If you live in Scotland and have been given a diagnosis of mesothelioma, there are certain benefits that you may be able to claim along with government lump sum compensation.
There are also charitable organisations in your area that can advise you on your compensation and benefits entitlement and how to claim.
You should not be put off if you have not claimed benefits before. You have a legal entitlement to some of these benefits and some of them are not affected by your level of household income or savings.
If you are incapable of work
- Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
- New style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
If you have a physical and/or mental disability
- Attendance Allowance (AA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)
- Constant Attendance Allowance
If you are a carer
- Carers Allowance
- Scottish Supplement (Carers)
- Young Carers Grant
Travel
- Road Tax
- Blue Badge
- Travel Card
- Travel Companion Card
Other benefits
- New style Jobseekers Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Scottish Welfare Fund
- Universal Credit (before applying for this benefit advice from an experienced benefits advisor should be sought, so not to lose any current benefits)
Housing
- Council Tax Reduction
- Council Tax Exemption
- Disabled Person’s Reduction
- Housing Benefits
- Discretionary Housing Payment
- Support for Mortgage Interest Payments
Compensation
If you have been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma as a result, you are entitled to compensation in Scotland
As soon as a person is diagnosed with an asbestos disease which they believe is related to exposure to asbestos during their employment, or elsewhere, they have three years to pursue civil compensation. There is a different time period for claiming IIDB and lump sum payments.
Any employer or organisation which negligently exposed anyone to asbestos and contributed to a sufferer’s asbestos related disease may be held accountable and their insurers may be legally responsible for paying compensation. This is still true if the company is no longer in existence, as long as the solicitor can identify who the employer’s liability insurers were.
Organisations in Scotland who can help with benefits and compensation
For help claiming compensation or navigating the benefits system, in identifying exactly which benefits you are able to claim, for help to fill in the necessary forms or to discuss any problems you have with your benefits you can contact the following organisations:
Action on Asbestos
https://www.clydesideactiononasbestos.org.uk
Freephone : 0800 089 1717
Asbestos Action Tayside
https://www.asbestosaction.org.uk
Telephone: 0808 196 1861
Clydebank Asbestos Group
https://www.clydebankasbestos.org/
Telephone: 0141 951 1008
Please click here to view our new Benefit and Compensation Leaflet