As well as having a legal claim against your former employers, if you have developed an asbestos related illness through work you may also be entitled to claim benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions.

The asbestos related conditions which are eligible for benefits are:

• Asbestosis
• Diffuse pleural thickening (provided it is of sufficient extent)
• Lung cancer in the presence of either asbestosis or diffuse pleural thickening
• Mesothelioma

Pleural plaques are not classed as a prescribed disease and consequently if you have plaques alone you will not be entitled to any benefits.

You can request a claim form by telephone from the Benefits Office on 0800 882200.

The Benefits Office will not take into account your savings or income. If you receive other benefits including Income Support, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit however the amount you receive may be reduced if you are awarded Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.

The amount of benefit you receive will depend on the degree of disablement that is caused to you by your illness.

It is also possible for a widow or widower to claim this benefit provided the claim is made within 12 months of the sufferers death.

Once you have been awarded Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit you may also be entitled to a lump sum payment under the Pneumoconiosis (Workers Compensation) Act. This is designed to compensate you if you cannot get compensation from your former employers, who caused your asbestos illness, because they have gone out of business.

To claim telephone the free helpline on 0800 279 2322 or write to Department For Work and Pensions, Phoenix House, Stephens Street, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria LA14 1ZH.

If we are dealing with your legal claim then please contact us before submitting any claim.