1 September 1971

Introduction of Invalidity Benefit for people who had to leave their trade or occupation after sustaining an injury or developing a long-term illness.

What: Keith Joseph, then Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Security of Edward Heath’s Government, introduced Invalidity Benefit in the National Insurance Act 1971. It was paid to people who had been invalided out of their trade or occupation after sustaining an injury or developing a long-term illness. (It would be replaced by Incapacity Benefit in 1995).

Why significant: First move in paying claimants on the principle of being forced to leave trade or occupation due to injury or long term illness.