Industrial Injury Claim - DSS
Eligibility
A person can claim disablement benefit if he/she became disable as a result of an accident at work or industrial disease, these diseases will have to be covered by the prescribed diseases list.
Disablement benefit are payable even if a person returns to work after an accident or illness. The rate varies depending on the severity of disability. It does not depend on National Insurance contributions. It can be paid on top of other benefits for illness or disability, for example, Incapacity Benefit. There is no time limit for claiming.
List of Prescribed Diseases
Assessment Criteria
It is possible to claim disablement benefit for an industrial injury at work which has led to you becoming disabled, or perhaps a long standing disease.
This benefit is payable even if a person returns to work or continues to work
The most common question asked is how much will I be paid? It really depends on the type of accident and level of disability.
Are you entitled?
A person who has become disabled as a result of an accident which took place, or a prescribed industrial disease which was contracted at work while in employment after 4 July 1948.
Unfortunately the DSS (Department of Social Security) does not cover Self employed people under this scheme. However, if you had an injury in the last 12 months, you can claim against your employer through a claim solicitor. Fill out this assessment form to see if you are eligible.
After 15 weeks from the date of the accident, or contract of disease, a person claiming must be suffering from a disability normally at 14% or more. However certain Prescribed Diseases may attract payment even if they are assessed at less than 14%. Occupational Deafness cases are paid at 20% or more.
Report your accident
If you have been in an accident of think you may be eligible for a disablement benefit from the government in the UK, you must fill out form BI95 from the DSS as soon as possible to report your accident.
How to claim
If you are willing to claim for an industrial injury or accident at work, you need to complete the relevant BI100 series forms. You can find them here. You should fill out this form
- As soon as you have contracted a disease of you think you have contracted a disease
- after an accident has taken place and you are still disabled
You should send your claim form to the industrial injuries department as soon as possible.
Please note these information are abstracted from the DSS. If in doubt or need more information please consult your local council.