Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme Regulations

Providing Compensation for Victims of Mesothelioma

Greetings readers! Whether you’re a victim of mesothelioma, a loved one affected by this disease, or just someone who is curious about the topic, we welcome you to this article. Today, we are going to discuss the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme Regulations 2014. This is a payment scheme set up by the UK government to provide compensation to victims of mesothelioma, a rare and deadly cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. This cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and other industries from the 1940s to the 1970s. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop, and symptoms may not appear until years after exposure to asbestos.

What is the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme?

The Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) is a government-run compensation scheme that provides payments to people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos. The scheme was introduced in 2014, and it applies to people who were diagnosed with mesothelioma on or after July 25, 2012.

Who is Eligible for the Scheme?

Under the DMPS, you may be eligible for a payment if:

Criteria	Payment Amount
You have been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos	£14,162
You are the dependent of someone who has died from mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos	£70,342

It is important to note that if you receive a payment under the DMPS, you may still be able to pursue a civil claim for compensation against your former employer or another party responsible for your exposure to asbestos.

How to Apply for the DMPS?

To apply for the DMPS, you can contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by phone or email. You will need to provide evidence of your diagnosis, such as a letter from your doctor. If you are applying as a dependent of someone who has died from mesothelioma, you will need to provide a death certificate and evidence of your relationship to the deceased.

What are the Benefits of the DMPS?

The DMPS provides several benefits to victims of mesothelioma and their families. First and foremost, it provides financial compensation to help cover the costs of medical treatment, lost income, and other expenses associated with the disease. Additionally, the scheme is designed to be a simple and streamlined process, with payments typically made within weeks of receiving an application.

What are the Limitations of the DMPS?

While the DMPS provides important financial support to victims of mesothelioma, it is not a perfect solution. The amount of compensation is fixed and may not be enough to fully cover all the costs associated with the disease. Additionally, the scheme only applies to people who were diagnosed with mesothelioma on or after July 25, 2012, so people diagnosed before that date are not eligible.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between the DMPS and a civil claim for compensation?

The DMPS is a government-run compensation scheme that provides fixed payments to victims of mesothelioma. A civil claim for compensation is a legal process that allows victims to seek compensation from their former employer or another party responsible for their exposure to asbestos. The amount of compensation awarded in a civil claim may be higher than the amount awarded under the DMPS, but the process can be longer and more complex.

2. Can I receive both a DMPS payment and compensation through a civil claim?

Yes, it is possible to receive both a DMPS payment and compensation through a civil claim. However, if you receive a DMPS payment, you may be required to pay back some or all of the payment if you receive compensation through a civil claim.

3. Can I apply for the DMPS if I was exposed to asbestos outside of the UK?

No, the DMPS only applies to people who were exposed to asbestos in the UK.

4. How long does it take to receive a DMPS payment?

Payments under the DMPS are typically made within weeks of receiving an application. However, in some cases, it may take longer to process an application.

5. How long do I have to apply for the DMPS?

You must apply for the DMPS within 3 years of being diagnosed with mesothelioma or within 3 years of the death of a family member from mesothelioma.

6. What if I disagree with the amount of payment I receive?

If you disagree with the amount of payment you receive under the DMPS, you can request a review of your case. If you are still not satisfied, you may be able to appeal the decision.

7. Can I apply for the DMPS on behalf of someone else?

Yes, you can apply for the DMPS on behalf of someone else if you have their permission to do so.

8. What evidence do I need to provide to apply for the DMPS?

You will need to provide evidence of your diagnosis, such as a letter from your doctor. If you are applying as a dependent of someone who has died from mesothelioma, you will need to provide a death certificate and evidence of your relationship to the deceased.

9. Can I apply for the DMPS if I have already received compensation through a civil claim?

If you have already received compensation through a civil claim, you may not be eligible for a DMPS payment. However, you should contact the DWP to confirm your eligibility.

10. What is the purpose of the DMPS?

The purpose of the DMPS is to provide financial support to victims of mesothelioma and their families. The scheme recognizes the devastating impact of mesothelioma and aims to provide assistance in a simple and streamlined process.

11. Who administers the DMPS?

The DMPS is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in the UK.

12. Are payments under the DMPS taxable?

No, payments under the DMPS are not taxable.

13. How is the amount of payment determined?

The amount of payment under the DMPS is fixed and depends on the date of diagnosis and whether the application is being made by the victim or a dependent of someone who has died from mesothelioma.

Conclusion

The Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme Regulations 2014 provides an important source of financial support for victims of mesothelioma and their families. While it is not a perfect solution, it can help to ease the burden of medical expenses, lost income, and other costs associated with this devastating disease.

We encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible for the DMPS to apply as soon as possible. The application process is relatively simple, and payments are typically made quickly.

Finally, we want to remind our readers that mesothelioma is a preventable disease. If you work in an industry where you may be exposed to asbestos, take precautions to protect yourself and your coworkers from this deadly substance.

Closing Disclaimer

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. If you think you may be eligible for the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme, you should contact the Department for Work and Pensions or a qualified solicitor for more information.