A veteran and another person helping about pension transfers

What to Do If You’re Unsure About Your Pension Transfer: A Guide for Veterans

April 21, 20252 min read

If you’re a veteran and something doesn’t feel right about your pension transfer, you’re not alone — and you don’t need to figure it out by yourself.

After leaving the Armed Forces, many veterans were advised to move their military pension into a private scheme or investment product. At the time, it may have seemed like a sensible choice — but years later, some are left wondering whether they were given the full picture.

If you’ve been feeling uncertain, confused, or uneasy about the pension advice you received, this guide is for you.


Why Veterans Are Often Advised to Transfer Their Pensions

On paper, transferring your pension into a personal scheme might sound appealing: flexibility, higher returns, or “taking control” of your money.

But what many advisers failed to explain clearly is what veterans give up in return — including:

  • A guaranteed, inflation-linked income for life

  • Survivor benefits for your partner or family

  • Protection from market volatility

  • The long-term value of remaining in the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS)

This lack of clarity is what turns a personal choice into potential mis-selling.


Signs You Might Have Been Mis-Sold

Here’s what we often hear from veterans who later realise somethi

  • “I didn’t understand I was giving up guaranteed income.”

  • “I was told it was the only way to grow my pension.”

  • “They promised high returns but never mentioned the risks.”

  • “I feel like I was pressured to make a quick decision.”

  • “I don’t even know where my pension is invested now.”

If any of this sound familiar, it’s worth reviewing your situation with someone who specialises in this area — and who understands your background.


What to Do if You’re Unsure

You don’t need all your paperwork or financial knowledge to start a review. At Justice4Heroes, we keep the process simple:

1. Have a no-obligation conversation with our team — just tell us your story in your own words.

2. We’ll assess your situation and explain whether your pension transfer may have been mis-sold.

3. If a claim is possible, we’ll connect you with a specialist solicitor from our trusted legal network, who will manage the case on your behalf.

You won’t have to deal with the FSCS or Financial Ombudsman yourself — they’ll do all of that for you, with compassion and clarity.


You’re Not Asking for Favour — You’re Asking for Fairness

This isn’t about blame or embarrassment. It’s about checking whether you were treated fairly — and correcting it if you weren’t.

Many veterans carry financial worries in silence, not realising that help is available. That’s why Justice4Heroes exists — to make sure you get the support you deserve.


Talk to Someone Who Understands

Call us on: 0800 776 5622 Email: [email protected] Visit: justice4heroes.org

Justice4Heroes supports UK veterans in reviewing pension transfers, identifying financial mis-selling, and accessing specialist legal help to put things right.

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