If you’re ill or disabled because of an accident at work, you may be able to get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

Who is eligible?

You may be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for accidents 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 that you can ask your local Jobcentre Plus about)

Who isn’t eligible?

You can’t claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for accidents if you were self-employed in work that caused your accident.

How much do you get?

The amount of benefit you get depends on:

  • your age
  • seriousness of your disability - assessed by a doctor on a scale of one to 100 per cent

All amounts are a guide only:

Assessed level of disablement Aged over 18 (weekly amount) Aged under 18 with no dependants (weekly amount)
100% £127.10 £77.90
90% £114.39 £70.11
80% £101.68 £62.32
70% £88.97 £54.53
60% £76.26 £46.74
50% £63.55 £38.95
40% £50.84 £31.16
30% £38.13 £23.37
20% £25.42 £15.58

 

How it’s paid

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for accidents 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, a cheque can be sent to cash at the Post Office.

Effect on other benefits

If you’re disabled by disease or deafness caused by work, you may be able to get other benefits - though some may be taken into account as income for means-tested benefits.

More industrial injuries benefits

Pneumoconiosis, byssinosis and mesothelioma 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
1% to 10%  £12.71
11% to 19%  £25.42

 

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 £101.80
Intermediate rate £76.35
Normal maximum rate £50.90
Part-time rate £25.45

 

Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance

You can claim £50.90 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 £50.84.

Retirement Allowance

The maximum weekly rate £12.71 (replaces Reduced Earnings Allowance when you reach State Pension age).

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit for accidents and its related benefits may reduce the amount of Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit you get. Tell your benefits office if you’re getting Industrial Injuries Disablement and related benefits.

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 here.

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.

Source: DirectGov. Crown copyright.