Applications to the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 and Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008 can be made by a dependant after the sufferer has died.

Dependant Application 

Applications must be made within a strict time period of 12 months after death.   

You will need to get the legal right to deal with the deceased’s property, money and possessions (their ‘estate’) before any payment can be made to you.

A successful application will be paid at a lesser rate than that which would have been paid to the sufferer in life.

Please note: A payment under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 or Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008 may adversely affect any existing entitlement you may already have to other state(government) means-tested benefit such as Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit etc. We strongly advise you to contact us before applying

Eligible Dependant Definition

A relative or person financially dependent on deceased the at the time of the sufferer’s death.

• An eligible dependant is likely to be a spouse who was living with the sufferer or was receiving financial support from the sufferer.
• Alternatively, if there is no spouse or partner an eligible dependant could be a child (or children) who is under 16, or is under 21 and not employed full time, or is incapable of self-support.

Please get in touch for further information:

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Last reviewed March 2020