Introduction to the Industrial Injuries Scheme
- If you cannot act for yourself
- If someone who was disabled because of an accident at work or a prescribed disease dies
The Industrial Injuries Scheme provides non-contributory no-fault benefits for disablement because of an accident at work, or because of one of over 70 prescribed diseases known to be a risk from certain jobs. (See Appendix 1 for a list of the prescribed diseases.) The benefits payable under the scheme are known as Industrial Injuries Scheme Benefits (IISB).
Benefits are paid to employees who were employed earners at the time of the accident or when they contracted a prescribed disease. [Legislation (1)]
Accidents or diseases which arise out of self-employment or service in HM forces are not included in the scheme. [Legislation (2)] [Legislation (3)]
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has a similar scheme for trainees and the Home Office also has one for prisoners.
All Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefits, except Industrial Death Benefit, are tax free.
They are payable in addition to other incapacity and disability benefits but taken into account against income-related benefits.
The Industrial Injuries Scheme Benefits are:
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance
- Reduced Earnings Allowance
- Retirement Allowance
and benefits payable under the:
- Workmen’s Compensation (Supplementation) Scheme
- Pneumoconiosis, Byssinosis and Miscellaneous Diseases Benefit Scheme.
If you cannot act for yourself
If you wish to claim for any of these benefits but you are unable to act for yourself because of physical or mental incapacity, the Secretary of State can appoint someone to act on your behalf. If this happens,the person appointed is responsible for dealing with all your social security affairs, including claiming and receiving benefits. They are also responsible for notifying any changes of circumstances which may affect your benefit. [Legislation (4)]
If you are able to handle your own affairs but want someone else to collect your benefit for you regularly, you may be able to make arrangements with your bank, building society or the Post Office®. Please ask them to help you with this. [Legislation (5)]
If someone who was disabled because of an accident at work or a prescribed disease dies
If someone who has not claimed Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit dies, but they would have qualified for this benefit, a claim can be made on their behalf, for example by a widow or surviving civil partner. [Legislation (6)]
If someone who has claimed Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit dies, any outstanding benefit can be paid to a third party, for example an executor or next of kin. [Legislation (7)]
