You may be able to get a payment from the DWP if you’ve been diagnosed with the asbestos-related disease, diffuse mesothelioma. The Government has introduced a new claim form for a payment for mesothelioma or another lung disease.
There are two types of payment those who are eligible can claim for: diffuse mesothelioma payments (the ‘2008 scheme’) and the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS). You can claim DMPS if you cannot find the employer responsible for your contact with asbestos, or their insurer.
You'll receive one payment under the 2008 scheme, the amount of which depends on how old you were when your disease was diagnosed. For example, if you were 60 when your disease was diagnosed, and you qualify, you’ll get a payment of £45,686.
You can claim a one-off payment if you: are not entitled to a payment under the 1979 Pneumoconiosis Act; have not been given a payment for the disease from an employer, a civil claim or elsewhere; are not entitled to compensation from a Ministry of Defence scheme.
You must have been exposed to asbestos in the United Kingdom. You must also claim within 12 months of diagnosis.
Examples of exposure include: you came into contact with asbestos from a relative, for instance by washing their clothes; you were exposed to asbestos in the environment, for instance you lived near a factory using asbestos; you were exposed to asbestos while self-employed; your exposure cannot be specified but it occurred in the United Kingdom.
You may be able to claim if you were the dependant of a sufferer who has died. You must claim within 12 months of their death. Contact Barrow Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) Centre to find out if you’re eligible.
If you qualify, you’ll get one payment. The amount will depend on how old the person with mesothelioma was when they died.
To claim, you'll need to fill in a mesothelioma payment claim form and provide medical evidence. Contact Barrow Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) Centre if you cannot print out a form and you need one sent to you.
Under the DMPS, your payment will depend on the details of your claim. You can read about payment amounts on the DMPS website. Claims through the DMPS scheme must be made within three years of diagnosis.
You may be able to claim if all of the following apply:
You were diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma on or after 25 July 2012
Your mesothelioma was caused by exposure to asbestos when working in the UK
You cannot trace the employer that exposed you to asbestos, or their insurers
You have not made a civil claim against any employer or insurer
You have not received damages or a specified payment for mesothelioma and you’re not eligible to a specified payment
You may also be able to claim if you were the dependant of a sufferer who has died. You can claim for DMPS even if you have already claimed from the 2008 scheme or under the 1979 Pneumoconiosis Act.
If you’ve already got a payment from the 2008 scheme or the Pneumoconiosis Act, it will be deducted from the amount you get from DMPS. You may still be able to claim from the 2008 scheme even if you are unsuccessful in your DMPS claim.
You can apply online at the DMPS website. You’ll need: your National Insurance number; your full employment history, with evidence - for example, P60s; evidence of unsuccessful attempts to trace your employer or insurers; the date of your diagnosis; evidence of diagnosis; details of any previous claims; a witness statement.
Contact TopMark for more information on the DMPS and how to apply. Email: dmps@topmarkcms.com Telephone: 0330 058 3930
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