About this factsheet

This factsheet is part of RNID’s benefits range. It is written for deaf people. We use the term 'deaf people' to refer to deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people throughout this factsheet.

Read this factsheet to find out:

Most of the information in this factsheet will apply to you wherever you live in the UK. However, if you live in Northern Ireland, we advise you to call the Benefit Enquiry Line for Northern Ireland for further advice. You can also contact RNID Northern Ireland.

If you live in Wales or Scotland you may also wish to contact RNID Cymru or RNID Scotland for more local advice.

If you would like this factsheet on audio tape, in Braille or in large print, please contact the Information Line.

What is Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)?

Can I qualify for IIDB?

You can qualify for IIDB if you became deaf because you were exposed to noise at work over a period of time. This is called occupational deafness. At the end of this factsheet you can find 'listed occupations' – jobs that the Department for Work and Pensions (external link, opens new browser window) (DWP) accepts as causing deafness. Check this list to see if your job is included.
If you have never worked in one of these jobs, you cannot claim for occupational deafness.

You can also qualify if your deafness was caused by an accident at work. In this case, it does not matter what your job was.

To qualify for IIDB, you must satisfy the following conditions:

Do I have occupational deafness?

'Occupational deafness' means deafness caused by exposure to noise in a listed occupation. It is classified as a prescribed industrial disease. You qualify for IIDB under the rules for occupational deafness if:

Your deafness can only count as a prescribed industrial disease if it was caused by exposure to noise while you were working in a listed occupation. If your deafness is because of prolonged exposure in a job that is not on the list, it will not be treated as occupational deafness.

How is occupational deafness measured?

Occupational deafness is defined as 'sensorineural hearing loss amounting to at least 50 dB in each ear, being the average of hearing losses at 1, 2 and 3 kHz frequencies and being due in the case of at least one ear to occupational noise'.

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). This means that noise at work must have caused your hearing loss in at least one ear. Your overall assessment will be based on hearing loss from all causes – including the effects of ageing – which must be at least 50 dB in each ear. The level of your hearing loss will be assessed by a hearing test.

This table shows how your level of hearing loss is converted into a disablement percentage. 

	Worse ear 50-53 dB	Worse ear 54-60 dB	Worse ear 61-66 dB	Worse ear 67-72 dB	Worse ear 73-79 dB	Worse ear 80-86 dB	Worse ear 87-95 dB	Worse ear 96-105 dB	Worse ear 106+
Better ear 50-53 dB	20	22	24	26	28	30	32	34	36
Better ear 54-60 dB	22	30	32	34	36	38	40	42	44
Better ear 61-66 dB	24	32	40	42	44	46	48	50	52
Better ear 67-72 dB	26	34	42	50	52	54	56	58	60
Better ear 73-79 dB	28	36	44	52	60	62	64	66	68
Better ear 80-86 dB	30	38	46	54	62	70	72	74	76
Better ear 87-95 dB	32	40	48	56	64	72	80	82	84
Better ear 96-105 dB	34	42	50	58	66	74	82	90	92
Better ear 106+	36	44	52	60	68	76	84	92	100

How do I work out my disablement percentage?

The numbers in the grey area are the disablement percentages. To read the chart, you need to know your hearing loss in your worse ear and your better ear. You can then find out your disablement percentage. For example, if you have a hearing loss of between 80-86 dB in your worse ear, and your better ear has a hearing loss of between 54-60 dB, then your disablement percentage would be 38%.

What if my deafness was caused by an industrial accident?

The qualifying conditions are different if your deafness was caused by an accident at work. You can qualify under the rules for industrial accidents if:

Unlike occupational deafness, you don't need to have worked in a specified occupation to qualify under the rules for industrial accidents.

A sudden acoustic shock such as an explosion or a head injury, which affects your hearing, can count as an industrial accident. You must report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. Tell your employer about it even if you are not sure whether the accident will result in permanent damage to your hearing.

The following table is part of the guidance for how deafness in cases of industrial accidents should be assessed.

Degree of hearing attained	Percentage disablement for both ears used together
Shout not beyond 1 metre	80%
Conversational voice not over 30 cms	60%
Conversational voice not over 1 metre	40%
Conversational voice not over 2 metres	20%
Conversational voice not over 3 metres - with one ear totally deaf - otherwise	20% less than 20%

Can I claim benefit through the Analogous Industrial Injuries Scheme?

If your deafness was caused by an accident or exposure to noise while you were taking part in a government-funded course, such as work-based training for adults, you can claim IIDB through the Analogous Industrial Injuries Scheme. To find out more about the scheme, contact the Department for Education and Skills (DfES).

How do I claim for IIDB?

Occupational deafness

Industrial accident

How do I challenge the decision on my claim?

If you are not happy with the decision on your claim, you have one month to ask for an explanation, or ask for the decision to be changed. This one-month period after the decision is called the dispute period. If you ask for a written statement of reasons, the dispute period is extended by a further two weeks.

Your claim may be refused because the DWP decision-maker says you have not worked in a prescribed occupation (occupational deafness), or because your measured level of hearing loss is not sufficient. You will have to consider getting extra evidence if you want to challenge the decision. This may be evidence about the nature of your job, or the results of another hearing test (showing a higher level of hearing loss).

If you ask for the decision to be changed, a DWP decision-maker will look at your case again and give you another decision. If there are special reasons that made it difficult for you to challenge the decision in time, a late application can be accepted within 13 months.

If the DWP looks at the decision again, this is called a 'revision'. You have one month to appeal to a tribunal if you still disagree with the decision.

An independent tribunal will hear your appeal. You stand a better chance of winning your appeal if you opt for an oral hearing and take a representative with you. An oral hearing is when the people involved in the case go to the tribunal and get the chance to ask questions and give information. An appeal about IIDB will normally include a medical examination (hearing test and deafness).

If you want more details about the dispute process, you should get the leaflet GL24, "If you think our decision is wrong" (external link, opens new browser window).

Can I claim compensation?

Whether you claim IIDB or not, you could also claim compensation through the civil courts for hearing loss caused by your job. You must claim within three years of your industrial accident or when your occupational deafness first occurs.

The compensation you receive may be reduced if you have been receiving certain social security benefits – see leaflet GL27, "Compensation and social security benefits".  (external link, opens new browser window)

How much IIDB could I get?

The amount of benefit you get will depend on the extent of your disablement. The table below indicates the weekly amount of benefit you may receive, in relation to your age.

Lower percentages are rounded to the nearest multiple of 10% for the purposes of payment. For example, an assessment of 24% is rounded down to 20%; an assessment of 25% is rounded up to 30%; and so on. An assessment of 14%, in industrial accident cases, is rounded up to 20%.

Weekly rates of IIDB

These rates apply from 6 April 2007

Degree of disablement	Amount if you are under 18	Amount if you are over 18
100%	£80.70	£131.70
90%	£72.63	£118.53
80%	£64.56	£105.36
70%	£56.49	£92.19
60%	£48.42	£79.02
50%	£40.35	£65.85
40%	£32.28	£52.68
30%	£24.21	£39.51
20%	£16.14	£23.34

Additional allowances

If you are awarded IIDB, you may also qualify for the following additional allowances:

Constant attendance allowance

You may qualify for Constant Attendance Allowance if your disablement percentage is 100%, and you need someone to look after you constantly because of your hearing loss.

Constant Attendance Allowance is paid at the following weekly rates:

Exceptionally severe disablement allowance

You may qualify for Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance if you are entitled to Constant Attendance Allowance at one of the two higher rates (intermediate or exceptional), and you are likely to qualify to claim for Constant Attendance Allowance at these rates permanently.

If you qualify for Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance you will get £52.70 a week.

Reduced earnings allowance

You only qualify for Reduced Earnings Allowance if your industrial accident or the start of your occupational deafness happened before 1 October 1990.
You must be unable to do your normal job or an equivalent job as a result of your hearing loss. You must also be under pension age, or still in regular employment.

The rate of Reduced Earnings Allowance you receive will depend on whether your current earnings or potential earnings are lower than you received in your old job. The maximum Reduced Earnings Allowance payable is £52.68 a week.

Retirement allowance

If you are over pension age, you have given up a regular job and you are no longer getting Reduced Earnings Allowance, then you may be able to get Retirement Allowance. This is basically a reduced rate of Reduced Earnings Allowance. The maximum amount payable is £13.17 a week.

For more details about these extra allowances, see the leaflet SD7, "Disabled because of an accident at work?" (external link, opens new browser window). For current rates, see the DWP leaflet GL23, Social security benefit rates (external link, opens new browser window).

How does IIDB affect other benefits?

Benefits for industrial injuries may affect other benefits you get.

You may qualify for other benefits if you're disabled from disease or deafness as a result of work - but they may reduce the amount of income-related benefits including Income Support and Council Tax Benefit you get. Tell your benefits office if you're getting Industrial Disablement and related benefits.

Where can I get further information?

Benefit Enquiry Line (BEL)

BEL is a free advice line run by the Department for Work and Pensions.
The BEL can help you fill in your form. They will normally call you back within five days of your request for help to fill in the form.

Telephone 0800 882 200
Textphone 0800 243 355 Monday-Friday, 8.30am-6.30pm, Saturday, 9am-1pm.

Northern Ireland: Telephone 0800 220 674
Textphone 0800 243 787 Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

Citizens advice bureau (CAB)

Your local CAB will give free advice. See your phonebook for your nearest CAB or search the Citizens Advice (external link, opens new browser window) website.

Department for Education and Skills (DfES)

Contact the DfES for information about the analogous industrial injuries scheme.

DfES
Industrial injuries unit, Room W3C, Moorfoot, Sheffield S1 4PQ
Telephone 0800 590395
Fax 0114 2593544 Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.
Email: aiis.sheffield@dfes.gsi.gov.uk  
Department for Education and Skills Website (external link, opens new browser window)

Disability Alliance

The Disability Alliance produces a range of information about benefits.

Disability Alliance
Universal House, 88-94 Wentworth Street, London E1 7SA
Telephone 020 7247 8776
Textphone 020 7247 8776
Fax 020 7247 8765
Email: office.da@dial.pipex.com  
Disability Alliance Website (external link, opens new browser window)

Jobcentre Plus

Contact Jobcentre Plus to speak to a disability employment adviser or access to work adviser. They can also advise you if you are working and want to claim, or are claiming, a benefit. Visit the Jobcentre Plus website (external link, opens new browser window) for details of your nearest office. The website also features useful leaflets, including Need help starting work or getting back to work?

Law centres

Law centres provide free advice and representation.
You can find details of your local law centre from the Law Centres Federation.

Law Centres Federation
Duchess House, 18-19 Warren Street, London W1T 5LR
Telephone 020 7387 8570
Fax 020 7387 8368
Email: info@lawcentres.org.uk  
Website: Law Centres website (external link, opens new browser window)

Department for Social Development in Northern Ireland

If you live in Northern Ireland visit the DSDNI website (external link, opens new browser window) for information about benefits.

Welfare rights advice centres

See your phonebook to find your local welfare rights advice centre.

Further information from RNID

Our Information Line offers a wide range of information on many aspects of deafness and hearing loss. Contact us for further copies of this factsheet and our full range of information factsheets and leaflets. You can also contact us if you would like information in Braille, on audiotape or large print.

RNID Information Line

RNID Information Line
19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL.
Telephone: 0808 808 0123
Textphone: 0808 808 9000
Fax: 020 7296 8199
Email: informationline@rnid.org.uk 

RNID Tinnitus Helpline

RNID Tinnitus Helpline
19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL
Telephone: 0808 808 6666
Textphone: 0808 808 0007
Fax: 020 7296 8199
Email: tinnitushelpline@rnid.org.uk  

RNID Cymru

RNID Cymru
Tudor House, 16 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9LJ
Telephone: 029 2033 3034
Textphone: 029 2033 3036
Fax: 029 2033 3035
Email: rnidcymru@rnid.org.uk

RNID Northern Ireland

RNID Northern Ireland
Wilton House, 5 College Square North, Belfast BT1 6AR
Telephone: 028 9023 9619
Textphone: 028 9031 2033
Videophone: 028 9043 8354
Fax: 028 9031 2032
Email: rnidni@rnid.org.uk

RNID Scotland

RNID Scotland
Empire House, 131 West Nile Street, Glasgow G1 2RX
Telephone: 0141 341 5330
Textphone: 0141 341 5347
Fax: 0141 354 0176
Email: rnidscotland@rnid.org.uk

RNID Casework Service

If you are a benefits adviser, please contact the RNID Casework Service.

RNID Casework Service
19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL
Telephone: 0808 808 0123
Textphone: 0808 808 9000
Fax: 020 7296 8199
Email: caseworkteam@rnid.org.uk

Occupational deafness – listed occupations

Any occupation involving the use of, or work wholly or mainly in the immediate vicinity of the use of:

(a) a band saw, circular saw or cutting disc to cut metal in the metal founding or forging industries, circular saw to cut products in the manufacture of steel, powered (other than hand-powered) grinding tool on metal (other than sheet metal or plate metal), pneumatic percussive tool on metal, pressurised air arc tool to gouge metal, burner or torch to cut or dress steel-based products, skid transfer bank, knock out and shake out grid in a foundry, machine (other than a power press machine) to forge metal including a machine used to drop stamp metal by means of closed or open dies or drop hammers, machine to cut or shape or clean metal nails, or plasma spray gun to spray molten metal;

(b) a pneumatic percussive tool to drill rock in a quarry, on stone in a quarry works, underground, for mining coal, for sinking a shaft, or for tunnelling in civil engineering works;

(c) a vibrating metal moulding box in the concrete products industry, or circular saw to cut concrete masonry blocks;

(d) a machine in the manufacture of textiles for weaving man-made or natural fibres (including mineral fibres), high speed false twisting of fibres, or the mechanical cleaning of bobbins;

(e) a multi-cutter moulding machine on wood, planing machine on wood, automatic or semi-automatic lathe on wood, multiple
cross-cut machine on wood, automatic shaping machine on wood, double-end tenoning machine on wood, vertical spindle moulding machine (including a high speed routing machine) on wood, edge banding machine on wood, bandsawing machine (with a blade width of not less than 75 millimetres) on wood, circular sawing machine on wood including one operated by moving the blade towards the material being cut, or chain saw on wood;

(f) a jet of water (or a mixture of water and abrasive material) at a pressure above 680 bar, or jet channelling process to burn stone in a quarry;

(g) a machine in a ship's engine room, or gas turbine for performance testing on a test bed, installation testing of a replacement engine in an aircraft, or acceptance testing of an Armed Service fixed wing combat aircraft;

(h) a machine in the manufacture of glass containers or hollow ware for automatic moulding, automatic blow moulding, or automatic glass pressing and forming;

(i) a spinning machine using compressed air to produce glass wool or mineral wool;

(j) a continuous glass toughening furnace;

(k) a firearm by a police firearms training officer; or

(l) a shot-blaster to carry abrasives in air for cleaning.

Schedule 1, Social Security (Industrial injuries) (Prescribed Deafness) Regulations 1985. Amended 1988, 1989, 1994, 1996, 2003.

RNID Information, May 2008