Benefits To Claim
Industrial Injuries Benefit
If you have been injured by an accident at work you should make a claim for industrial injuries benefit if you have been disabled for a period of over two months. If you have been diagnosed as having an industrial disease then you should make a claim straight away.
What criteria are there for claiming Industrial Injuries benefit?
The criteria is dependent on the industrial disease you have been diagnosed with:
- Asbestos related diseases – you must have been diagnosed with one of the following diseases; pneumoconiosis; mesothelioma; primary carcinoma of the lung where there is evidence of asbestosis or diffuse pleural thickening; diffuse pleural thickening. You will need to have worked in a job where you have been exposed to asbestos.
- Asthma – in the last 10 years you must have been working in a job where you were in contact with a substance that caused your asthma.
- Emphysema or chronic bronchitis – you must have worked underground in a coalmine for at least 20 years. The 20-year period can be spread over a number of different jobs if applicable and can include breaks in employment.
- Industrial deafness – you must have worked in certain types of jobs for over 10 years and you must have been employed in the job within the last 5 years of when you make your claim.
- Pneumoconiosis (this includes silicosis and asbestosis) – you must have worked in certain jobs where you were exposed to dust. If you have previously been turned down for this benefit then you can now apply again.
- Tenosynovitis – you must have worked in a job which involves either manual labour or frequent and repeated movement of the hand and wrist.
- Vibration White Finger – you must have worked in certain types of jobs which are known to cause vibration white finger. If you get an award it will be dependant on how serious your injury is and the number of fingers affected.
- Other diseases – you may make a claim if you have suffered other illnesses including; carpal tunnel syndrome caused by hand held tools; diseases caused by radiation; diseases caused by exposure to certain dangerous chemicals; dermatitis; diseases caused by exposure to certain biological agents such as animals, plants and other organisms.
How do I claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit?
You can obtain a claim form from your local benefits office. Once you have submitted the form it may be necessary to have a medical examination so that an independent prognosis can be made regarding your injury or illness. The amount of the benefit you receive will be dependant on the level of your disability. Any benefit paid will be paid without assessing any other income or savings you have. If you are already receiving a benefit for an illness that is getting worse then you are entitled to re-submit your claim and have your illness re-assessed. This may result in an increased benefit payment.
If you require further general information then please either call us or contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00. People with speech or hearing problems can use a text-phone by dialling 0800 24 33 55.
PNEUMOCONIOSIS FUND
The pneumoconiosis fund is designed to compensate people who have developed certain diseases such as asbestosis and silicosis through work but their employer has gone out of business. As the employer will not be available to pay any compensation then the fund will make a payment instead. A claim should be made to the Department for Work and Pensions without delay. Please note that a claim must be made under this scheme before any legal Proceedings are issued for compensation.
If you require further general information then please either call us or contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00. People with speech or hearing problems can use a text phone by dialling 0800 24 33 55.
