Government Claims
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, diffuse pleural thickening or asbestosis, there are a number of government benefits and schemes you may be eligible for.
We can assist you with applications for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB), the 2008 Mesothelioma Scheme, the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) and under the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 (PWCA).
We can help with your application, we do not charge for this service. If you would like assistance, please contact us on 0800 038 6767.
About the Benefits
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) can be claimed when a disease such as mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, diffuse pleural thickening or asbestosis has been caused by work.
Who Can Claim IIDB?
A person exposed to asbestos in the workplace on or after 5th July 1958 can claim IIDB. The employment must have been in the UK, and the person must have been liable to pay income tax. You cannot claim IIDB if you were exposed to asbestos when self-employed.
How Do I Claim IIDB?
An application form is submitted to the Department for Work and Pensions. If you would like assistance in completing the form, please contact us on 0800 038 6767. We do not charge for this service.
How Much Will I Receive?
The amount you receive depends on how much your disease affects or disables you.
You will be assessed by a doctor who will decide on the severity of your disability due to your disease. You will normally need to be assessed as 14% disabled or more to be eligible for IIDB.
Here is a guide as to the amount you may receive:
Assessed level of disablement – Weekly amount
Please note this is only to be used as a guide and awards may vary.
Please be aware that there are time limits for submitting applications.
| Assessed level of disablement – Weekly amount | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100% | £188.60 | ||||||||||
| 90% | £169.74 | ||||||||||
| 80% | £150.88 | ||||||||||
| 70% | £132.02 | ||||||||||
| 60% | £113.16 | ||||||||||
| 50% | £94.30 | ||||||||||
| 40% | £75.44 | ||||||||||
| 30% | £56.58 | ||||||||||
| 20% | £37.72 | ||||||||||
What If My Condition Deteriorates?
If you feel that your condition has worsened, you can apply to be reassessed and your award may be amended appropriately.
About the Act
Pneumoconiosis Etc. Workers’ Compensation Act 1979 (PWCA)
You might also be eligible for a lump-sum payment under the Pneumoconiosis Etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 (PWCA). This is available for people with mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, bilateral diffuse pleural thickening or asbestosis who are unable to make a civil compensation claim.
This may be the case where the negligent employer is no longer trading, and no insurance cover to pay the compensation can be traced.
How can I apply for a PWCA payment?
We can assist you in establishing whether you can make a civil compensation claim for your asbestos condition. If you cannot, we can assist you in applying for a payment under the PWCA scheme, free of charge.
You need to be in receipt of IIDB to be eligible for a PWCA payment, and the application must be made within 12 months of the IIDB application.
If you are the dependant of someone who has sadly passed away due to an asbestos-related disease, a claim must be made within 12 months of the date of death.
About the Payments
Diffuse Mesothelioma Payments
There are two schemes available:
- Diffuse Mesothelioma payments (the ‘2008 scheme’)
- The Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS)
The 2008 Scheme
This applies in circumstances where people are unable to make a legal claim for compensation, for example, if they were exposed to asbestos when self-employed or do not know where they were exposed to asbestos.
You must claim within 12 months of diagnosis and, if successful, will receive a lump-sum payment. The amount will be much lower than that received in a successful legal claim, and so that should always be the first port of call.
The DMPS Scheme
This applies where a diagnosis of mesothelioma is made and exposure has occurred in the UK.
You can submit a claim if you cannot trace your employer or their insurers and have not already made a civil compensation claim. You may also be able to claim under this scheme if liability is denied by a potential defendant in a claim.
Claims must be submitted within three years of diagnosis.
Awards under this scheme are much higher than the 2008 Scheme. Payments are made according to an age-based tariff and will include payment for solicitors’ fees.
Unlike the 2008 Scheme, you may be able to claim if you were the dependent of a sufferer who has died, for example, a spouse or child under the age of 18.
What Are the Eligibility?
What Other Benefits Might I Be Eligible For?
You may also be eligible for the following benefits:
- Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA)
- Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance (ESDA)
- Reduced Earnings Allowance (REA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
If you would like to know more about the different asbestos compensation payments available, please contact us on 0800 038 6767. We would be more than happy to help guide you through the applications.
