New Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme Increases: What Mesothelioma Patients & Families Need to Know

Posted: 4th Nov 25 10:00 AM

Written by Jan Garvey (Senior Case Manager at National Asbestos Helpline)

Last Updated: 20/01/26

A long-awaited change to the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) will finally take effect on 4 November 2025, offering significantly higher payments to people diagnosed with mesothelioma who are unable to bring a civil compensation claim.

For many families, this scheme is the last route to justice when a former employer has closed, and insurers cannot be traced. After years of campaigning by those working in asbestos disease, the Government has now confirmed a major increase in tariff payments and legal cost contributions.

At the National Asbestos Helpline, we welcome any step that increases support for people living with this devastating illness.

What is the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme?

The DMPS was introduced in 2014 to ensure that people diagnosed with mesothelioma – caused by negligent workplace exposure to asbestos – are not left without compensation simply because their former employer no longer exists, or their insurer cannot be identified.

The scheme:

Provides a one-off payment based on the age at diagnosis
Is funded by a levy on Employers’ Liability insurers
Helps families access financial security when a civil claim is not possible

For many, the DMPS is the difference between receiving vital support and receiving nothing at all.

What is changing from 4 November 2025?

After a Government review, two important changes have been confirmed:

Compensation payments will increase by 49%

Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma on or after 4 November 2025 will receive a tariff payment that is nearly 50% higher than before.

This is the most significant uplift since the scheme began and brings payments more in line with what many victims would likely receive in the civil court system.

Legal cost contributions will rise from £7,000 to £13,700

This increase is intended to better reflect the real legal costs involved in preparing a claim, giving families more support and peace of mind.

“This increase is long overdue and will make a meaningful difference to many families facing the financial shock of a mesothelioma diagnosis. But we will continue to push for fair, equal access to compensation for everyone affected – not just those diagnosed after an arbitrary date.”
— Jan Garvey, Senior Case Manager, National Asbestos Helpline

Who is eligible?

You may be able to claim through the DMPS if:

You have been diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma
You were exposed to asbestos because of negligent employment practices
Your former employer no longer exists and
Their insurers cannot be traced

A claim can also be made by the dependants if the person has passed away.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, we can check quickly and free of charge.

“It is welcome progress, but there is still no provision for private treatment costs, which are routinely recovered in court cases. Until scheme payments properly reflect what victims are legally entitled to, many families will continue to be left short.”
— Joan Kennedy, Partner & Asbestos Specialist Solicitor, Alderstone Solicitors

A step forward – but still a way to go

The increase is widely welcomed, but there are areas of concern still affecting patients:

The new rates only apply to diagnoses from 4 November 2025 onwards – those diagnosed even days earlier will not benefit
Payments still do not include private medical treatment costs, which can run into tens of thousands of pounds
All state benefits remain fully deductible, unlike in many civil claims
There is no automatic inflation mechanism, meaning payments could fall behind again in future

At the National Asbestos Helpline and Alderstone Solicitors, we hope to see further improvements so the scheme more closely reflects what families would receive in a successful civil claim.

“The lack of back-dating means two people with the same diagnosis, a week apart, could receive dramatically different compensation. That feels deeply unfair. We will continue to support calls for wider reform, so every mesothelioma victim is treated justly.”
— Craig Howell, Director & Head of Asbestos & Industrial Disease Law, Alderstone Solicitors