If you accept a payment under the pneumoconiosis scheme you will not be able to make a claim through the courts. Get legal advice first.
Quick facts
- Health scheme
- Coal Industry Pneumoconiosis Compensation Scheme
- Need
- IIDB for an eligible lung condition
- Mining
- 10 years or more
- Family
- Can claim after a death
- Subsidence
- Mining Remediation Authority
Who can claim for pneumoconiosis
To claim through the scheme you must be getting Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) for one of the following health conditions:
- pneumoconiosis, including ‘black lung’, asbestosis and silicosis
- diffuse bilateral pleural thickening
- lung cancer (primary carcinoma) with diffuse bilateral pleural thickening
- lung cancer (primary carcinoma) with asbestosis
You must also have worked for 10 years or more in coal mining. Some of your employment must have been as an employee or a contractor in a mine that was licensed by the National Coal Board (NCB) or the British Coal Corporation (BCC).
Claiming for a miner who has died
You may be able to claim if you’re the husband, wife or family member of a deceased coal miner.
If they died in the last 12 months and were not getting IIDB when they died, contact your local Jobcentre Plus. You might still be able to claim.
Other conditions
You may still be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) or make a claim through the courts for conditions such as noise induced hearing loss, COPD or vibration white finger. See Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and diffuse mesothelioma payments.
Subsidence damage to your home
You may be able to claim for ‘subsidence’ (sinking) damage caused by coal mining, for example structural damage to your house, which can start with cracked plaster and sticking doors, or ground collapse or other damage to your land.
You may also be able to get compensation for what you spend on a surveyor if your claim is successful.
You can claim for damage from the Mining Remediation Authority. Telephone: 0345 762 6848.
Common questions
Can ex-miners still claim compensation?
Yes, for pneumoconiosis and certain related lung conditions, if you get IIDB for them and worked 10 years or more in coal mining.
Can a widow claim?
Yes, a husband, wife or family member of a deceased miner may be able to claim.
What about hearing loss or vibration white finger?
Those schemes are closed, but you may claim IIDB or go through the courts.
Who pays for subsidence damage?
Claim from the Mining Remediation Authority.