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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 for 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 regional Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Delivery Centre.
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 do you 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:
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
| 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 or Post Office® card account.
If you're registered blind or need someone who cares for you to collect the money, a cheque can be sent to cash 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, income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Council Tax Benefit you get.
Tell your local Jobcentre Plus office or benefits office if you're getting Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and related benefits.
Other benefits you may be able claim
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 higher and lower main rates £90.70 and £27.21.
Constant Attendance Allowance
You can claim for diseases and or deafness 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 can apply for maximum weekly rate £54.72 for claims relating to accidents before 1 October 1990.
Retirement Allowance
You may qualify for maximum weekly rate of £13.68 (replaces Reduced Earnings Allowance when you reach State Pension age).
How to claim
You should claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit straight away or you could lose benefit.
You can get a claim form from your regional Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Delivery Centre or download an Industrial Injuries Disablement claim form.
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 a care home
- goes abroad to live or visit
- goes to prison
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.
You can also get advice from the Regional Disablement office or the International Pensions Centre.
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 diseases you may also get a payment under the Pneumoconiosis (Workers Compensation) Act 1979.
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