MoD overpays veterans' pensions

Ex-service personnel worried about pensions can call a helpline

Nearly 100 veterans of the armed forces have received pension overpayments due to a clerical error, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.

The MoD said veterans would not have to repay the money, but instead it would request that the Treasury write it off.

A review of 49,000 pension files uncovered the mistake - which the Daily Mirror claims amount to £1.7m.

The MoD says it has contacted all those affected to advise them their pensions would be reduced in the future.

Helpline set up

In a statement, the MoD said 98 cases of overpayment had been identified as part of its review of Armed Forces Pension Scheme files.

"The MoD is bound by government accounting rules to correct any errors in payment but has not requested any money to be reimbursed by the individuals concerned," the statement continued.

"Instead, a submission is being made by the MoD to the Treasury to write off the overpayments on their behalf."

The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, which supports members and ex-members of the armed services, had "written to and tried to make telephone contact with" all those affected, it added.

The agency has set up a free telephone helpline to advise former service men and women concerned about overpayments on 0800 1692277.