Government Benefits

Government Payments

If a responsible insurer cannot be found a sufferer must sadly rely upon government payments and benefits. However, this is not necessarily the case for those who are suffering from mesothelioma or for the families of deceased mesothelioma victims. Call us today for help in making a claim.

  • The Mesothelioma Act 2014 provides substantial compensation packages, up to £123,000, in instances were a diagnosis of mesothelioma was made on or after 25th July, 2012.

A range of benefits are available to workers who have developed an asbestos related illness which the UK Government refer to as prescribed diseases, which include:

  • D3
– mesothelioma
  • D1
– asbestosis
  • D8
– primary carcinoma of the lung where there is accompanying evidence of asbestosis
  • D8A
– primary carcinoma of the lung
  • D9
– diffuse pleural thickening

Suffers of asbestos related illness are entitled to claim certain state benefits including:

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)

This is a weekly or monthly payment

The Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979

If you are awarded IIDB and cannot recover damages from your employer, who is no longer trading, you can apply for a one-off lump sum under the 1979 Act. If subsequently you are successful in a legal claim you will need to repay any lump sum payment received.

2008 Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme

This provides a one-off payment to those sufferers who would otherwise be ineligible to a payment under the 1979 Act.

You can still claim IIDB if you are already in receipt of,

  • Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • State Pension

IIDB will affect other benefits which you or your partner might be claiming which include,

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

Council Tax Reduction might also be affected so please contact your local Council.

The Benefits Agency will advise you in terms of any gain or loss by applying for any of these benefits and you need to ensure you are no worse off.

The amount of IIDB you receive is based upon the % of your disability which will be determined by a medical advisor. Generally speaking your disability must be assessed at 14% or more to qualify.

All amounts are a guide only.

   Assessed level of disablement                        Weekly amount               
100%      £168.00
90%      £151.20
80%       £134.40
70%      £117.60
60%       £100.80
50%      £84.00
40%      £67.20
30%      £50.40
20%      £33.60

Your solicitors can deal with your enquiry even if you were employed or exposed to asbestos in England, Ireland or Wales

Call us today for free on:

0808 164 7740

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