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Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
[ch 4: pages 57-58]Workers suffering a loss of income may also be able to make a claim to the government for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB). It is a no-fault, tax free benefit which is not means tested and does not depend on National Insurance contributions. To qualify a worker must have been a paid employee when they suffered the injury or contracted the disease. Self-employed workers are not covered but the scheme is available to “employed earners” including:
• agency staff who are self-employed under a contract for services but are still liable to pay Class 1 National Insurance (NI) contributions in respect of their earnings; and
• people who were on an approved employment training scheme or course when the accident or event happened.
IIDB may be available either temporarily or permanently for major or minor injuries. A medical examination will normally be arranged to assess the extent of the disability and how long it is expected to last. This could be a provisional assessment if it is thought that the condition could get better or worse.
There are more than 70 prescribed diseases officially recognised as work-related by the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC). The diseases and conditions are listed on the Department for Work and Pensions website.
Unfortunately, according to the HSE, diseases which are difficult to define clearly — such as some musculoskeletal disorders and work-related stress — are not currently covered by the scheme. Neither are diseases that may be associated with work but where it isn’t possible to define circumstances, where the risks are as much as doubled.
The level of benefit will depend on the extent of the disablement. Total loss of sight or hearing or the loss of both hands would count as 100% disability and attract the maximum benefits of £168 per week. Loss of an index finger or big toe would count as 14% (there is no benefit if disability is assessed at less than 14%).