Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is available to claim if you were injured or contracted a prescribed industrial disease as a result of your work in the UK.

To make a claim following an injury at work you must have been disabled by the accident for two months or over. If you are suffering from an industrial disease then you can make a claim immediately. The benefit is not paid if you were self-employed in the work where you were injured or contracted an industrial disease.

Unlike making a claim for compensation, you do not have to prove that your employer was at fault for you contracting an industrial disease. However, you may need to show that you worked in certain occupations either during the time when the disease started or for a period of time before.

How much will I get?

The amount of benefit you get will be dependant on many factors including the nature and severity of your injury or illness and the length of time you have been disabled by it. Your individual circumstances such as claiming some income related benefits may also affect the amount that you can get. For guidance purposes the disablement benefit ranges between £15.58 per week to £127.10 per week. Additional allowances are also available. If you need daily care and attention, then you may be able to get Constant Attendance Allowance or Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance. Reduced Earnings Allowance is available for those who cannot return to work with similar pay because of injury or disease resulting from work.

How do I claim?

To make a claim for this benefit you should contact your local Jobcentre Plus or Social Security office to obtain the appropriate claim forms. It is advisable that you complete and return the forms straightaway as the benefit is not backdated to more than 3 months before the date of the claim.

Claiming benefit where someone has died

It is possible for a dependant of a deceased such as a spouse or child to make a claim for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit on their behalf. Additional benefits may also be available.

Pneumoconiosis Fund

This is a scheme set up by the Government to make a one-off lump sum payment to sufferers of respiratory diseases who are unable to sue because their employer has ceased to trade, cannot be located or in other similar circumstances. The amount ranges from £2,068 up to a maximum of £58,718, according to the sufferer's age and percentage of disability. To find out more or to apply for compensation under this scheme visit the relevant page on the Jobcentre Plus website by clicking here.

Help and advice

If you require help to make a claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit contact your local Jobcentre Plus or Social Security office where you can get further information, advice and literature.

If you are thinking of claiming Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and are currently getting other benefits, you should seek advice from a Welfare Benefits Advisor first as this may affect the amount you get. Alternatively, your local Citizens Advice Bureau should be able to help.

More information can also be found on the Jobcentre Plus website by clicking here.