Mesothelioma Financial Assistance
Financial assistance for mesothelioma patients and their families can help with expenses such as lost income, the high cost of treatment and other impacts of the cancer, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. Learn about travel grants, asbestos trust funds, legal options, VA benefits and more.
Written by Samuel Meirowitz | Edited by Walter Pacheco | Last Update: October 6, 2025
Patient Story
Mesothelioma Survivors & Caregivers: How Asbestos.com helped me find financial assistance.
The medical costs are staggering.
The costs for the surgery all the treatments, for all the tests. When she was diagnosed, and her kids were young, and she really wanted to be able to help provide for them in their future. She was really the person that helped everybody else.
And now she needed help.
I was happy to learn that they had financial assistance that you could get. She recommended, firm. I remember thinking that perhaps we can get some help that there's money out there They've made it a lot easier than it could have been. They just knew all the right questions. They knew the right people.
They did everything. I mean, they did everything.
We pursued it not with the thought even that this was going to be, life changing decision for us. But, that's what happened. I've been able to help my family which I could before. I have been able to actually decide that we're gonna leave a legacy for my kids and my grandkids.
It was the best decision ever. It ended up being more than just about the compensation. It was was kind of like, Hey, come on. Are you kidding me? Let's make these entities accountable.
You don't know if it's the end of your time. You might as well be able to enjoy things in life rather than the preoccupied with how you're gonna pay for something.
"Because of you, my mother is going to be financially set onc...." see more
Starr G. - Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"They were able to help us find legal representation and char...." see more
Kerry G. - Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"The Mesothelioma Center was so helpful. I received so much i...." see more
Brittany G. - Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"My father was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. We as a ...." see more
Cindy R. - Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"My Dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and thankfully The M...." see more
Patrick K. - Son of a Mesothelioma Patient
Patient Story
Mesothelioma Survivors & Caregivers: How Asbestos.com helped me find financial assistance.
The medical costs are staggering.
The costs for the surgery all the treatments, for all the tests. When she was diagnosed, and her kids were young, and she really wanted to be able to help provide for them in their future. She was really the person that helped everybody else.
And now she needed help.
I was happy to learn that they had financial assistance that you could get. She recommended, firm. I remember thinking that perhaps we can get some help that there's money out there They've made it a lot easier than it could have been. They just knew all the right questions. They knew the right people.
They did everything. I mean, they did everything.
We pursued it not with the thought even that this was going to be, life changing decision for us. But, that's what happened. I've been able to help my family which I could before. I have been able to actually decide that we're gonna leave a legacy for my kids and my grandkids.
It was the best decision ever. It ended up being more than just about the compensation. It was was kind of like, Hey, come on. Are you kidding me? Let's make these entities accountable.
You don't know if it's the end of your time. You might as well be able to enjoy things in life rather than the preoccupied with how you're gonna pay for something.
How to Get Financial Assistance
Mesothelioma survivors and their families can receive mesothelioma financial support with the help of patient advocates. To obtain financial assistance for health care costs, you can explore various options. Here are some avenues to consider:
- Communicate With Health Care Professionals: Discuss your cost concerns with your physician or patient advocate. They can guide you to available resources and programs tailored to your needs.
- Legal Representation: Negligent corporations are the cause of most asbestos-related illnesses. A mesothelioma lawyer can guide you through options for seeking compensation from those responsible.
- Medicare and Medicaid: Medicare provides coverage for seniors and disabled individuals. The Medicaid program covers health care costs for eligible low-income individuals and families.
Receiving mesothelioma financial assistance is easier when you understand what you might need. Essential first steps include learning about eligibility requirements, knowing the steps to access funds and finding the best family resources. You can better prepare for medical care costs by understanding your options and developing a plan.
Many families have found that connecting with The Mesothelioma Center made seeking financial assistance far less overwhelming. Survivors and their loved ones describe how trusted attorneys helped secure compensation that eased the burden of medical bills, provided long-term financial security and ensured accountability for the companies responsible.
What Are the Financial Burdens Associated With Mesothelioma?
The cost of mesothelioma treatment involves medical care, at-home equipment, nursing, medications and more. Mesothelioma often imposes significant financial burdens on patients and their families.
Lifetime expenses for mesothelioma care can reach over $150,000. In The Mesothelioma Center’s exclusive 2025 survey, 28% of cancer patients said they spent more than $20,000 in out-of-pocket costs.
From my family’s experience with the financial struggles associated with mesothelioma, I can tell you the battle isn’t easy. The same worries that burdened my family are on the minds of so many others.Melanie Ball, whose father was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
For patients with low incomes, cancer can be even more stressful. Based on 2021 U.S. census data, more than one in 10 people live in poverty. Without adequate finances, cancer costs quickly become overwhelming. Asbestos-related lung cancer can cost between $55,000 and $80,000 within the first six months after diagnosis.
With several avenues of mesothelioma financial help available, it is crucial to seek accurate information. Government programs, hospital charities and emotional support resources can help. Consult patient advocates or legal professionals to determine your eligibility.
How did Asbestos.com help you understand the financial and legal options available to you?
She sent me a little mug. More than that. She recommended, firm for, without saying, okay, compensation, but, like, they might be able to help you so that you might be able to be in a position to be able to afford what may lie ahead in terms of expenses. It was presented in a way that I thought, okay, I I I could I can kinda deal with this. It it wasn’t like Well, now you need to do this. It was never sort of, telling me what to do. It kinda you know, it was kind of like an option. And so I remember thinking that And this is after Janette said, Kim, you really need to think this through. My husband said that the same thing. You really need to think this through. It looks like you were not going to, have any assistance from your medical insurance perhaps we can get some help that there’s money out there. And so when I was told about one firm, I said something to the effect. Well, I don’t wanna do I don’t wanna interview a lot of firms. I don’t wanna do, like, this, like, shopping around as such, but I’d like maybe another, like, maybe a couple of options And so I remember her saying to me, well, there’s a small boutique firm, and I didn’t even that meant? I’m like, boutique. What does that mean? She was small, you know. And, they’re pretty good. Said, okay. And she gave me a number. So that’s how I ended up with, two options
Financial Assistance Testimonial by a Mesothelioam Survivor
One of the last words of my mother was, take care of your sisters, please. You’re looked upon as the leader in the family, and then you are diagnosed that you’re gonna die. Now you leave your wife, your kids, your sisters and brothers. You leave them all. If it was going to be the end of the world for me, at least I could leave a legacy for my rest of my family. If I’m going to say that anything was difficult, yeah, the sickness was difficult. The legal aspect of it, we handed it over to them, and they they just they just took care of us. Sam was very clear. He mentioned he had had other cases similar to ours, so we put our trust in him. Epi’s story is really a success story in many ways, and it’s really sad that he ended up getting diagnosed with mesothelioma because he put himself through school by working in the sugar mills in Puerto Rico, which unfortunately is where he got a lot of his asbestos exposure from. My job was to really make sure that his, legal rights were protected and that we pursued every single avenue possible, to match with the work history that he had. The outcome in Eppy and Bernie’s case was fantastic. We pursued it not with the thought even that this was going to be a life changing decision for us. But, that’s what that’s what happened. This petition from his mom, you know, to take care of his sisters, he’s been able to make that a reality. I’ve been able to help my family, which I couldn’t before, thinking about the future, my legacy to them, helped me stay alive.
The Financial Burden of Mesothelioma
When a patient’s first diagnosed with mesothelioma, a lot of families do have a financial worry of how they’re going to afford treatment. Medical bills do not come right away. Nobody has the answer to that question until we know what their treatment plan is, but there always is some out of pocket. The average mesothelioma patient is typically retired, so usually they are on Medicare, which means that there is twenty percent out of pocket. So when a patient is receiving a form of systemic therapy, they can anticipate a couple thousand dollars per infusion. So this is unfortunately a fairly expensive treatment plan. And in between that, there could be at home medical expenses and then unexpected scans or trips to the hospital that you can’t account for. So working with your patient advocate at asbestos dot com will ensure that you don’t have a financial burden in the future.
Mesothelioma Survivor Shares How She Received Financial Assistance
I was concerned about whether my medical insurance was gonna cover what I was having done with my mesothelioma and my chemotherapy and my visits and my travel. She was concerned about the financial burden of this illness. So we we talked about it pretty pretty early on in in our relationship that there were some options, for her. Our job as advocates is to educate them and guide them. So when it comes time for them to make those choices, they’re making very informed decisions. I was happy to learn that they had financial assistance that you could get. Well, I had a list of different attorneys. When I called Daniel’s office, Daniel came down, and I really felt very comfortable with him. I talked to Karen, and that’s how I decided who we were gonna have. Carla’s case was partially obvious, but also partially a hidden asbestos exposure. So we found out what was going on there. They loved me and they hired me, and we immediately moved forward. They make you feel very comfortable and relaxed. They feel like you’re visiting with your family, actually. They have a a good background into products that have asbestos in it. They’re very knowledgeable. They’ve made it a lot easier than it could have been. You don’t know if it’s the end of your time. You might as well be able to enjoy things in life rather than be preoccupied with how you’re gonna pay for something.
Mesothelioma Caregiver Shares Her Experience with the Claims Process
I would tell them to be brave and to, to move forward, because the the changes that it makes to your life, not only for you, but for those that you may, leave behind is is, changes you. It’s changed our life. We were okay. I mean, we had already we had some savings. We we were okay. But now not only would would are we okay, we’ve been able to help our kids. We’re we’ve been able to help, you know, his sisters, which he he’s been able to make that a reality. You know, he’s been able to take care of his sisters. So that’s very comforting to him, our grandchildren. So it’s it’s life changing. It it really is life changing. And we were okay, but now, you know, it just it’s just different. They knew what we were going through was difficult, and they just had had a a charitableness about them that we embraced them. And I think in the same way, they embraced us. The legal aspect of it, if I can remember if I remember, it was just sign here because we’re going to proceed with this company. And sign here because we’re going to proceed with this company. And, you know, and and then we would get back responses. We would get back financial rewards if if that’s if that’s the right word. But, they did everything. They did everything. We didn’t we didn’t think of anything. I can’t think of anything that it was difficult for us. When we had to go to trial in New York, they they did everything. If I’m going to say that anything was difficult, yeah, the sickness was difficult. But the, the legal aspect of it, we weren’t involved in in that. We handed it over to them and they they just they just took care of us. I’ve learned to hope. I’ve learned that, things aren’t final, that there are some positive things in the negative. I’ve learned to trust. I’ve learned that there is, there’s a tomorrow. There’s a tomorrow. That that whatever you may be going through, there’s a tomorrow. And that, if you persevere, that things will be okay.
Types of Mesothelioma Financial Assistance Options
The financial burden can be overwhelming for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. Fortunately, several financial assistance options, including mesothelioma grants for travel, are available to help ease the strain.
- Asbestos Trust Funds
- Lawsuits
- Travel Grants
- VA Benefits
Federal programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security as well as local government assistance may provide financial relief. Many treatment centers and charitable organizations also offer financial assistance for patients with limited incomes. Knowing the best mesothelioma financial planning tips can provide a roadmap for planning your expenses during this challenging time.
You shouldn’t have to choose between getting care and paying for it. Get the financial support you deserve.
See My OptionsAsbestos Trust Funds
A mesothelioma trust fund is an account established by companies that have filed for bankruptcy due to asbestos-related lawsuits. These funds aim to compensate patients with mesothelioma and provide them with financial support. Companies have allocated more than $30 billion to these trust funds, and affected individuals are eligible to receive a portion of this money if they qualify.
These funds can be complex, requiring extensive knowledge of the legal and financial aspects involved. A mesothelioma lawyer has experience in asbestos litigation and understands the intricacies of trust fund claims. They can guide you through the process by gathering the necessary documentation and evaluating your eligibility for the best compensation possible.
Lawsuits
Lawsuits can provide financial assistance for mesothelioma patients. The most common outcome of a mesothelioma lawsuit is settling out of court for around $1-1.4 million. Working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can simplify the process and ensure effective navigation of the legal system.
Pursuing lawsuits can provide compensation for asbestos patients that allows for affordable cancer care. Consulting a qualified mesothelioma lawyer and exploring other available resources for financial aid is crucial for making informed decisions about your health care journey.
Travel Grants
Mesothelioma grants offer financial assistance to patients and loved ones for travel costs associated with access to cancer centers as well as other support. Grants can cover transportation, accommodation, meals and related costs. Health care organizations and nonprofit institutions offer travel grants to offset the expense of traveling for treatment.
Essential aspects of travel grants include benefits, eligibility criteria, the application process, grant types and funding sources. Eligibility criteria vary but may involve your current treatment or cancer center. The Patient Advocates at The Mesothelioma Center can help you complete and submit applications for travel grants.
VA Benefits for Mesothelioma
VA benefits are available for mesothelioma patients who are veterans. To access these benefits, veterans must provide medical documentation in a VA claim proving that asbestos exposure caused their cancer. Noncancerous asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis can also qualify for disability ratings ranging from 10% to 100%.
These benefits include:
- Aid and Attendance Benefits: Veterans who require aid and attendance due to disability can apply for monthly compensation ranging from $250 to $650.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation: Surviving spouses of veterans who died from a service-connected disability can receive a monthly DIC benefit starting at around $1,562.
- Disability Compensation: Mesothelioma is considered 100% disabling, giving eligible veterans the maximum monthly benefit. Age and income do not affect eligibility.
- Health Care Services: Specialized treatment centers in cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and Houston provide low-cost treatment for mesothelioma patients.
In addition to VA benefits, veterans can explore compensation from asbestos trust funds or file lawsuits against negligent companies. Our Veteran Outreach program includes VA-accredited claims agents who can provide further options for VA aid.
Additional Mesothelioma Resources & Support
Mesothelioma patients and their families can access further resources and support options to assist them in their journey. Our team of Patient Advocates is available to guide you through the choices best suited to your situation.
Our Family Resources for Mesothelioma include comprehensive information on multiple topics, including:
- Available compensation sources
- Caregiver guides
- Coping strategies
- Mental health resources
- Support groups
- Webinars
Within the resources provided by The Mesothelioma Center, you can also find helpful tips on cancer diets, emergency planning and communication strategies. Information on leading cancer organizations can help you find the latest clinical research trials that cover treatment costs.
Consider joining a support group for those with mesothelioma, their family members and caregivers. Each month you can connect virtually with others who have experienced similar hardships and setbacks. These groups share stories and insights on what helped them overcome the obstacles in their journeys.
By utilizing these resources and support options, individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma can access the necessary assistance throughout their journey. Mesothelioma communities, emotional support and caregiver resources are essential to healing and coping with this serious illness.
Who Is Eligible for Mesothelioma Financial Assistance?
Mesothelioma financial assistance is available to individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma, their caregivers and their surviving family members. Eligibility for financial aid can vary depending on the organization or program.
- Individuals with an asbestos-related diagnosis. Patients with asbestos exposure can access financial assistance through cancer organizations, government programs, legal representation and charities.
- Mesothelioma caregivers. Financial aid is available for caregivers of patients with mesothelioma. These funds include caregiver respite and assistance from organizations such as the National Family Caregiver Support Program.
- Surviving family members of patients with asbestos-related cancers. Immediate family members of those who have died from mesothelioma can file a wrongful death claim. A mesothelioma lawyer can help navigate the legal process to secure compensation for the estate.
- Veterans with an asbestos-related disease. The VA Health Care System provides financial help to eligible veterans. To access these benefits, you must demonstrate that your asbestos exposure occurred during your military service, leading to mesothelioma later in life.
Lawyers experienced with mesothelioma cases can facilitate seeking financial aid for cancer care. Dedicated firms handle the legal work of filing claims and ensuring fair compensation. Leading cancer organizations offer grants and financial aid programs to assist mesothelioma patients. You may be eligible for mesothelioma clinical trials at leading cancer centers. These trials often have sponsors that pay for your treatment during the trial.
Researching and consulting with professionals experienced in mesothelioma cases is crucial to determining eligibility and exploring available options. Financial assistance can alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with the diagnosis and provide economic security for you and your family.
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Financial Assistance
- How much does mesothelioma treatment cost?
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The lifetime costs of mesothelioma care can exceed $150,000. Treating mesothelioma includes costs such as hospital care, medications, equipment and nursing. Some cancer patients report spending more than $20,000 per year on out-of-pocket expenses. The expected fees are similar to asbestos-related lung cancer, which can cost between $55,000 to $80,000 within the first six months.
- What are the hidden costs associated with mesothelioma treatment?
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Hidden mesothelioma treatment costs include out-of-pocket expenses, travel and lodging, lost wages, at-home care services and funeral expenses. Planning, researching and exploring available resources are crucial for effectively managing these costs. Financial assistance is available through insurance coverage, veterans benefits, asbestos trust funds and lawsuits against asbestos companies.
- What legal options exist for seeking financial compensation?
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Legal options for seeking financial compensation for mesothelioma include lawsuits, trust funds and VA benefits. Surviving family members of those who have died from mesothelioma can file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. A mesothelioma lawyer can be the best resource for discovering your legal options for financial compensation.
- How do I find a mesothelioma attorney to help with my financial compensation claim?
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You can find a qualified and experienced mesothelioma attorney by speaking with a patient advocate and working with a national law firm. A national firm generally has the resources to evaluate your case, gather evidence, file the necessary paperwork and guide you through your case. They can be the best way to increase your chances of receiving fair compensation.
