Last updated: 1 November 2026, 09:16 GMT. The reform took effect on 31 October; this report explains its scope and the claim checks.
Asbestos compensation in Great Britain has changed for eligible dependants making new claims from 31 October 2026. The Department for Work and Pensions says they can now receive the award the person who died would have been entitled to under two lump-sum schemes, replacing reduced dependant payments.
Asbestos compensation in Great Britain: what changed
The DWP announcement of 31 October says the reform ends the lower rate previously paid when an eligible person died before claiming. The department estimates around 300 families a year will benefit. That is a government estimate, not a count of awards already made.
The two schemes are the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 scheme and the 2008 Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme. They have different eligibility routes. The UK Parliament’s record for the 2008 scheme amendment independently confirms a commencement date of 31 October 2026.
DWP says corresponding Northern Ireland changes are expected later. Readers there should not assume this announcement has already changed their scheme.
What families should check before applying
Equality of awards does not mean every claimant receives a single flat sum. Ask which scheme applies and how the award is calculated in the circumstances of the claim.
The official benefits guide explains the employment-related conditions for the 1979 scheme. The 2008 scheme eligibility page covers a different route, including some non-employee exposure. The separately named Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme, or DMPS, should not be confused with the 2008 scheme.
For a dependant applying under the 2008 scheme, DWP’s claim instructions state a deadline of 12 months from the person’s death. The instructions link to the form and explain the evidence required. The helpline can provide a paper form and alternative formats.
A practical discrepancy: when checked for this report, the GOV.UK dependant payment page still displayed the lower example which the new announcement says is being replaced. We have not treated that older table as a reliable calculator for a new post-reform claim. Ask DWP to confirm the applicable rate and relevant date; do not delay a claim while waiting for a web table to change.
Why it matters locally
This is a Great Britain policy change, so eligible Sussex families can use the same official routes. We have no verified local claimant total and are not estimating how many households in Brighton or Hove will receive an award.
Brighton Locals’ view
Editorial judgement: Removing a reduction linked to a death before a claim appears fairer. Its practical success also depends on clear guidance: conflicting figures make an already difficult process harder. Updating the public tables and explaining calculations should accompany the reform.
What to watch next
The useful next evidence is consistent updated guidance and clear decisions on new claims. Keep copies of the submitted form, evidence and decision, and ask the helpline about any uncertainty over eligibility or dates.
Bottom line: The new award rule is significant, but families still need the right scheme, evidence and deadline.
Featured image: DWP offices at Caxton House, Westminster, London, 16 April 2011. N Chadwick / Geograph via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0. Archive image; no claimant is depicted.
Leave a Reply