Mesothelioma UK has welcomed the increase in the Armed Forces lump sum compensation payment for veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma, which has risen from £140,000 to £185,000. This marks the first increase since the scheme was introduced in 2015.
The charity described the change as a positive and long-overdue step towards improving financial support for veterans affected by this asbestos-related cancer.
Mesothelioma UK has long campaigned for the payment to be reviewed, highlighting that it had remained unchanged for nearly a decade despite rising civil compensation awards and increasing financial pressures on patients and families.
However, the charity has stressed that significant inequalities remain between Armed Forces and civilian compensation schemes.
In particular, Mesothelioma UK is continuing to call for action in two key areas:
- Access to funding for ongoing non-NHS treatment
Veterans currently do not have access to additional financial support for private or non-NHS treatment options, which can be costly but may offer important care choices. In contrast, some civilian claimants are able to secure funding for these treatments through legal settlements. - The ability for families to make posthumous claims
Under the current Armed Forces scheme, claims must be made during the veteran’s lifetime. If a claim is not submitted before death, families are unable to apply on their behalf. This differs from some civilian routes, where claims can still be pursued after death.
A spokesperson for Mesothelioma UK said:
“We welcome this increase as an important step in recognising the impact of mesothelioma on those who have served in the Armed Forces. It is right that this payment has been reviewed after so many years.
However, veterans and their families continue to face clear disadvantages compared to civilians. In particular, the lack of support for ongoing treatment and the inability for families to make claims after death can have a profound impact at an already difficult time.
We are calling for a full review of the scheme to ensure it is fair, up to date, and meets the needs of those affected today.”
Mesothelioma UK continues to advocate for improvements to the scheme and better support for veterans and their families.
Notes to Editors
- Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, often decades before diagnosis.
- The Armed Forces compensation scheme was introduced in 2015 following changes to Crown Immunity rules.
- Veterans must currently submit claims during their lifetime; there is no provision for posthumous applications.
