One of the places where we spend a great deal of time is at work. It stands to reason the work arena is a typical location where people become struck by hazards. Fortunately, these days, accidents in the workplace are not so common. But serious incidents and illnesses do occur from time to time. The Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is an entitlement available in the UK for those who become ill or disabled during work activities. This article outlines the benefit in detail. Find out what steps you need to follow to apply here.
What Is the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)?
The DWP IIB is a payment made for life to people who became disabled through disease or accident while working. This means that anyone who became a victim of a regrettable incident at work can claim this benefit unless the circumstances of their health change.
Paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the IIDB is a tax-free benefit you could receive regardless of any savings you may hold.
Eligibility Requirements
There are two aspects to the IIDB scheme. They are:
- Accidents and
- Diseases
If a person’s health worsens due to an accident or disease, they become eligible. Let’s look at the qualifying requirements for each case in more detail.
Accidents
You need to meet the following 3 conditions concerning where the accident took place:
- You must have been at your place of work, or
- An approved training scheme, and
- The incident must have taken place in Wales, Scotland, or England.
Diseases
If someone is unlucky enough to become affected by a disease while at work or on an accredited training scheme, they can claim the disablement benefit. The benefit covers over 70 diseases; some of the diseases covered by IIDB are:
- Asthma
- Carcinoma
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Deafness
- Emphysema
- Leukaemia
- Osteoarthritis of hips and knees
- Peripheral neuropathy
Conditions Related To Asbestos
Asbestos-related illnesses have been a regular feature of workplace incidents in the past. Thus the scheme covers some common Asbestos-related conditions, such as:
- Mesothelioma, and
- Pleural disease
A list of the 70 diseases covered by the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit can be seen on the UK government website here.
How To Apply
Currently, applications are made by post. There are 2 different forms in circulation depending on whether the claim is for an accident or a disease. They are known as:
- BI100A form (for accidents)
- BI100PD form (for diseases)
Please be aware that the appropriate form needs to be completed for the claim to be processed successfully. The forms provide appropriate notes to help complete the application. They also provide details of where to send it. Both forms can be downloaded here.
Requesting an Application Form by Phone
You can request a form to be sent by mail to your address. The telephone number to call is 0800 1218379. Additionally, you may call the number to request the form in different formats, such as:
- Audio CDs
- Braille
- Large print
Processing Your Application
The claims are processed either through:
- The information provided in the application, or
- A face-to-face medical assessment
The Centre for Health and Disability Assessments will make contact if a medical assessment is deemed necessary. They will provide details on how the process will occur and what can be expected to take place.
Exemptions
People in a fatal or terminal condition need not attend an in-person medical assessment. Individuals with the following conditions are exempted:
- Mesothelioma
- Liver angiosarcoma
- Carcinoma of the lung or bronchus due to Nickel or Arsenic exposure
- Carcinoma of the lung due to asbestos, Tin, or Silicosis
You can also read: 3 Government-Funded Programs To Keep Your House Warm This Winter.
Payment Entitlements
The severity of the disability affects the payments received through the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. An approved medical professional assesses the case based on a scale from one to hundred percent. The chart below shows the payment guidance rates based on the severity of the disability:
| Disability Assessment | Weekly Payment |
| 100 percent | £188.60 |
| 90 percent | £169.74 |
| 80 percent | £150.88 |
| 70 percent | £132.02 |
| 60 percent | £113.16 |
| 50 percent | £94.30 |
| 40 percent | £75.44 |
| 30 percent | £56.58 |
| 20 percent | £37.72 |
If the case is unsuccessful, it is possible to appeal. Known as a ‘mandatory reconsideration,’ information on the appeal process can be found in this section on the UK government website.
Rounding Off
The Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is a payment made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for people unfortunate enough to experience health issues through events at work. If you are in a situation where you need to make an application, we hope you are successful and receive your full entitlement.
