What is it?
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) is for people who are disabled because of an accident at work, or who have certain diseases caused by their work.
Am I eligible?
You might qualify for IIDB if you became ill or are disabled because of an accident or disease either:
- at work
- on an approved employment training scheme or course
You must have been employed when the accident or event happened and it must have happened in Scotland, England or Wales.
You do not have to have paid national insurance contributions to get IIDB. You can get it even if you carry on working or go back to work. It does not matter how much savings, capital or other income you have.
Depending on the extent of your disability you can be paid for life or for a fixed period.
Normally you must be assessed as 14% or more disabled due to an industrial accident or disease (1% for some diseases). The amount you may get depends on your individual circumstances.
You cannot claim if you were self-employed.
Who pays it?
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
How do I apply?
You can call 0800 121 8379 to request a claim form to be posted or you can download and print the form from DWP. There is a different form depending on whether you are claiming for an accident or industrial disease.
Any age limits?
There are no specific age rules but you must have a contract of employment.
Is it National Insurance based?
No.
Is it means-tested?
No.
Is there a time limit?
There is generally no time limit for claiming IIDB. You can still make a claim if your accident happened or disease started years ago.
How long does it last?
For as long as the criteria is met.
Any effect on other benefits?
Counts in full as income for means-tested benefits.
Is it taxable?
No.
Are there any dependant's additions?
No.
Can I challenge the decision?
You can challenge a decision about IIDB if you are unhappy with it. To find out how to do this please refer to our challenging decisions page.
If disablement gets worse, or better, your benefit can be reassessed.
