These Regulations are made under the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 (c.25) and establish the Armed Forces Early Departure Payments Scheme 2014 (“the scheme”). This is a new scheme of benefits for members of the armed forces leaving service before they are entitled to retirement pensions or other benefits under the Armed Forces Pension Regulations 2014. The scheme replaces existing arrangements for armed forces personnel without transitional protection and takes effect from 1st April 2015.