Benefits & Compensation Schemes For People Exposed To Asbestos

If you have mesothelioma and have been awarded Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, you will also be entitled to a lump sum payment. This will either be under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act, or the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme.

To qualify for a payment under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act you must meet both of the following criteria:

• Your illness must have been caused by exposure to asbestos within paid employment
• You are getting Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

You may also be able to claim if you're the dependent of a loved one who's died from an asbestos related disease. However, this claim must be made within 12 months of their death.

The 2008 Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme was set up to cover those who are not eligible to claim a lump sum payment through the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979. You may be able to claim through the 2008 Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme if you were exposed to asbestos:

• But are unsure or unaware of where the exposure took place
• Through a relative (for instance through washing their clothes)
• But were self employed
• Through environmental exposure – living near to a site where asbestos was manufactured or used
• At a school, university or hospital.

The amount paid depends on the age you were diagnosed with mesothelioma. You can find out how much you may be entitled to on Gov.uk's page about Diffuse Mesothelioma Payments.

You may be eligible for PIP if you’re aged between 16 and State Pension age to help pay for the costs of living with a long-term condition.

The “daily living component” of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) provides a weekly payment to help manage your condition (if you need assistance washing, for example).

PIP is currently £72.65 or the higher rate of £108.55 per week. Whether you qualify for the standard or enhanced rate will depend your level of function and need for assistance rather than on your illness. You’ll likely need an assessment.

In addition, the Personal Independence Payment has a “mobility component”. If you're eligible for the mobility PIP, you may be eligible to access the Motability scheme for an accessible vehicle.

You could be eligible to get an Attendance Allowance (AA) if you’re State Pension age. Like PIP, these are benefits that can help you pay for expenses that come with living with a long-term condition.

If a friend or family members is giving you over 35 hours of care support each week, they may be eligible to claim Carer’s Allowance. You must be in receipt of either PIP or AA.

To do this, they must be aged 16 or over and not in full-time education. There’ll be a financial assessment.

Full details can be found on the Carers UK website.

You may be able to apply to your local council for a Blue Badge, which can make life easier. Usually, you need to be receiving the Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance to qualify.

We offer a client support service to support our clients and their families to access support services, benefits, rehabilitation and anything else that they might require beyond the legal claim. Our client support managers are an Occupational Therapist and Social worker.

Our team is experienced in helping people claim the benefits that they’re entitled to. We offer a free initial consultation, so please call us or contact us online to speak to an expert.