Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to reduce the time it takes to process a war pension scheme application.

I refer the hon. Member to my previous answer provided to 103061 in January 2026, and 126385 in April 2026.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently managing a high volume of War Pension Scheme (WPS) claims, which has resulted in longer processing times. We remain fully committed to improving performance and reducing delays in claim processing. To address these challenges, the Department has implemented a range of targeted measures:

• Flexible resource management: Teams now have the ability to reallocate resources as needed, while staff are being trained in multiple skillsets to enhance efficiency and build greater resilience across operations.
• Accelerated processing: Overtime and weekend working have been introduced to expedite the clearance of outstanding claims.
• Increased capacity: Additional administrative and caseworker staff have been recruited to strengthen processing capabilities and improve overall throughput.

The MOD places the highest priority on claims from terminally ill individuals, ensuring they are fast-tracked at every stage. Furthermore, MOD Veterans Services continues to provide dedicated support and assistance to veterans, Service personnel, and their families, ensuring they receive the help they need.