Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (accidents)
You may be able to get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (accidents) if you're ill or have a disability because of an accident or event that happened at work or in connection with work.
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 the UK
There are some exceptions that you can ask the Industrial Injuries Branch about.
Industrial Injuries BranchRoom 309
Castle Court
Belfast
BT1 1SD
Who isn't eligible
You cannot claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit 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 per cent | £150.30 | £92.10 |
| 90 per cent | £135.27 | £82.89 |
| 80 per cent | £120.24 | £73.68 |
| 70 per cent | £105.21 | £64.47 |
| 60 per cent | £90.18 | £55.26 |
| 50 per cent | £75.15 | £46.05 |
| 40 per cent | £60.12 | £36.84 |
| 30 per cent | £45.09 | £27.63 |
| 20 per cent | £30.06 | £18.42 |
How it's paid
The Social Security's normal way of paying pensions and benefits is Direct Payment into an account. It is a safe, convenient and efficient method of payment.
If you are 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
If you get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, this may affect other benefits you might receive that depend on how much money you have coming in.
If you get Income Support or Pension Credit, or any other kind of benefit because you are on a low income, contact the office that handles your claim for further information.
How to claim
You can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit online a the following nidirect page.
You can also get a claim form from Industrial Injuries Branch, at your local Social Security/Jobs and Benefits office.
- Contact your nearest Social Security/Jobs and Benefits office
- Industrial Injuries (contacts section)
Reporting a work accident
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.
It is a good idea to apply for a declaration if you are not disabled immediately after your accident, but you think you may experience problems in the future as a result.
What to do if your circumstances change
It is 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 is likely you or the person you are caring for will continue to get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit - even if you are going abroad permanently.
Reduced Earnings Allowance is not payable if you move abroad permanently.
The Industrial Injuries Branch will give you more information.
Other benefits you may be able to receive
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 are paid is based on a doctor's assessment of your needs.
Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance
You can claim £60.20 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 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 £60.12.
Retirement Allowance
Retirement Allowance replaces Reduced Earnings Allowance when you reach State Pension age. The maximum weekly rate is £15.03.
Help to stay in employment
If your health or disability affects the way you do your job, there are employment schemes that can help you to stay in work.
More useful links
- Changes that affect your benefit (money, tax and benefits section)
- A guide to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit - DB1 (PDF 496KB)
- Help and advice for people with mesothelioma (PDF 1MB)
- Industrial injuries Disablement Benefit and other compensation schemes - SSA1004NI (PDF 100KB)
- Application to have your claim for industrial injuries disablement-benefit looked at again - DBA1 (PDF 190KB)

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