If a person is unable to make a claim under the 1979 Pneumoconiosis Act, has not received payment in respect of the disease from an employer, a civil claim or elsewhere and is not entitled to compensation from a Ministry of Defence Scheme, they can claim a one-off lump sum payment.
The scheme covers people whose exposure to asbestos was not as a result of their work as an employee, for example:
- they came into contact with asbestos from a relative (for example, by washing their clothes)
- they were exposed to asbestos in the environment (for example, they lived near a factory using asbestos)
- their exposure to asbestos was while self-employed, or
- their exposure cannot be specified but it occurred in the United Kingdom.
- Claims should be made as soon as possible after 1 October 2008 using form PWC1. There will be no time limits for claims from sufferers made during the first year of the scheme but after that time, claims must be received within 12 months of the date of diagnosis.
- The aim is to make the payment within six weeks of receiving the claim form.
- People will be asked to submit medical evidence with their claim showing that they are suffering from diffuse mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos. A further medical examination will not be required.
- If the sufferer has died, their dependants may be able to claim. The claim form must be received within 12 months of the date of death.
Those who require further information on the scheme or a claim form should telephone Barrow Industrial Injuries Benefit Delivery Centre on 0800 279 2322.