How much compensation can I claim for military hearing loss?

Compensation for military hearing loss ranges from £6,990 to £172,880 depending on severity. Additional payments may include Guaranteed Income Payments (GIP) up to £1,691.25 per month.

What is the time limit for military compensation claims?

You have 7 years from the date of injury or from when you first became aware of the condition to make a claim under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS).

Do I need to pay upfront for a military compensation claim?

No. We operate on a no win no fee basis. You only pay if your claim is successful, typically 25% + VAT of your compensation.

Am I Eligible for a Military Hearing Loss Claim?

By the MOD Hearing Help editorial team · Last updated 13 July 2026

You are likely eligible if you served in the UK armed forces, were exposed to loud noise — gunfire, aircraft, artillery, engine rooms — and now have hearing loss or tinnitus. This applies even if you left service decades ago. An estimated 70,000 current and former personnel may qualify, and the claims deadline is 31 July 2026.

You may be eligible if…

You served in the UK armed forces (Regular or Reserve — Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, RAF)
You were exposed to loud noise in service: gunfire, artillery, aircraft, engine rooms, armoured vehicles, explosions
You have hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing), or both — even if it seemed minor at first
You left service years or even decades ago — historic service still qualifies
You already receive an AFCS award or War Pension — you may still be able to claim

Things you do NOT need

You do NOT need to have complained about your hearing while serving
You do NOT need your old medical records to start — they can be requested for you
You do NOT need a diagnosis first — an audiogram is arranged as part of the claim
You do NOT need to pay anything upfront — legitimate claims are no win, no fee

Eligibility for military hearing loss compensation rests on three things: service, exposure, and injury. Service means any UK armed forces service, regular or reserve, including personnel who left decades ago. Exposure means the loud-noise environments the forces are known for — weapons training, aircraft operations, armoured vehicles, naval engine rooms. Injury means noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, or both, confirmed by an audiogram arranged during the claim. Claims are now valued under the High Court-approved settlement scheme known as the Matrix agreement, which set guidance through sample court rulings. The deadline to start a claim was extended to 31 July 2026, as reported by Forces News.

Frequently asked questions

Am I eligible if I left the forces 20 or 30 years ago?

Potentially, yes. Noise-induced hearing loss claims relate to when the damage was caused, and veterans who served decades ago are claiming under the current High Court-approved scheme. The key constraint is the claims deadline of 31 July 2026.

I have tinnitus but my hearing seems okay — can I claim?

Tinnitus on its own can qualify. Constant ringing or buzzing traceable to noise exposure in service is a recognised injury, and it is assessed alongside any measurable hearing loss on your audiogram.

Does claiming affect my AFCS award, War Pension or benefits?

A civil claim is separate from AFCS and War Pension entitlements, but past awards for the same injury are taken into account in valuation. A free eligibility check clarifies your position before you commit.

What if I am still serving?

Serving personnel may be eligible too — an estimated 70,000 current and former personnel could qualify. Claiming does not require you to have left service.

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Free eligibility check · No win, no fee · Deadline 31 July 2026

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