Becoming ill or sustaining an injury at work can lead to many challenges beyond health. Long-term disability may impact being able to return to gainful employment, whilst managing a health condition can also increase costs of living. Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit (IIDB) can be an important source of help for individuals in this position, providing financial support for those disabled as a result of an injury or disease caused by work.
We previously wrote about IIDB and who might be eligible for it. Today, following World Day for Health and Safety at Work 2025, we provide further information that you should know when considering applying for IIDB.
What is IIDB?
IIDB is a non-means tested benefit for people who are disabled because of an accident which occurred in the course of their work, or who have certain “prescribed diseases” caused by their work.
It is a no-fault scheme paid by the Department for Work and Pensions applicable throughout the United Kingdom.
I am an agency worker, can I still apply?
If you are an agency worker who paid National Insurance through your payslip when the accident or event happened then you can apply for IIDB. You can also apply if you were on an approved training scheme or course or an apprentice. Unfortunately, IIDB is not available to those who are self-employed.
The accident occurred abroad, am I eligible?
Whilst the accident or event which caused your illness or disability must normally have happened in England, Scotland or Wales, there are some exceptions to this rule. This includes where your employer was paying national insurance contributions for you whilst you were working out of the country.
If you are not sure you are eligible, contact your local Jobcentre Plus or the Barnsley Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Centre on 0800 121 8379.
For how long after the injury can I apply for IIDB?
Yes, a claim for IIDB can be backdated for up to three months if you would have been entitled to it earlier.
How do I know if my injuries are serious enough to be eligible?
Unfortunately not everyone who is injured whilst at work will be eligible for IIDB. You have to be assessed by an IIDB medical examiner as having at least 14% degree of disablement as per this table.
I have been able to go back to work, can I still get IIDB?
Yes, if you carried on working after your injury or go back to work in due course, you can still be eligible for IIDB.
Will IIDB affect my other benefits?
If you receive IIDB, the monthly amount will be treated as income if you also receive a means-tested benefit such as Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit. However, you may be eligible for additional benefits such as Constant Attendance Allowance as a result of receiving IIDB.
If you are concerned about how receiving IIDB will affect you financially, you can use the benefits calculator here to check your benefit entitlement. You can also seek further expert advice close to you to ensure you are receiving what you are entitled to via Turn2Us.
How do I apply?
You must apply for IIDB by using a claim form, which needs to be posted to the DWP. The claim form can be printed from GOV.UK, and you will need either a:
- form BI100A for accidents caused by work; or
- form BI100PD for diseases caused by work.
Thought it comes with additional cost, if you are able we would recommend sending the form by recorded or special delivery. We would recommend taking a copy or photographs of the claim form before you send it off, in case it doesn’t make it in the post.
You can find further information regarding our expertise, experience and team on our Personal Injury and page.
If you require assistance from our team, please contact us.
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