The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially confirmed the list of 70 medical conditions that could make workers eligible for additional financial support of up to £11,715.
Understanding the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
This significant financial assistance comes through the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB), a non-contributory, no-fault scheme designed to support workers who developed health conditions because of their employment. The benefit provides a maximum weekly payment of £225.30, which can accumulate to approximately £11,715 annually.
The scheme covers both accidents that occur directly at work and specific prescribed diseases known to develop from particular occupational hazards. The government emphasises that the scheme extends beyond traditional employees, also covering individuals participating in approved employment training schemes or courses.
Eligible Conditions and Diseases
Among the 70 prescribed conditions recognised by the DWP are several significant work-related illnesses. These include occupational asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema (collectively known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD), and industrial deafness.
The list also features several serious conditions linked to specific industries, including pneumoconiosis (encompassing silicosis and asbestosis), osteoarthritis of the knee in coal miners, and prescribed disease A11, previously known as vibration white finger.
Other notable conditions making workers eligible for support include Dupuytren's contracture, diffuse mesothelioma, primary carcinoma of the lung with asbestosis, and unilateral or bilateral diffuse pleural thickening.
Who Can Claim This Support?
To qualify for IIDB, claimants must have been employed as earners when the accident occurred or when they contracted the prescribed disease. The scheme also applies to those working on approved employment training schemes where their condition developed as a result of that specific work.
The government states: "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."
This announcement provides crucial financial recognition for workers across various sectors who have developed serious health conditions directly resulting from their occupational exposure and workplace environments.
