Justin Tomlinson, the Minister for Disabled People, Health & Work has confirmed that, in cases where the applicant has pleural thickening or asbestosis, the Department of Work and Pensions has now resumed their assessment of applications for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. These had been frozen because of Corona Virus.
There are still unanswered questions
Mr Tomlinson has provided this news in a letter written to Stephen Timms MP, who had asked him some questions about the delays in handling applications for benefits and compensation from people with asbestos related diseases. Mr Tomlinson hasn’t explained how long it will take to clear the backlog. He does say that when someone’s health has deteriorated in the meantime, their claim will only be reviewed after face-to-face assessments begin again.
Our questions about claims for compensation remain unanswered. Mr Tomlinson did not say when they will be dealt with or what will happen where the applicant has had a birthday since submitting their claim.
What happens next?
The Asbestos Victims Support Groups’ Forum is still looking for assurances that victims will not miss out on compensation.
Picture by Karim Manjra on unsplash.com