Legislation has been laid in Parliament today, 1 September 2026, to ensure dependants of individuals who died from asbestos-related and dust-related diseases receive the same compensation rate as sufferers. This aims to end a discrepancy where dependants currently receive a reduced payment if the compensation is paid after the sufferer's death.
Under the existing system, sufferers receive an average of £17,700, while dependants receive £10,700. The proposed changes will mean dependants receive the full amount, aligning with the Government's stated aim to support bereaved families.
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, stated that the changes address an issue campaigners have highlighted for over a decade. The new system will also simplify how awards are calculated, introducing a single, clear award structure.
In 2025, 2,730 sufferers and 300 dependants received awards. The new regulations are expected to increase annual payments to dependants by between £2 million and £6 million.