About the payments
People who live in Jersey and who have diffuse mesothelioma, as a result of exposure to asbestos fibres, can apply for a payment from the Government of Jersey. Where a person does not receive a payment prior to their death, a close relative can apply for a payment. The payment is made as an interest free loan, which is only repayable if you receive additional compensation later on.
You should hear from Customer and Local Services (CLS) within a few days of having received your diagnosis, if you don’t, or you have questions please contact the Health Benefits Team at CLS on +44 (0) 1534 444444.
How to apply for a payment
You will need to complete a simple application form and send it to CLS.
Application form for people with diffuse mesothelioma
Application form for close relatives
Application forms are also available:
- from medical consultants specialising in the condition at Jersey General Hospital
- by telephone or email from Customer and Local Services
If help is required to complete the application form, please contact the Health Benefits team at CLS on +44 (0) 1534 444444.
Application deadlines
Applications can be submitted from 1 October 2019.
For individuals living with diffuse mesothelioma:
| Up to Monday 31 December 2018 | Tuesday 31 December 2019 |
| From Tuesday 1 January 2019 | 12 months from diagnosis |
For a close relative of a person who has passed away as a result of diffuse mesothelioma:
| Between 1 October 2018 and 31 December 2018 | Tuesday 31 December 2019 |
| From Tuesday 1 January 2019 | 12 months from date of death |
Help with your application
You can ask a friend or relative to act for you. The Health Benefits Team at CLS are also available to answer any questions you might have.
Who can apply for the payments
To receive a payment, the applicant must:
- be aged 18 years or older; and
- have lived in Jersey for the last 5 years (or the five years preceding their death); and
- have a diagnosis of diffuse mesothelioma from a consultant in Jersey; and
- have (at any time) been exposed to asbestos-containing materials in Jersey
or
- be a close relative of a person who has passed away because of diffuse mesothelioma on or after 1 October 2018 and who would have been eligible to receive a payment
- have lived in Jersey for the last 5 years
If a payment is made to a child, the payment will be placed in a trust fund for the child’s benefit.
The amount you will receive
The amount of the lump sum special payment for people living with diffuse mesothelioma is based on their age at the time of their diagnosis. The amounts range between £114,097 for an individual aged 37 and under to £17,729 for an individual aged 77 and over. For example, an individual aged 70 would receive a payment of £22,214.
Relatives of someone who has passed away as a result of diffuse mesothelioma can apply for a special payment lump sum amount based on the age of the person at the date of their death. For example, if the person was aged 70, the lump sum paid to the relative would be £9,832.
Proving your exposure to asbestos fibres occurred in Jersey
As far as possible, CLS will check this for you using employment and other records they hold.
Making a civil claim
You can still make a civil claim, but you must tell CLS. If your civil claim is successful, you will need to pay back some or all of your Government payment.
Will the payment affect my tax or benefits position?
If you live or pay tax in Jersey, the payment will not be taken into account when calculating your Jersey income tax or any Jersey social security benefits you may be entitled to.
More information
More details about special payments, including the full table of payment values is available in section 8.9 of the Income Support Policy Guidelines document.
Telephone: +44 (0) 1534 444444
gov.je