Guidance

Help for veterans diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma

How we can help you if you have been diagnosed with the asbestos related disease, diffuse mesothelioma, due to military service.

From:
Ministry of Defence and Veterans UK
Published
18 February 2020
Last updated
2126 AprilMay 2026 — See all updates

Overview

If you are diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma you may be eligible to claim a War Pension and if accepted, you have 2 options to consider under the War Pension Scheme:

How to claim

You must contact usVeterans asServices soon as possible.

ContactYou thecan Contact Veterans Welfare CentreServices either by phone or email,email choosingstating thethis welfareis centrean nearesturgent toreferral wherefor youdiffuse live.Mesothelioma..

Veterans IfServices youcan livebe overseas,contacted phonein orthe emailfollowing anyways:

By Phone on one of the fourfollowing welfarenumbers centresfor:

  • England, Scotland and itWales: will0808 be1914 redirected218 appropriately.

Or(select phoneoption or6 emailfor the Veterans UKServices)

  • Northern helplineIreland: on:

      07387 050564
    • FreephoneOverseas: (UK+44 only)1253 0808866 1914043 2(select 18option 6 for Veterans Services)

    By Email using one of the following:

    A WelfareCase Manager from our from Veterans Welfare ServiceServices will will call you back and arrange a home visit so that the options can be fully explained to you.

    Your WelfareCase Manager will help you complete the forms and fully support you as your point of contact throughout the claims process.

    Important information when choosing the lump sum payment

    If you choose to receive the one off lump sum payment option:

    • your WelfareCase Manager will explain the process and the need to complete and sign the lump sum payment election form
    • your WelfareCase Manager will explain about possible deductions from the diffuse mesothelioma lump sum payment
    • you and your dependants will no longer be entitled to receive benefits under the War Pension Scheme such as supplementary allowances, treatment and War Widow(er)’s Pension
    • your dependants can still make a claim for funeral expenses.

    Help and support

    You can phone or email:

    Veterans UK
    Ministry of Defence
    Norcross
    Thornton Cleveleys
    FY5 3WP

    Freephone (UK only):0808 1914 2 18
    Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043
    Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk
    Normal Service 8.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday

    • Updates to this page

    Published 18 February 2020
    Last updated 2126 AprilMay 2026 + show all updates

    1. Veterans Services contact numbers have been updated.

    2. One off lump sum payment has changed.

    3. First published.

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