Payments to support people with diseases caused by loose-fill asbestos

Loose-Fill Asbestos Disease Support Scheme

This scheme makes payments to Canberrans who have developed an asbestos-related disease from living in a loose-fill asbestos insulation affected home. These homes may also be known as ‘Mr Fluffy’ properties.

The ACT and Australian governments thank James Wallner and the Wallner family for advocating for those affected by loose-fill asbestos. Their efforts led to the establishment of this scheme. Read more about James Wallner's story.

Who this is for

These payments are for eligible individuals.

What you get

You can get financial support to cover out of pocket expenses, including loss of earnings as a result of your asbestos-related disease. Payments can include support for financial dependents.

Check if you can apply

You can apply if you or the person you're applying for:

• developed an asbestos disease after living, permanently, in a loose-fill asbestos insulation (Mr Fluffy) house in the ACT
• had no substantial exposure to asbestos at work that would allow you to make a workers’ compensation claim
• were diagnosed on or after 1 January 2014.

Living ‘permanently’ means you lived in a loose-fill asbestos home for more than 6 months. We may consider 6 months or less if you have proof your time living in the home was not temporary.

Types of payments

The scheme may pay for:

• medical or treatment costs
• loss of earnings
• costs to modify your home or vehicle
• care and household services from others outside your family
• lump sum payments for financial dependents
• funeral costs in special circumstances
• psychological support services
• financial advice
• care provided by family members.

If you’ve already received payments for these expenses from another source, we’ll reduce our payment by that amount.

For more details about the types of payments, read the Loose-Fill Asbestos Disease Support Scheme Information Guide [PDF 405 kB].

Apply

To apply for yourself or someone else:

1. Email the Loose Fill Asbestos Disease Support Scheme. You do not need to add anything to the email, just hit send. If you prefer, you can email wsg@act.gov.au with the subject ‘Loose Fill Asbestos Disease Support Scheme application’.
2. Reply to our email asking you for your name, contact details and information about the exposure to asbestos.

After you apply

A case manager from our third-party provider, Employers Mutual Limited, will contact you to help with the next steps in your application.

Contact us