If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness, then you could be entitled to financial support from the government in the form of:

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefits

This can be claimed if exposure to asbestos occurred through employment after 4 July 1948. Under the scheme, more than 70 industrial diseases are included; the relevant ones related to asbestos are:

• pneumoconiosis (asbestosis)
• diffuse mesothelioma
• primary carcinoma of the lung with asbestosis
• primary carcinoma of the lung without asbestosis but where there has been extensive occupational exposure to asbestos in specified occupations
• unilateral or bilateral diffuse pleural thickening

Pneumoconiosis Etc (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979

This is a lump sum payment that you may be entitled to if you have suffered a dust related disease caused by your employment and you already receive Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. You may also be able to make a claim if you are the dependant of someone who has suffered from a dust-related disease but who has died.

Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme

If you are not eligible for a payment under the Pneumoconiosis Etc (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979, you may still be able to get a payment for diffuse mesothelioma. Under the ‘2008 scheme’ if you came into contact with asbestos while you were self employed or through a family member, such as by washing their clothes, you can make a claim.

You can claim for the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) if you were diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma on or after 25 July 2012. You can apply for this even if you have claimed compensation under the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 and you can claim under this if you cannot find the employer responsible for your contact with asbestos or their insurer.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Attendance Allowance

PIP can be claimed if you are aged under 65 and require assistance with your personal care. If you are aged over 65 and need help with personal care, Attendance Allowance can be claimed instead.

Constant Attendance Allowance (CAA)

You can claim Constant Attendance Allowance if you get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and you need daily care and attention because of a disability.

Exceptionally Severe Disablement Benefit (ESDB)

This can be claimed if you have an asbestos related disease and are assessed at one of the top 2 rates of CAA and need permanent, constant care and attention.

Reduced Earnings Allowance (REA)

You may get REA if:

• you cannot do your usual job or other work with similar pay because of an accident or disease caused by work; and
• you have a disability or injury which began before 1 October 1990

Carers Allowance

If someone helps look after you then once PIP or Attendance Allowance is received, your carer may also be entitled to Carer’s Allowance.

Blue Badge

If you have a diagnosis of asbestos related disease, it may also be possible to obtain a Blue Badge from your local council, which would allow you to park in disabled paring spaces and to park on some yellow lines.

Please contact Williamsons free on 01482 323697 for further advice and help to apply.