Simplification changes under the Welfare Reform Act 2012
From 5 December 2012, the following changes were made to the Industrial Injuries Scheme to make it easier for people to understand and for the Department to administer the benefits.
The Pneumoconiosis, Byssinosis and Miscellaneous Diseases Benefit Scheme, and the Workmen’s Compensation (Supplementation) Scheme
These two old schemes that dealt with industrial accidents or disease exposures before 1948 were abolished on 5 December 2012. Those customers in receipt of payments were transferred to the main Industrial Injuries Scheme and received benefits at the corresponding rates of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
Death Benefit
If you were supported by someone formerly entitled under the PB&MD scheme, and who has since died from one of the diseases listed under the PB&MD scheme, you may get a payment of up to £300. [Legislation (125)]
For a claim form write to or phone the PWC team at Barrow Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Centre at:
Jobcentre Plus
Barrow IIDB Centre
Pittman Way
PRESTON
PR11 2AB
Telephone 0800 279 2322.
Send your completed claim form to this address also. You should normally claim within 3 months of the death.
The under 18 rates of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
On 5 December 2012, the lower rate of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit paid to people under the age of 18 was abolished. Everyone with the same level of disability will receive the same rate of benefit.
Industrial Accident declarations
From 5 December 2012, it will not be possible to request a declaration that an industrial accident occurred without a claim for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit being made.
Industrial Death Benefit
Industrial Death Benefit was abolished in 1988 for any deaths occurring after 1988. From 5 December 2012, it will not be possible for a new claim to be made for a death before 1988. No claims had been made for many years and any widows or widowers still getting payments will continue to receive them.
If your circumstances change
Industrial Death Benefit for a widow is usually a pension payable for life following the deceased’s death. It is not payable:
- if you remarry or form a civil partnership [Legislation (104)]
- or for any period when you and a man you are not married to are living together as husband and wife [Legislation (105)]
- or if you are in prison. [Legislation (106)]
If any of the above apply you must tell the Industrial Death Benefit section at Barrow Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Centre straight away.
If you die
If you die, someone should let us know straight away.
