What is meant by “Disablement Benefit”?

Where the level of disablement is assessed at 20% or more the benefit is paid by weekly or 4-weekly pension (called Disablement Pension). However, where the rate is assessed at less than 20%, the benefit is paid as a lump sum (called Disablement Gratuity).The size of the lump sum will vary depending on the degree of disablement and how long you are reasonably expected to be disabled.

(a) PDB is payable to an IP who suffers permanent residual disablement as a result of EI (including Occupational Diseases) and results in loss of earning capacity. The proper authority for assessing loss of earning capacity for injuries is the Medical Board and for Occupational Diseases, Special Medical Board. (b) The duration of PDB may be for the period given by Medical Board, if assessment is provisional or for entire life if assessment is final. (c) PDB Rate: The PDB rate is calculated as percentage of loss of earning capacity as assessed by the Medical Board/MAT/EI Court in relation to TDB. List of injuries deemed to result in permanent total disablement and percentage loss of earning capacity has been previewed in 2nd Schedule to ESIC Act, 1948. Hence, the maximum rate of PDB can be equal to the rate of TDB. PDB amount is revised by the ESIC from time to time to adjust for inflation. The latest enhancement is with effect from 01.08.2009 (d) Commutation of PDB (Regulation 76-B): IP whose PDB has been assessed as final and who has been awarded the same at the rate not exceeding Rs.1.50 per day may apply for commutation of periodical payments of PDB into a lump-sum. When an application for commutation is made within 6 months of the date of communication of Medical Board decision periodical payments shall be commuted into a lump sum provided the total commuted value does not exceed Rs.10,000 at the time of commencement of final award. However, where such an application is made after expiry of 6 months, LO/RO will refer the case to MR/PTMR to certify whether the IP has an average expectation of life for his age. Such a certificate is issued by Medical Referee in the relevant place on RO/LO letter. (e) Age of an IP will have to be proved to the satisfaction of the Corporation in all cases. Medical Boards assess the age of IPs who are not able to produce satisfactory proof of age and opinion of Medical Board shall be final in this regard.

Disablement Benefit is a benefit under the Occupational Injuries Scheme. It can be paid to you if you suffer a loss of physical or mental faculty because of an accident at work, an accident travelling directly to or from work, or a prescribed disease contracted at work. Disablement Benefit is a benefit under the Occupational Injuries Scheme. It can be paid to you if you suffer a loss of physical or mental faculty because of an accident at work, an accident travelling directly to or from work, or a prescribed disease contracted at work. Payment is only made where the level of disablement following the accident or disease is assessed at 15% or more. Where the level of disablement is assessed at 20% or more the benefit is paid by weekly or 4-weekly pension (called Disablement Pension). However, where the rate is assessed at less than 20%, the benefit is paid as a lump sum (called Disablement Gratuity).The size of the lump sum will vary depending on the degree of disablement and how long you are reasonably expected to be disabled. If you are getting Disablement Benefit and you are unfit for work, you may qualify for Illness Benefit based on your social insurance contributions (PRSI). If you do not qualify for Illness Benefit or another social welfare payment, you may get Incapacity Supplement. Incapacity Supplement This is an extra supplement with Disablement Pension. You may get Incapacity Supplement if you are permanently incapable of work as a result of an occupational accident or disease and do not qualify for another social welfare payment such as Illness Benefit. You may get an increase in your payment for an adult dependant and child dependants. Incapacity Supplement is not payable outside the EU. If you do not qualify for a State Pension at age 66, you can remain on Incapacity Supplement. Constant Attendance Allowance This allowance can be paid weekly as an increase to Disablement Pension if you are so seriously disabled as to need someone (a relative or some other person) to help you daily at home to attend to your personal needs for a period of at least 6 months. You must be getting a Disablement Pension of 50% or over. Entitlement to Constant Attendance Allowance is based on the recommendation of the Department’s medical advisor. You will not get the allowance during any period you are in a hospital or similar institution. Constant Attendance Allowance is not payable outside the EU. Taxation of payments under the OIB Scheme Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Supplement and Constant Attendance Allowance are taxable sources of income but you are unlikely to pay tax if they are your only income. Disablement Gratuity is not taxable. Rules You may get Disablement Benefit if you suffer a loss of physical or mental faculty because of: •An accident at work •An accident while travelling (on an unbroken journey) directly to or from work •A prescribed occupational disease Loss of physical or mental faculty The extent of disablement is assessed following an examination by a Medical Assessor who will assess the extent of your loss of faculty as a result of your occupational accident or disease. 'Loss of faculty' means your inability to enjoy a normal lifestyle because of the loss or partial loss of your ordinary physical or mental abilities as a result of your occupational injury or disease. In assessing the degree of loss of faculty, account is taken of how your current physical and mental condition compares to your pre-accident state of health and how you compare with a healthy person of the same age and sex. Examples of assessments are as follows: Injury Disablement Loss of both hands 100% Loss of one eye 40% Loss of thumb 30% Loss of 2 fingers of one hand 20% Loss of index finger 14%

Disablement Benefit is a benefit under the Occupational Injuries Scheme. It can be paid to you if you suffer a loss of physical or mental faculty because of an accident at work, an accident travelling directly to or from work, or a prescribed disease contracted at work. Payment is only made where the level of disablement following the accident or disease is assessed at 15% or more. Where the level of disablement is assessed at 20% or more the benefit is paid by weekly or 4-weekly pension (called Disablement Pension). However, where the rate is assessed at less than 20%, the benefit is paid as a lump sum (called Disablement Gratuity).The size of the lump sum will vary depending on the degree of disablement and how long you are reasonably expected to be disabled. If you are getting Disablement Benefit and you are unfit for work, you may qualify for Illness Benefit based on your social insurance contributions (PRSI). If you do not qualify for Illness Benefit or another social welfare payment, you may get Incapacity Supplement. Incapacity Supplement --------------------- This is an extra supplement with Disablement Pension. You may get Incapacity Supplement if you are permanently incapable of work as a result of an occupational accident or disease and do not qualify for another social welfare payment such as Illness Benefit. You may get an increase in your payment for an adult dependant and child dependants. Incapacity Supplement is not payable outside the EU. If you do not qualify for a State Pension at age 66, you can remain on Incapacity Supplement. Constant Attendance Allowance ----------------------------- This allowance can be paid weekly as an increase to Disablement Pension if you are so seriously disabled as to need someone (a relative or some other person) to help you daily at home to attend to your personal needs for a period of at least 6 months. You must be getting a Disablement Pension of 50% or over. Entitlement to Constant Attendance Allowance is based on the recommendation of the Department’s medical advisor. You will not get the allowance during any period you are in a hospital or similar institution. Constant Attendance Allowance is not payable outside the EU. Taxation of payments under the OIB Scheme ----------------------------------------- Disablement Benefit, Incapacity Supplement and Constant Attendance Allowance are taxable sources of income but you are unlikely to pay tax if they are your only income. Disablement Gratuity is not taxable.