Social Security Experience Panels: Employment Injury Assistance

Future

Most respondents said they would like to get information about industrial injuries benefits online. Many also said they would like written information and for Social Security Scotland to provide information. Only a couple of respondents said they would like information in newspapers or magazines or via Jobcentre Plus.

One respondent felt that the system wasn’t set up for people who earn lower wages or who experience financial difficulties. The respondent said that the Industrial Injuries Scheme only provided help for people who are better-off financially. Receiving Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit can affect entitlement to some income-related benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit. The respondent suggested that a dedicated agency should be created to administer benefits for people injured at work.

Quote from panel member:

“There must be a special agency set up so that everyone injured at work is included, not just the well off as that’s how [I feel] it works at the moment – for the well off already.”

More respondents said Employment Injury Assistance should be paid weekly compared to monthly.

There was some support among respondents to offer a choice of regular payments or a lump-sum to let clients choose the method that suits them best.

Quote from panel member:

“I was never given this choice. I think age might have a lot to do with it. All forms of payment should be considered and best choice given.”

Four respondents said regular payments helped with budgeting.

Respondents were asked if there was anything it is important to consider about giving clients the choice to receive a lump-sum. Respondents gave a range of things to consider.

Two respondents said lump-sums were not a good idea. One said a lump-sum might only be helpful if a client is at end-of-life. Another said ongoing payments were more suitable if it is unknown how long an injury may have an impact on the client.

Quote from panel member:

“Someone who is in receipt of [the] benefit would be better with weekly or monthly payments because one never knows how long an injury can affect a recipient.”

Two raised concerns that a lump sum could have an impact on entitlement for other benefits or for tax. One respondent said it was important to provide information about how the benefit would affect a client’s finances.

Quote from panel member:

“It would have to be transparent in the information you provide to the client. For example, any tax issues this would incur, any other benefit this would affect. All relevant information would have to be disclosed.”