Work-related compensation

If your condition is caused by work that you do, you could be entitled to compensation.

You may be entitled to benefits if you:

• have care or mobility needs because of your lung condition
• cannot work due to your lung condition
• are thinking of giving up work because of your lung condition
• care for someone with a lung condition

Having a lung condition doesn’t entitle you to welfare benefits. Benefits depend on how your lung condition affects your care or mobility needs, or your ability to work.

If you’re unsure what you’re entitled to and want to talk to someone, please call our helpline on 03000 030 555.

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)

You might get IIDB if you’re ill or disabled as a result of a disease caused by your work. You can claim if, due to your work, you have been affected by:

• a disease caused by working with asbestos
• asthma
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• pneumoconiosis (including silicosis)
• tuberculosis
• primary lung cancer where there is evidence of silicosis or asbestosis
• mesothelioma
• diseases caused by exposure to certain toxic chemicals
• diseases caused by exposure to non-toxic biological agents such as animals, plants and other organisms – for example, extrinsic allergic alveolitis

You must have done certain types of work to be eligible. The amount you can get depends on how serious your disability is. But you can’t claim if you were self-employed.

IIDB is non-means-tested and non-contributory. Claim forms are available from the gov.uk website or by calling the Barrow Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit centre on 0800 121 8379. 

Give us a call on 03000 030 555 if you’d like more advice. Our friendly helpline team is available Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Do you live in Northern Ireland?

If you live in Northern Ireland, take a look at the NI Direct page and the AdviceNI pages. You can also call the Benefit Enquiry Line 0800 232 1271 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm or email [email protected]

Are you unsure if you are entitle to benefits, or looking for information on different benefits? Read more here >