1. Introduction
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your life has probably changed dramatically. The last thing you need is to navigate a confusing legal system just to get the compensation you deserve. Fortunately, mesothelioma trust funds exist to help victims of asbestos exposure receive financial support—without having to go to court.
These trust funds were set up by bankrupt asbestos companies to ensure future victims would still have access to compensation. The good news? You don’t need to understand legal jargon to apply. This article breaks it all down—plain and simple.
We’ll explain what these trust funds are, how much money is typically available, and how you can apply, even if the company responsible for your exposure no longer exists. Plus, we’ll walk you through recent data, highlight top fund administrators, and offer strategic advice for families looking to file quickly and efficiently.
2. Background & Context
What Are Asbestos Trust Funds?
Mesothelioma trust funds—also known as asbestos bankruptcy trust funds—were created as a result of a wave of corporate bankruptcies in the 1980s and 1990s. Hundreds of companies that manufactured or used asbestos filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to avoid mounting lawsuits from those harmed by their products. In exchange for protection, these companies were required by the courts to establish trust funds to compensate current and future victims (U.S. Government Accountability Office).
Why Were They Created?
More than 60 companies have established trusts to fulfill their obligations to asbestos victims. The rationale was simple: even if a company disappears, its responsibility doesn’t. Courts wanted to ensure that future patients—especially those who develop mesothelioma decades after exposure—could still access funds (RAND Corporation).
As of today, over $30 billion is estimated to still be available in these trusts, according to the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. These funds are accessible to anyone diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and certain lung cancers.
3. Key Highlights from the Report
Size and Scope of the Funds
Most recent data from the RAND Institute for Civil Justice shows that more than $18 billion has already been paid out to over 3.3 million claimants, with roughly $30 billion remaining. Some of the largest trust funds include:
- Johns Manville Trust: Over $2.5 billion remaining
- United States Gypsum Trust: Approximately $3.5 billion set aside
- Owens Corning Fibreboard Trust: Nearly $1.5 billion in assets
These trusts typically pay a percentage of the claim’s full value, known as the “payment percentage.” For instance, if a claim is valued at $200,000 and the trust’s payment percentage is 25%, the claimant would receive $50,000.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for a payout, you generally need to provide:
- A confirmed diagnosis of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease
- Proof of exposure to the specific company’s asbestos products
- Documentation like medical records, work history, or affidavits
You don’t have to go to court, and you often don’t need a lawyer, although many people do choose to work with one to streamline the process.
How Long Does It Take?
Filing a claim can take a few months to a year, depending on whether you choose expedited or individual review. Expedited reviews are faster but offer less compensation. Individual reviews take longer but may yield a higher payout if you have strong evidence.
Multiple Claims Are Possible
Here’s something many people don’t realize: You may be eligible to file claims with more than one trust fund. That’s because most workers were exposed to asbestos from multiple sources—different brands of insulation, ceiling tiles, and industrial parts used by different companies. Some mesothelioma victims have received compensation from 10 or more trusts.
4. Deep Dive on Top Vendors
Who Runs These Trust Funds?
Each mesothelioma trust fund is administered by a third-party claims processor. The three most prominent ones are:
1. Trust Online by MFR Claims Processing
Operated by MFR Claims, this platform handles claims for major trusts like:
- United States Gypsum
- Armstrong World Industries
- DII Industries (formerly Halliburton)
It offers electronic filing, real-time claim tracking, and centralized document upload.
2. Verus Claims Services
One of the most respected vendors in the asbestos compensation space, Verus Claims manages trusts like:
- Owens Corning Fibreboard Trust
- Pittsburgh Corning Trust
- Thorpe Insulation Company
Verus provides robust claimant support and transparent payment statistics.
3. CRMC – Claims Resolution Management Corporation
CRMC administers some of the largest and oldest trusts, including:
- Johns Manville Trust
- Western Asbestos Settlement Trust
CRMC allows attorneys and individuals to file online, and it offers both individual and expedited review options.
Digital Tools and Interfaces
These vendors provide dashboards where claimants or their attorneys can manage submissions, upload documents, and check payout status. With growing demand for transparency, many now offer payment grids, FAQs, and downloadable forms to reduce confusion.
Transparency and Compliance
Most trust administrators publish annual reports, listing how many claims were processed, total dollars paid, and average payouts. This transparency helps ensure fair and timely compensation.
5. Strategic Takeaways for Buyers
Whether you’re applying for yourself or helping a loved one, there are a few key tips to keep in mind:
1. Start with a Diagnosis
You’ll need a medical confirmation of mesothelioma or another qualifying condition. Make sure your physician’s documentation clearly states the type of cancer and its link to asbestos exposure.
2. Gather Work History
Detailed job and exposure history is essential. This includes:
- Employers
- Job sites
- Product names (e.g., insulation, pipes, gaskets)
- Dates of employment
The more specific you are, the stronger your case.
3. File With Multiple Trusts
Don’t leave money on the table. You can file with multiple trusts if you were exposed to products from several companies. Many law firms specialize in identifying all possible sources of compensation.
4. Use a Lawyer (Optional but Helpful)
Although these are non-litigation funds, working with a legal expert can expedite the process, especially if you qualify for multiple trusts. Many lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you do.
6. Future Outlook or Market Trends
Shifting Payment Percentages
As more people file claims, some trust funds may reduce payment percentages to ensure long-term sustainability. For instance, some trusts that once paid 100% of claim values now pay 30% or less. This trend will likely continue (American Bar Association).
Legislative Scrutiny
Trusts are facing increased scrutiny from lawmakers and insurance companies. Some states have passed laws requiring claimants to disclose all trust claims filed—mainly to avoid “double-dipping” in lawsuits. Still, these laws do not prevent access to funds.
More Digital Access
Expect more user-friendly platforms, automated document reviews, and mobile filing options. Vendors are modernizing their systems to improve transparency and processing times.
7. Conclusion + Call to Action (CTA)
Mesothelioma trust funds offer a clear path to financial relief—no courtroom, no legal headaches, and no mountains of confusing paperwork. With over $30 billion still available, now is the time to act.
If you or someone you love is dealing with an asbestos-related diagnosis, take the first step today:
- Gather your medical records
- Document your work history
- Explore which trust funds you may be eligible for
- Consider reaching out to an experienced attorney or claims service
Don’t wait. These funds were created to help people just like you—and they’re still doing that every day.
👉 Start exploring your eligibility with this free tool from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation or connect with a claims processor directly at Trust Online.
