Industrial Injuries Benefits

BenefitsLast reviewed: 1 April 20256 min

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) is a non-means-tested benefit for people who have become disabled as a result of an accident at work or a prescribed disease caused by their employment. Unlike most benefits, it is not based on your income or savings — it is based entirely on the level of disability caused by a work-related condition.

Important

This is general guidance only. Benefit rules can be complex and change frequently. Check GOV.UK or contact Citizens Advice for help with your specific situation.

Key points

IIDB is not means-tested and can be received alongside other benefits and earnings.
You must be assessed as having at least 14% disability (1% for certain diseases) to qualify for IIDB.
The benefit covers accidents at work and a list of prescribed diseases caused by specific types of employment.
There is no time limit for claiming IIDB after a workplace accident, but claims for prescribed diseases have specific rules.

Who Qualifies for IIDB

You may qualify for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit if you were disabled by:

An accident at work while you were an employed earner (not self-employed)
A prescribed industrial disease caused by your employment — the list includes conditions such as vibration white finger, occupational deafness, pneumoconiosis (from coal dust), asbestosis, mesothelioma, and many others

You must have been working as an employee at the time. Self-employed workers cannot claim IIDB. The accident or disease must have occurred in Great Britain, or you must have been working for a UK employer when it happened abroad in certain circumstances.

IIDB is not available for road traffic accidents during a commute unless the accident occurred on your employer's premises or during travel that was a formal part of your duties.

How Disability Is Assessed

The DWP uses a medical assessment to determine the degree of disability caused by your work-related condition, expressed as a percentage. The key thresholds are:

At least 14% disability: Required for most IIDB claims
At least 1% disability: For certain specific prescribed diseases
100% disability: Attracts the maximum weekly rate

The assessment only considers the disability caused by the work accident or disease — not any pre-existing conditions. If you have a pre-existing condition that has been worsened by a work-related condition, the assessors will consider the degree of worsening attributable to the work injury.

The weekly IIDB rate in 2024–25 ranges from around £39 per week (14% disability) to £217.10 per week (100% disability). Awards can be for a fixed period or for life depending on the nature of the condition.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim IIDB if my employer is no longer in business?

Yes. IIDB is paid by the DWP — not your employer. The fact that the employer has ceased trading does not affect your ability to claim IIDB. For prescribed diseases where you need to identify the relevant employer, records from HMRC and Companies House can sometimes help trace former employers.

Does IIDB affect my Universal Credit or Pension Credit?

IIDB counts as income for means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit. However, since IIDB is not means-tested itself, receiving other benefits does not prevent you from also receiving IIDB. The net effect on your overall income depends on your specific benefit calculation.

What is the difference between IIDB and a personal injury claim?

IIDB is a state benefit paid by the DWP — it does not require you to prove your employer was at fault. A personal injury claim is a civil legal claim against your employer for compensation, which requires proving negligence. You can pursue both simultaneously, though compensation received may affect your benefit entitlement in some circumstances.

What to do next

1
Claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Claim IIDB from the DWP.
2
Check the list of prescribed diseases
DWP guidance on qualifying conditions.
3
Get advice from Citizens Advice
Free help with industrial injuries benefit claims.

Official bodies and resources

Department for Work and Pensions

Government

The government department responsible for welfare, pensions, and child maintenance policy in the UK.

Visit website 0800 169 0310

Citizens Advice

Charity

Provides free, confidential, and independent advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, and employment.

Visit website 0800 144 8848

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