you accrue:

    • £30,000 ÷ 47 = £638.30 per year.

    • After 12 years, assuming small pay increases, your total accrued pension could be around £8,000 - £9,000 per year, payable at State Pension age.

  • No EDP unless you serve 20+ years.

Can You Take Your Army Pension Early?

If you leave after 12 years, you do not receive an immediate pension, but you will have a deferred pension payable at:

  • Age 60 (AFPS 75)

  • Age 65 (AFPS 05)

  • State Pension age (AFPS 15)

You may be able to transfer your deferred pension to another scheme or take it earlier at a reduced rate under certain conditions.

Early Departure Payments (EDP) – Do You Qualify?

The Early Departure Payment (EDP) is a scheme that provides payments before your deferred pension kicks in, but you must have served at least 18 years to qualify.

Since 12 years of service does not meet the EDP threshold, you will need to wait until your deferred pension age (60, 65, or State Pension age, depending on your scheme).

How to Check Your Army Pension Forecast

If you’re unsure how much pension you will receive, follow these steps:

1. Use the Armed Forces Pension Calculator

  • Visit: Armed Forces Pension Calculator

  • Enter your service details to get an estimate.

2. Contact Veterans UK

  • Phone: 0800 085 3600

  • Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk

3. Check Your Annual Pension Statement

  • If you are still serving, check your annual pension statement through JPA (Joint Personnel Administration).

Final Thoughts: How Much Is an Army Pension After 12 Years?

  • AFPS 75 – Deferred pension at age 60 (estimated £5,000 - £7,000 per year for a Corporal).

  • AFPS 05 – Deferred pension at age 65 (estimated £6,857 per year if final salary was £40,000).

  • AFPS 15 – Deferred pension at State Pension age (estimated £8,000 - £9,000 per year after 12 years of service).

  • No Early Departure Payment (EDP) unless you serve at least 18 years.

If you plan to leave the Army after 12 years, it’s essential to check your pension forecast and consider voluntary contributions or private pensions to supplement your retirement income.