Living with a diagnosis like mesothelioma, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer can be overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially. If your illness has made it impossible to continue working, you may be entitled to monthly disability benefits through:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
The Social Security Administration (SSA)
These programs offer financial support to help cover your basic needs while you focus on treatment and care. And unlike lawsuits, you don’t have to prove anyone was at fault. You just have to show:
That you have a qualifying asbestos-related illness, and
That the illness limits your ability to work
Disability benefits are often the first step in a broader compensation strategy—and we help you build a path forward from there.
Social Security Disability Claims (SSDI)
If you’ve worked most of your life and now can’t continue because of an asbestos-related illness, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
SSDI provides monthly benefits to people who:
Paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes, and
Can no longer work due to a qualifying medical condition, like mesothelioma or asbestosis
This is not a lawsuit—it’s a federal benefits program. If approved, you’ll receive a monthly payment based on your earnings history. In many cases, asbestos-related diseases are eligible for fast-tracked approval through the SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program.
Key Features of SSDI
No fault required — You don’t have to prove how you were exposed, only that you can’t work because of the illness
Work history matters — The longer you worked and paid into Social Security, the higher your monthly benefit
Medicare coverage after approval — SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after 24 months, helping cover the high cost of cancer treatments, hospital stays, and specialist care
Younger workers can still qualify — Even if you’re under retirement age, you may be eligible based on recent work
Example: Mary worked as an electrician for 25 years and was exposed to asbestos-containing wiring. After developing asbestosis, she could no longer safely perform her job. Because she paid into the Social Security system, Mary qualified for SSDI. Within two years, she was also enrolled in Medicare, which helped cover the cost of oxygen therapy and ongoing care.
Learn more about how we can help with a Social Security Disability claim »
VA Disability Claims for Asbestos Exposure
If you served in any branch of the military and were exposed to asbestos, you may qualify for monthly disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Many veterans—especially those who served in the Navy, shipyards, submarines, or aircraft maintenance—were routinely exposed to asbestos in confined spaces, often without warning. Decades later, that exposure has led to serious illnesses like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
VA benefits are available to:
Veterans with a service-connected asbestos-related illness
Surviving spouses or dependents of a veteran who died from one
Key Features of VA Disability
✔️ No need to prove fault — You don’t need to sue the military or prove who manufactured the asbestos
✔️ Not income-based — Benefits are based on the severity of the illness and its connection to service—not your income or savings
✔️ Survivor benefits may apply — Families can still file after a veteran’s death
To qualify, you’ll need:
Proof of your asbestos-related diagnosis
Evidence that the exposure occurred during your military service
Example: John served as a boiler technician in the Navy during the 1970s. He regularly worked near asbestos insulation in engine rooms. Years later, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. John qualified for VA disability benefits and now receives monthly payments that help cover his living expenses and medical care.
Learn more about how we help with VA Disability claims »
Maximizing Compensation Beyond VA and SSDI Benefits
VA disability and SSDI benefits can provide crucial monthly support—but they don’t offer the full compensation many families need after an asbestos diagnosis. Neither program pays lump sums, and neither holds the companies responsible for causing the exposure accountable.
That’s why we help clients explore additional legal claims that can lead to substantial lump sum payouts—without affecting your VA or SSDI benefits.
Asbestos Trust Claims
Many asbestos manufacturers went bankrupt and were forced to create trust funds to compensate victims. If you were exposed to their products, you may be eligible for fast, lump-sum payouts—often within months and always without going to court.
Learn more about asbestos trust claims.
Asbestos Lawsuits
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may have the right to pursue multiple types of legal claims. Product liability lawsuits target the companies that made, sold, or distributed the asbestos products you worked with. You don’t need to be a veteran or maritime worker—anyone with a qualifying diagnosis and documented exposure history may be eligible. In addition, premises liability claims can be filed if you were exposed while working at industrial sites like refineries, chemical plants, steel mills, or shipyards. Property owners have a legal duty to warn workers about known asbestos hazards, and failure to do so can make them liable. These claims are often brought in conjunction with trust fund claims and product liability suits, increasing your potential compensation.
Learn more about asbestos lawsuits.
A Hypothetical Example: How One Veteran Could Use Every Option
Imagine David, a 65-year-old Navy veteran, is diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. Depending on his exposure history and work background, he could pursue multiple paths to compensation:
VA Benefits: If his asbestos exposure occurred during military service, David could file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs and potentially receive monthly disability payments.
SSDI: If his illness prevents him from working, he could qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance to help replace lost income.
Asbestos Trust Claims: David might be eligible to file claims with several asbestos bankruptcy trusts tied to the insulation, gaskets, and other products he encountered both in the Navy and in civilian jobs. These claims could result in lump sum payouts.
Asbestos Lawsuits: Although no veteran is allowed to sue the Armed Forces for asbestos exposure, David would have the option to sue the companies who exposed him to asbestos:
Product Liability Lawsuit: If he used specific asbestos-containing products as a mechanic or tradesman, David could bring a lawsuit against the manufacturer, potentially resulting in a significant settlement.
Premises Liability Lawsuit: If David worked at an industrial site—such as a refinery or shipyard—he could also bring a claim against the property owner for failing to warn him about asbestos hazards on the premises.
For a detailed explanation of these options, visit our Legal Options page to learn more about the paths to compensation available to you and your family.
We Build a Custom Compensation Strategy for You
No two exposure stories are the same. That’s why we help each client build a custom legal strategy—one that layers benefits and claims together to maximize what you and your family receive. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible for:
Monthly support through VA disability or Social Security Disability (SSDI)
Lump sum payouts from asbestos trust claims
Additional compensation through lawsuits or workers’ comp
These benefits and legal claims can often be combined—but strict deadlines apply.
📞 Call us at 833-4-ASBESTOS or schedule your free consultation online.
We’ll listen. We’ll explain your options. And we’ll fight to help you get the full compensation you and your family deserve.
You’ve worked hard to provide for your family and to serve our great nation.
Now let us help provide for you.