Written by Rick Gregory, Editorial Lead · Legal information checked in collaboration with Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA 800525) · September 2026 · ~4 min read
WorkClaim UK is a trading name of Edward and Amaury Limited (Edward & Amaury Solicitors), authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA 800525).
Quick Summary
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) is a state benefit for people disabled by an accident at work or a prescribed industrial disease
- It does not depend on your employer being at fault, and it is separate from a compensation claim
- You generally must be an employed earner, so self-employed people are not usually covered
- Benefits you receive may need to be taken into account if you also bring a compensation claim
- Amounts change each year, so check GOV.UK for the current rates
What is Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit?
According to GOV.UK, Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit can be paid if you are disabled because of an accident or disease that happened at work (or on an approved employment training scheme). It is a no-fault benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions. That means you do not have to prove your employer did anything wrong.
Who can get it?
- You must have been an employed earner when the accident happened or the disease developed
- The accident must have happened in the course of your employment, or you must have a disease that is prescribed for your kind of work
- Your level of disability is assessed as a percentage, and the level must normally reach the minimum set by the rules (check GOV.UK for exceptions for certain diseases)
- Self-employed people are generally not covered, which is why the self-employed accident guide looks at other routes
When can it be claimed?
The benefit is not payable straight away. GOV.UK explains that it can be claimed only once a waiting period from the accident has passed (currently 90 days), so you may need to wait before you can be paid. Check the current guidance before you apply.
How is it different from a compensation claim?
| IIDB | Compensation claim | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | The state (DWP) | Usually the employer's insurer |
| Fault needed | No | Yes, negligence or breach of duty |
| What it pays for | Level of disablement | Pain and suffering, lost earnings, care, expenses |
| Time limit | Set by the benefit rules | Usually three years for personal injury |
You can normally pursue both. They do different jobs, and a successful compensation claim is not reduced simply because a benefit was paid, except where the benefit is recoverable. See our guide to benefits deducted from compensation.
Should I claim IIDB before or after making a compensation claim?
They can run in parallel. Do not delay a compensation claim while waiting for a benefit decision, because the usual three-year limit applies. Read our time limits guide and tell your solicitor about any benefits you receive.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to prove my employer was at fault to get IIDB?
No. IIDB is a no-fault benefit, although the accident or disease must be connected to your employment.
Can I claim IIDB and compensation for the same injury?
Yes, in most cases they can both be pursued. Recoverable benefits may be taken into account in the compensation settlement.
Does IIDB cover accidents on the way to work?
Generally accidents on an ordinary commute are not treated as arising in the course of employment. See our guide to accidents on the way to work.
Where can I check the current rates and rules?
On GOV.UK, which is kept up to date.
Can I apply for IIDB if I no longer work for that employer?
Possibly. Eligibility depends on the accident or prescribed disease and your employment history, not simply whether you still work there. GOV.UK sets out the current claim process and conditions.
Not sure which routes are open to you?
A specialist solicitor can explain how a benefit and a compensation claim fit together for your accident.
Or call 01228 272395 to speak to Edward & Amaury Solicitors (SRA number: 800525). No upfront cost and nothing to pay if your claim does not succeed.