Payment Percentages Explained

Trust procedures typically assign a scheduled value to each disease level, and mesothelioma is generally placed at the highest level because it is the most serious asbestos disease. That scheduled value is a starting point, not the amount you receive. The trust multiplies it by its current payment percentage to decide the actual payment. So if a trust pays a small percentage, even a high scheduled value can turn into a much smaller check. Looking only at scheduled values can make trust recoveries seem larger than they are, which is why it helps to ask about both numbers together.

Trustees review their finances and expected future claims on a regular basis. If more people file than expected, or if investments perform worse than planned, a trust may lower its payment percentage. If the outlook improves, some trusts have raised it. Changes are generally announced publicly and apply to claims going forward according to the trust's rules. This means the percentage in effect when your claim is processed can matter. It is one practical reason to gather records early and avoid leaving a completed claim unfiled while waiting on minor details that are not required.

Most trusts offer a faster review that pays a fixed scheduled amount when standard proof is met, and a more detailed individual review that can value a claim above or below the schedule based on its facts. The payment percentage is usually applied in both cases. Individual review may be worth considering when the facts are unusually strong, such as heavy documented exposure or significant lost income. It often takes longer, though, and it is not guaranteed to pay more. Deciding between the two is a judgment call that depends on your evidence and how quickly your family needs the money.

1. 1

   Ask for both the scheduled value and the current payment percentage for each trust you qualify for.

2. 2

   Request a written estimate that shows how the percentage was applied, rather than a single total figure.

3. 3

   Discuss whether your evidence is strong enough that individual review is worth the longer wait.

4. 4

   Watch for trust notices about percentage changes and ask how they affect any pending claim.