How we use your data (privacy notice)
Last updated: February 2026
This privacy notice applies to the Apply for Armed Forces Compensation and War Pension service. The service is built and run by the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
It explains:
- who we are
- what personal data we collect
- how we use and share your data
- your rights over your data
It applies to anyone who uses this service.
You should read this alongside the wider MOD privacy notice, which explains in more detail how the department handles personal data.
The MOD is the data controller. A data controller determines how and why personal data can be processed. The lawful basis for processing this data is called Public Task. This means your data is processed to carry out official functions and process your claim.
What data we collect
We collect some personal information about you so we can deal with your claim. Personal data, or personal information, means any information that can identify you, either directly or indirectly.
About you
We collect your:
- name
- date of birth
- contact details (address, phone number, email)
- National Insurance number
- service records (such as job roles, service number, dates of service)
- previous claim history including information on compensation you’ve had before
- preferences, feedback and survey responses
Your health
We collect medical evidence and any medical reports we need to assess your claim.
How you use this service
We collect:
- your IP address and type of web browser you use
- pages you visit and actions you take
- cookies and analytics data (we cannot use this to identify you personally)
People who act for you
We collect details of anyone you choose to represent you (for example, someone with lasting power of attorney or another appointed representative).
Money and benefits
We collect:
- your bank account details so we can pay successful claims
- details of benefits or payments you receive (including Tax Credits and Housing Benefit)
What we use your information for
We use your information to:
- process and assess your claim
- contact you about your claim
- make payments
- prevent fraud and confirm identity
- improve the service
Your email address and contact details
When you give the MOD your contact details, we will only use them to contact you about your Armed Forces Compensation or War Pension application.
Cookies and analytics
Cookies are small files saved on your phone, tablet or computer when you use our website.
We use cookies to:
- make the website work properly
- understand how you use the website so we can improve it
If you agree, we also use Google Analytics to collect information about how you use the site. This helps us improve the service. Google Analytics data does not identify you personally.
You can read the full cookie policy to find out more.
What we do with your data
MOD staff have access to the data they need to manage your application. They will not:
- sell or rent your data to third parties
- share your data with third parties for marketing purposes
We may share your data if the law requires it, for example, by court order, or to prevent fraud or other crime.
How long we keep your data
We only keep your data for as long as we need it and in line with MOD records management and retention policy.
How we protect your data and keep it secure
We're committed to doing all that we can to keep your data secure. We have systems and processes to prevent unauthorised access to or disclosure of the data we collect about you – for example, we protect your data using varying levels of encryption.
Your rights
Under certain circumstances, by law, you have the right to request:
- access to your personal information
- correction of the personal information that we hold about you
- erasure of your personal information
- the restriction of processing of your personal information
- the transfer of your personal information
You can also have the right to:
- object to processing of your personal information
- withdraw consent
If you want to use any of these rights, contact:
Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
Phone: 0808 1914 218
Outside UK: +44 1253 866 043
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm UK time
Find out about call charges
Questions and complaints
You can contact the Data Protection Officer (DPO) if you have any concerns about how your personal data has been handled. The DPO gives advice and monitors the MOD's use of personal information.
If you're unhappy with how any aspect of this privacy notice, or how your personal information is being processed, please contact:
Email: cio-dpa@mod.gov.uk
Ground floor, zone D
Main Building
Whitehall
London
SW1A
Making a complaint to an independent body
You can also complain to the Information Commissioner (an independent regulator) for example if your complaint is not resolved by the MOD or the DPO.
Information Commissioner (ICO)
Telephone
0303 123 1113
Post
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 5AF
Changes to this notice
We may modify or amend this privacy notice at any time. Any modification or amendment to this privacy notice will be applied to your data immediately. We encourage you to review this privacy notice regularly to stay informed about how we’re protecting your data.