Asbestos - Benefits which may be payable

Supporting you and your family

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

This is a state benefit and not means tested.  The amount depends upon the level of disability.  In mesothelioma cases, disability is conventionally assessed at 100% and the current weekly rate is £179.00 (April 2019).

We will help you with completing the application form as part of the service we offer.

Pneumoconiosis (Workers' Compensation) Act ("PWCA") Claim

This scheme compensates those who were exposed to asbestos in the course of their employment.

Under this scheme, a lump sum payment can be made to the sufferer or, in the case of a fatal claim, to a dependant.  The amount depends upon the sufferer's disability and age.

Such claims should be made within 12 months of the award for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and we can assist you with the application.

Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008

This scheme compensates those who were exposed to asbestos outside of employment.

For example, if exposed to asbestos through the handling of contaminated work clothes of others, if the person was exposed whilst self-employed or had environemntal exposure or simply does not know where they were exposed.

We can assist you with making the application.

Diffuse Mesothelioma Payments Scheme (DPMS)

This is a scheme to compensate mesothelioma sufferers (or their dependents) in situations where they would have had a valid claim against their former employer but that employer no longer exists and their insurer cannot be traced or is insolvent.

We can assist you with making the application.

Bereavement Support Payment

This is payable to the spouse or civil partner of someone who has died because of an accident at work or disease caused by their work.  The spouse/civil partner must have been under state retirement age when their spouse/partner died.

Two rates are payable.  The higher rate is paid where there is entitlement to receive child benefit.  An initial lump sum payment is made followed by up to 18 monthly payments.

As at April 2019, the rates are as follows:

• Higher rate - £3,500 initial lump sum followed by up to 18 monthly payments of £350
• Lower rate - £2,500 initial lump sum followed by up to 18 monthly payments of £100

To receive the full entitlement, the claim should be made within 3 months of death.  The benefit can be claimed up to 21 months after death but the full entitlement will not be received.

The benefit will not affect means tested benefits for one year after the initial payment is received.  However, thereafter, the payment can affect entitlement to means tested benefits.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is payable to persons of state retirement age who are ill or disabled and need help with personal care and supervision.  Normally, there is a qualifying period of 6 months but in the case of terminal conditions, it is payable immediately.

It is a tax free benefit and is not means tested.  It will not reduce other income which is received and can result in you becoming entitled to other benefits such as Pension Credit or an increase in other benefits.

There are two rates of payment.  The higher rate of £87.65 per week as at April 2019, is payable if help is needed day and night.  The lower rate of £58.70 per week is payable for help either during the day or at night.

Carer's Allowance may also be payable to a carer.

The Attendance Allowance helpline is 0800 731 0122

Constant Attendance Allowance

This is payable to persons who are classed as 100% disabled and is usually automatically paid when a claim for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is made in respect of mesothelioma.

It is also payable if a War Disablement Pension is paid in respect of a disability of 80% or more.

Personal Independence Payment

This benefit is payable to persons under the statement retirement age who have a long term illness or disability which means that they need help with the normal activities of daily life or getting about, or both.

The Department for Work & Pensions helpline is 0800 917 2222

Blue Badge

If you are entitled to Attendance Allowance or the Personal Independence Payment, you will qualify for a blue disabled parking badge.  Please contact your local Council to find out more.

Veterans and War Disablement Pension

Veterans who develop mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos whilst serving in the armed forces, may claim a one-off tax free lump sum payment or small regular pension payments.

Veterans who develop other asbestos related conditions may also apply for a War Disablement Pension.  We will be pleased to assist you with any such applications.

Further assistance is available from:

The Veterans Agency help is 0808 1914 218

The British Legion helpline is 0808 802 8080

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