Mesothelioma is a very serious condition that will have a lasting impact on your quality of life. The effects of this asbestos-related disease are likely to create difficulties in your day-to-day routine that you will need help with overcoming. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important that you or your loved one claim your full entitlement to state benefits and assistance.

What benefits could you be entitled to?

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to some or all of the following benefits:

• Employment and Support Allowance – Replacing Incapacity Benefit, you can receive ESA if you are unable to work due to your illness. You will be required to undergo a Work Capability Assessment to see to what extent you're are affected. There are two types: contribution-based, which is taxable and available to those who have paid enough National Insurance contributions, and income-related, which is given to those who have low or no income.
• Industrial Disablement Benefit – Those who have become disabled due to an accident at work or a disease caused by their job are eligible.
• Personal Independence Payment – Recently replacing Disability Living Allowance, this is open to those of working age (16-64) with long-term health conditions or disabilities. There are two components that PIP is paid as: a daily living component and a mobility component. These will be paid at either a standard rate or an enhanced rate depending how much your condition affects you.
• Attendance Allowance – Similar to PIP but for people aged 65 or over, Attendance Allowance will help cover the cost of personal care. 
• Mobility Car – The Motability Scheme enables those with disabilities that impede their movement to lease a car, scooter, or powered wheelchair by exchanging their mobility allowance for it.
• Claims under Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act – This allows for lump sums to be made to sufferers of dust related industrial diseases, including mesothelioma.

Extra Support

There are also charities that support people suffering from asbestos-related diseases and these organisations may be able to give you extra help sense of comfort. Clydeside Action on Asbestos is a charity dedicated to providing help and information for asbestos victims, hosting a network of support groups to provide you and your family with guidance. They can also offer you the services of fully trained professional Welfare Rights Officers, who will advise you on your benefits and compensation. They can also represent you at social security appeals at no cost. The charity covers the whole of Scotland.

Similarly, the Clydebank Asbestos Group is a charity that will also provide guidance to asbestos victims. They will put you in touch with Welfare Rights Officers who will advise you on all your benefits, requirements, and entitlements.

If you wish for help contacting either organisation, call 0800 0891331 to speak to one of our specialist advisors, and they will put you in touch.