If you have contracted your mesothelioma from your work (or others working around you), you may be entitled to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. This is a weekly payment made regardless of your means or whether you are still working or retired
Your GP, Consultant or specialist nurse must complete a form confirming the diagnosis (called a BI100pna) which will sent with the application form.
Although this weekly payment is not means tested, if you are receiving any means tested benefit such as pension credit, housing benefit or council tax benefit, it is vital you receive specialist advice before you apply because any Industrial Injuries Benefit payments will count as income and may mean you lose your means tested benefits.
If your only exposure to asbestos was when serving in one of the armed forces (ie as service personnel rather than as a civilian employee), you should apply for a War Pension rather than Industrial Injuries Benefit. We would recommend you contact a specialist advisor to assist you.
It is vital you apply straight away. Payments are only backdated for a limited period so by delaying you will be losing money. If you would like help with the forms, then any of the specialist mesothelioma teams within Irwin Mitchell will provide free assistance. Contact us here.
Download the benefit claim form (Requires Adobe Reader - free download here)