People with a life-changing diagnosis could get a once-off compensation payout
Diffused mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure(Image: GETTY)
People diagnosed with an aggressive type of cancer typically caused by asbestos exposure may be entitled to hundreds of thousands of pounds in a single payment. Two schemes could offer payouts.
The Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, along with the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS). It is designed to help people secure their rightful compensation.
This is usually specifically for individuals who have not yet received or are unable to obtain compensation. The primary requirement for the payment is that the exposure must have occurred in the UK and that you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Exposure can include the workplace or general living environment, such as living near an asbestos-using factory.
The devastating diagnosis is associated with asbestos exposure(Image: GETTY)
Exposure through a relative, like washing their contaminated clothes, is also covered, as well as situations where you cannot specify exactly where the exposure happened, but it was within the UK. One of the only other requirements is a diffused mesothelioma diagnosis, and you must apply within 12 months of the official diagnosis.
The age at which you were diagnosed and the year are also crucial pieces of information that will help determine how much compensation you’re owed. For those diagnosed before 2012, they will be able to claim from the DWP under the 2008 scheme.
This existing scheme offers a one-time payment, provided you’re not eligible for a payout under the 1979 Pneumoconiosis Act or compensation from a Ministry of Defence scheme. Additionally, you must not have received a payment for the disease from an employer, a civil claim or any other source. The younger you were at the time of diagnosis, the higher the compensation you can receive.
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In the 2008 scheme, those aged 37 and under can qualify for a hefty £114,210, while those over 77 could receive a more modest £17,745. Dependents of people who have passed away from diffuse mesothelioma may also be eligible, although the sums are significantly smaller, ranging from £9,840 to a maximum of £59,436 depending on the age of the person when they died.
Claims must be made within 12 months of their death, and you can reach out to the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) helpline to check your eligibility. However, if you were diagnosed after July 25, 2012 or have been unable to locate the employer responsible for the workplace that exposed you to asbestos, you’ll need to go through the DMPS.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the outer surface of some organs like the lungs(Image: GETTY)
You can claim from DMPS even if you’ve already claimed from the 2008 scheme or the 1979 Pneumoconiosis Act, but this may be deducted from the amount you’re due. DMPS claims must be lodged within three years of diagnosis and also vary depending on the age you were when you were diagnosed.
Those diagnosed between 2012 and 2015 could be entitled to up to £216,896 in the lowest age group of 40 and under, and up to £69,649 in the 90 and over age group. Those diagnosed after 2015 face a similar range of £271,120 for 40 and under to £87,061 for 90 and over.
More details about both schemes can be found on the gov.uk website. This includes how to make a claim and challenge decisions about your claim.