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Disabled people
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (accidents)
You may be able to get 'Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (accidents)' (IIDB) if you're ill or disabled because of an accident or event that happened at work or in connection with work.
Who is eligible
You may be able to claim IIDB if:
- you were employed when the accident or event happened
- the work accident or event that caused your illness or disability happened in England, Scotland or Wales
There are some exceptions you can ask your local Jobcentre Plus office about.
Who isn't eligible
You can't claim IIDB if you were self-employed in work that caused your accident.
How much you may get
The amount of benefit you get depends on:
- your age
- the seriousness of your disability - assessed by a doctor on a scale of one to 100 per cent
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (accidents)
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
IIDB and related benefits are paid into your bank, building society, Post Office or National Savings account that accepts Direct Payment.
But if you're registered blind or need someone who cares for you to collect the payment, you can be sent a cheque to be cashed at the Post Office.
Effect on other benefits
If you're disabled by disease or deafness caused by work, you may be able to claim other benefits. Some may be taken into account as income for means-tested benefits.
More industrial injuries benefits
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 per cent (£136.80) from the outset of the claim, without the need for the 90 day waiting period.
Constant Attendance Allowance
You can claim for accidents 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 a doctor's assessment of your needs.
| Constant Attendance Allowance rate | 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're 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 if your accident 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. The maximum weekly rate is £13.68.
How to claim
You can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit straight away by completing a form at your Jobcentre Plus office, or by downloading the claim form from the link below.
Reporting a work accident - if you don't need to make a claim straight away
You can apply for a declaration that you have had an industrial accident, even if you do not want to claim any benefit right away. You can do this on the form available for download above.
It's a good idea to apply for a declaration if you are not disabled immediately after your accident, but you think you may experience some problems in the future as a result.
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
- goes into prison
It's likely you or the person you're caring for will continue to get IIDB - 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.
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