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Disabled people
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (diseases and deafness)
If you're ill or disabled because of disease or deafness caused by certain types of work, you may be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (diseases and deafness).
Who is eligible
You can claim if you were employed in a job that caused you to suffer from any of the following:
- a disease caused by working with asbestos
- asthma
- chronic bronchitis or emphysema
- deafness
- pneumoconiosis (including silicosis and asbestosis)
- tenosynovitis
- vibration white finger
- any other illness covered by the Industrial Injuries Scheme
You can get a full list of illnesses from your Jobcentre Plus or social security office.
Who isn't eligible
You can't claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit if you were self-employed in work that caused your disease or deafness.
How much you can get
Your individual circumstances including your age and the severity of your disability - assessed by your doctor on a scale of one to 100 per cent - will affect the level of benefit you may get.
All amounts are a guide only:
| Assessed level of disablement | Aged over 18 (weekly amount) | Aged under 18 with no dependants (weekly amount) |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | £136.80 | £83.85 |
| 90% | £123.12 | £75.47 |
| 80% | £109.44 | £67.08 |
| 70% | £95.76 | £58.70 |
| 60% | £82.08 | £50.31 |
| 50% | £68.40 | £41.93 |
| 40% | £54.72 | £33.54 |
| 30% | £41.04 | £25.16 |
| 20% | £27.36 | £16.77 |
How it's paid
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and related benefits are paid directly into your bank, building society, Post Office or National Savings account.
If you're registered blind or need someone who cares for you to collect the money, you'll be sent a cheque to be cashed at the Post Office.
Effect on other benefits
You may qualify for other benefits if you're disabled from disease or deafness by work but they may reduce the amount of income-related benefits including Income Support and Council Tax Benefit you get. Tell your benefits office if you're getting Industrial Disablement and related benefits.
Other benefits you may be able to receive
Pneumoconiosis and byssinosis assessment
You can claim if you can't return to your usual work or work with similar pay because of an accident or disease caused by work that happened before 1 October 1990.
| Assessed level of disablement | Weekly amount |
|---|---|
| 11% to 19% | £27.36 |
| 1% to 10% | £13.68 |
Mesothelioma assessment
Mesothelioma assessment is paid at 100% (£136.80) from the outset of the claim without the need for the 90-day waiting period.
Industrial Death Benefit
You can claim if your wife or husband died before 11 April 1988 as a result of an industrial accident or disease. Ask your Jobcentre Plus office or social security office for details.
The benefit is paid at two rates:
- higher rate £90.70
- lower rate £27.21
reduced to £16.40 after 52 weeks in hospital.
Constant Attendance Allowance
You can claim for diseases and or deafness that happened before 1 October 1990, where your disability is assessed at 100 per cent and you need daily care and attention.
The Constant Attendance Allowance rate you're paid is based on an assessment of your needs.
| Assessed level of disablement | Weekly amount |
|---|---|
| Exceptional rate | £109.60 |
| Intermediate rate | £82.20 |
| Normal maximum rate | £54.80 |
| Part-time rate | £27.40 |
Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance
You can claim £54.80 paid in addition to the Constant Attendance Allowance rates, if you are assessed at Constant Attendance Allowance intermediate or exceptional rate and need permanent, constant care and attention.
Reduced Earnings Allowance
You may be able to get Reduced Earnings Allowance (REA) if your current earnings, or earnings in a job which it is considered you could do, are less than the current earnings in your previous regular occupation. You can only get REA for claims relating to industrial diseases that first occurred before 1 October 1990. The maximum weekly rate is £54.72.
Retirement Allowance
Retirement Allowance replaces Reduced Earnings Allowance when you reach State Pension age. You may qualify for a maximum weekly rate of £13.68.
How to claim
You should claim Industrial Injuries Disablement benefit straight away or you could lose the benefit.
You can get a claim form from your nearest Jobcentre Plus or social security office or download an Industrial Injuries Disablement claim form.
Benefit Enquiry Line
For further information, or to order a claim form, contact: Benefit Enquiry Line
Telephone: 0800 882 200
Textphone: 0800 243 355
You can also use the RNID Typetalk service.
The Benefit Enquiry Line is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm and Saturday from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm.
What to do if your circumstances change
It's important you contact the office that deals with your payments if you or someone you claim for:
- goes into or leaves hospital
- goes into or leaves a care home
- goes abroad to live or visit
In most cases you or the person you're caring for will continue to get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit - even if you're going abroad permanently. But if your stay abroad is temporary, you'll usually only get payments for the first three months. The office that deals with the payment will give you more information.
What else you need to know
You may also be able to get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (accidents) if you're disabled as a result of a work-related accident.
If you suffer from certain dust-related diseases you may also get a payment under the Pneumoconiosis (Workers Compensation) Act 1979.
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