Mary Launches Campaign to Help Ex-Miners Claim New Government Benefit

Mary Creagh MP launched a campaign to help ex-miners suffering with Miner’s Knee claim industrial injury benefit this week.  She visited former coal miner Joseph Marshall at his Wakefield home to explain the application process.  Joseph worked in the mines at Grimethorpe Colliery from June 1968 until the closure of the pit in May 1993.   

Osteoarthritis of the knee, or “Miner’s Knee” has been added to the list of prescribed diseases covered by the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme.  This means that coal miners with this disease will be able to make claims for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).  Anyone who suffers with osteoarthritis of the knee and worked underground for 10 years or more before 1986 can apply.  It is completely free to apply for the benefit which is run by Jobcentre Plus.  Thousands of ex-miners will be better off because of the new scheme which was introduced by the Government in July this year.   

Ex Miner Joseph Marshall said: “I’m pleased the Government has recognised the industrial injuries ex-miners got from working down the mines for years.  Now people like me who spent years pulling coal out of the coalface, using hydraulic impact equipment in tiny spaces on their hands and knees have had their medical conditions recognised by the Government.  I thank the NUM and Mary Creagh for getting involved so that as many men as possible get the benefit they’re entitled to.”  

Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield said: “I want everybody who suffers from Miner’s Knee to make a claim for the new benefit.  My message to former miners is simple – if you suffer from miner’s knee, you can claim for free. I have asked Wakefield health bosses to get local doctors to let all ex-miners know that there is help available to people who suffer with this painful condition.”   “I’m also distributing a fact sheet which sets out what help is available and how ex-miners can access it. If you think you qualify for the benefit, and you need further advice, you can phone the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit office for our area on 0845 758 5433.”    

To download the IIDB claim form visit http://www.dwp.gov.uk/advisers/claimforms/bi100a_print.pdf

You can also telephone the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Delivery Centre on 0845 758 5433 and ask for a claim form to be sent to you.