Overview

If you’re severely disabled as a result of a vaccination against certain diseases, you could get a one-off tax-free payment of £120,000. This is called a Vaccine Damage Payment.

You can also apply for this payment on behalf of someone who has died after becoming severely disabled because of certain vaccinations. You need to be managing their estate to apply.

You do not need a legal representative, such as a solicitor, to apply for a Vaccine Damage Payment.

Vaccine Damage Payments are not a compensation scheme. You can still take legal action to claim compensation, even if you get a Vaccine Damage Payment.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Effect on benefits you receive

A Vaccine Damage Payment can affect benefits and entitlements like:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Working Tax Credit
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Pension Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Reduction
  • Employment and Support Allowance

The effect the payment will have depends on a number of things. This includes the payment being put into a trust and the payments being made from it.

If you get a Vaccine Damage Payment, tell the office that deals with your benefit or tax credit claim. You can get contact details from letters they have sent you.