For decades, asbestos was used in industries like construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, exposing millions of workers and their families to its harmful fibers. When the dangers of asbestos became widely recognized, many companies filed for bankruptcy and were ordered by the courts to create trust funds to compensate people with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Today, these trust funds hold billions of dollars, and understanding how asbestos trust fund payouts work can help victims and their families pursue the compensation they deserve.
FAQ’s About Asbestos Trust Funds
If you’re considering filing an asbestos trust fund claim, it’s normal to have questions about how these funds work, who qualifies, and what kind of compensation is available. Understanding the basics can make the process feel less overwhelming.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about asbestos trust funds, including eligibility requirements, average payout amounts, how payments are issued, and what steps to take when filing a claim. This information can help victims and their families make informed decisions as they pursue the compensation they deserve.
How many asbestos trust funds are there?
Most sources state there are approximately 60 active asbestos trust funds. In our research, we discovered approximately 80 active funds when you include subfunds of major trusts. We’ve included all these funds in our master asbestos trust funds list, located towards the bottom of this article.
How much money is still left in asbestos trust funds?
As of 2025, approximately $30–35 billion remains in active asbestos trust funds, available to compensate eligible claimants.
What is the average payout from asbestos trust fund claims?
Payouts from an asbestos trust fund depend on each fund’s payout percentage and whether or not you file a claim for mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, or other disease.
With the largest trust funds, a mesothelioma claim is typically valued between $110,000 and $350,000, with actual payouts ranging from $8,800 to $17,500. Some asbestos trust funds pay lump sums or installments, depending on the trust’s rules and the payment option you choose.
A knowledgeable asbestos attorney will file claims against several trust funds, which means the total payouts from a mesothelioma claim typically reach hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
At Danziger & De Llano, we regularly secure payouts exceeding $1,000,000 for mesothelioma claims. You can find details of these claims and payouts on our settlements page.
Do asbestos trust funds pay lump sum or installments?
Most asbestos trust funds offer claimants a choice between a lump sum payment or structured installments, but the exact option depends on the individual trust’s rules. In most cases, claimants who choose the expedited review process receive a fixed lump sum payment quickly, while those who opt for individual review may qualify for a larger amount paid in installments over time. The payment method is ultimately based on the trust’s policies, the specific details of each claim, and how much money is left in the asbestos trust funds, including the severity of the illness and the available funds.
How do you qualify for an asbestos trust fund claim?
To file an asbestos trust fund claim, a claimant (or their attorney) must usually prove three things:
1. Medical Criteria
You need a diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease that the trust recognizes (e.g., mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, certain other cancers).
- Diagnosis must be backed by medical records from a qualified physician.
- Some trusts require specific test results (X-rays, pathology reports, pulmonary function tests).
- Non-malignant claims (pleural plaques, mild asbestosis) often face stricter rules or reduced payments.
2. Exposure Evidence
You must show you were exposed to asbestos-containing products from the company that set up the trust.
- This can include:
- Employment records (shipyard, construction site, power plant, etc.)
- Social Security records (to prove job history)
- Coworker affidavits or witness statements
- Union or military service documents
- Employment records (shipyard, construction site, power plant, etc.)
- Trusts usually require that the exposure was regular and proximate (not just incidental).
3. Filing Documentation
Each trust requires a formal claim submission package, often including:
- Claim form (with personal, medical, and exposure info)
- Medical records (doctor’s report, test results)
- Exposure affidavits (from the claimant or witnesses)
- Proof of diagnosis date (important for statutes of limitations)
- Sometimes, a death certificate (for deceased claimants filed by estates/heirs)
Finding a Lawyer for Your Asbestos Trust Fund Claim
Danziger & De Llano are experienced and solely focused on helping victims of asbestos exposure receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us for a free legal consultation.
Not sure we’re the right fit? Here’s a directory with information on over a dozen mesothelioma lawyers who are well qualified for asbestos trust fund claims.
Asbestos Trust Fund Payment Percentages & Disease Benchmarks
The following table shows the benchmark value of each asbestos-related claim from ten of the largest active asbestos trust funds. These benchmark values are known as the disease schedule of each trust fund.
| Trust | Mesothelioma Scheduled Value | Severe Asbestosis Scheduled Value | Payment % (approx.) |
| Johns-Manville | $350,000 | $95,000 | ~5% |
| W.R. Grace (WRG) | $180,000 | $50,000 | ~31% |
| U.S. Gypsum (USG) | $155,000 | $30,000 | ~6% |
| Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) | $90,000 | $20,000 | ~8% |
| Armstrong World Industries (AWI) | $110,000 | $42,500 | ~8% |
| Celotex | $130,000 | $32,000 (disabling ILD) | ~7% |
| Owens-Illinois (O-I) | $100,000 | $28,200 | ~7% |
| NARCO (North American Refractories) | $75,000 | $18,000 | ~7.5% |
| A.P. Green (APG) | $130,000 | $22,000 | ~12% |
| ASARCO | $170,000 | $50,000 | ~5.6% |
Please note that the Scheduled Value is the “theoretical” claim value before reductions. Payment % shows how much of the scheduled value a claimant can receive. So actual payout = scheduled value × payment %.
Mesothelioma Trust Fund Payout Example
For example, a Johns-Manville mesothelioma claim = $350,000 × 5% = $17,500 actual payout. Percentages vary by trust, are revised periodically, and sometimes differ by disease category.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will file claims with several asbestos trust funds, so total payouts for victims are typically much higher than any trust fund’s average payout.
For example, the asbestos attorneys at Danziger & De Llano regularly secure mesothelioma trust fund payouts totaling in the millions by filing claims with several trust funds.
“Asbestos bankruptcy trust funds were created to ensure that compensation remains available for people harmed by asbestos exposure, even when the responsible companies are no longer in business.”
— American Cancer Society
Asbestos and Mesothelioma Claim Payout Examples
We rarely file claims with just one asbestos trust fund. Here are some examples of recent asbestos trust fund payouts and other mesothelioma settlements won by the attorneys at Danziger & De Llano.
| Asbestos Claim Payout | Claim Description |
| $6,142,500 | Received after attorneys’ fees and expenses, by a gentleman who developed mesothelioma at the age of 46. He was exposed to asbestos products while repairing boats and while doing demolition and repair of buildings damaged by fire and flooding. |
| $5,939,010 | Received after attorneys fees and expenses, by a gentleman who developed mesothelioma at the age of 46. He was exposed to asbestos products while repairing boats and while doing demolition and repair of buildings damaged by fire and flooding. |
| $4,750,000 | Received after attorneys’ fees and expenses, by a man who developed mesothelioma at age 68. He was exposed to asbestos products through his service in the Navy, as an auto mechanic, and while working in construction. |
| $3,921,750 | Received after attorneys’ fees and expenses, by a gentleman who developed mesothelioma at the age of 67. He was exposed to asbestos products through his service in the Navy and as a construction contractor on commercial and residential projects. |
| $3,600,450 | Received after attorneys’ fees and expenses, by a gentleman who developed mesothelioma at 62. He was exposed to asbestos while installing industrial and commercial furnaces and air conditioning units. |
| $3,310,650 | Received after attorneys fees and expenses, by a gentleman who developed mesothelioma at 62. He was exposed to asbestos while installing industrial and commercial furnaces and air conditioning units. |
| $3,185,280 | Received after attorneys’ fees and expenses, for a former Navy man and mechanic who developed mesothelioma at age 57. He was exposed to asbestos during his service in the Navy as a machinist mate and as a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic on commercial projects. |
| $3,135,850 | Received after attorneys’ fees and expenses, by a gentleman who developed mesothelioma at the age of 61. He was exposed to asbestos products through his service in the Navy and as a telephone installer and repairman. |
| $2,727,900 | Received after attorneys fees and expenses, by a gentleman who developed mesothelioma at the age of 61. He was exposed to asbestos products through his service in the Navy and as a telephone installer and repairman. |
In this example, the total payout for the claim is $97,050.
Asbestos Trust Fund Payments Overview
Here’s a complete list of active asbestos and mesothelioma trust funds as of September 2025. We’ve gone through great lengths to include payment percentages and typical payout calculations for your convenience.
| Trust | Year Formed / Claims Start | Payment % (current) | Typical Mesothelioma Payout (ER → IR max) | Notes |
| Johns-Manville | 1988 (established) | 5.1% | ≈$17,850 (ER); IR varies | ER scheduled $350k |
| U.S. Gypsum (USG) | 2006 (formed); 2007 (claims) | 11% | $17,050–$24,750 | ER $155k; IR max $225k |
| W.R. Grace (WRG) | 2014 | 30.1% | $54,180–$135,450 | ER $180k; IR max $450k |
| Armstrong World Industries (AWI) | 2006 (formed); 2007 (claims) | 10.8% | $11,880–$43,200 | ER $110k; IR max $400k |
| Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) | 2006 | 4.7% | $4,230–$18,800 | ER $90k; IR max $400k |
| Owens-Illinois (Paddock) | 2022 | 50.0% | $50,000–$191,300 | ER $100k; IR max $382.6k |
| Kaiser Aluminum | 2006 | 10.6% | ≈$7,420 (ER); IR varies | ER $70k |
| Shook & Fletcher | 2002 | 58.0% | (Varies) | % raised May 2025 |
| NARCO (North American Refractories) | 2013 (formed); 2013-10-15 (claims) | 100% | $75,000 (ER) | ER scheduled $75k |
| Pittsburgh Corning (PCC) | 2013 (formed); ~2017 (paying) | 19.0% | $33,250–$95,000 | ER $175k; IR max $500k |
| Owens Corning subfund | 2006 (formed); 2007 (claims) | 4.7% | (Varies) | Subfund-specific values |
| Fibreboard subfund (within OCF Trust) | 2006 (formed); 2007 (claims) | 3.7% | (Varies) | Subfund-specific values |
| DII Industries / Halliburton | 2005 (formed); 2005 (claims) | 60.0% | $36,400–$388,500 | Non-HW ER $60.7k; HW IR max $647.5k |
| ASARCO | 2009 | 35.0% | $59,500–$357,000 | ER $170k; IR up to 6× scheduled |
| Bondex / SPHC | 2016 | 29.5% | ≈$23,600 (ER); IR varies | ER $80k |
| Congoleum Plan Trust | 2010 (claims) | 8.42% | $11,130–$66,700 | ER $132.1k; IR max $792.6k |
| Celotex | 1997–1998 (formed) | 7.0% | (Varies) | IRC % 7% |
| Plant Insulation | 2012 (formed) | 16.5% | (Varies) | % raised 2023 |
| Raytech / Raymark | 2000 (formed) | 1.35% | ≈$1,688 (ER) | ER $125k |
| Plibrico 524(g) | 2006 (formed) | 0.94% | (Varies) | % decreased 2024 |
| Quigley | 2013 (formed); 2014 (claims) | 14.5% (non-releasing) / 3.6% (releasing) | (Varies) | Different rates by claimant type |
| ACandS | 2008 (formed) | 4% | (Varies) | Current % per MesotheliomaFund (Feb 2025). (Mesothelioma Trust Funds) |
| ARTRA (Synkoloid) | 2007 (formed) | 0.5% | (Varies) | Very low %; also reported ~0.6% in 2021. (Mesothelioma Center, Mesothelioma Trust Funds) |
| API, Inc. | 2007 (created) | 22% | (Varies) | API trust site + recent summaries. (API, Inc. Asbestos Settlement Trust, Mesothelioma Trust Funds) |
| ABB Lummus Global | 2006–2007 | 9.5% | (Varies) | Reduced effective Jan 1, 2024 (was 11.7%). (Mesothelioma Trust Funds, abblummustrust.org) |
| A-Best Products | 2004 (formed) | 18% | ≈$5,490 (ER on $30,500) | Example from trust summary. (Mesothelioma Trust Funds) |
| Brauer Supply (Brauer 524(g)) | 2012 (formed) | not published | (Varies) | Official trust/TDP; % not publicly posted. (Brauer Trust) |
| Burns & Roe | 2010 (claims) | 36.87% | ≈$22,000 (typical) | % and example payout noted in 2024/2025 sources. |
| C.E. Thurston & Sons | 2006 | 50% | (Varies) | Current % per MesotheliomaFund (Feb 2025). |
| Christy Refractories | 2011 | 55% | (Varies) | Payment % raised to 55% (Jan 2023 notice). (christy-trust.com) |
| Combustion Engineering (CE) | 2006 | 29.5% | (Varies) | CE Trust % as of 2024. (Mesothelioma Trust Funds) |
| Eagle-Picher Industries (EPI) | 1996 (trust) | 33% | (Varies) | CPF/EPI and law-firm summaries. (cpf-inc.com, Bailey Glasser) |
| Federal-Mogul — T&N Subfund | 2007 | 5.9% | (Varies) | Some sources report 3.9%. |
| Garlock (GST/Coltec) Settlement Facility | 2017 (facility) | n/a† | Matrix-based; varies | No standard %; some report 85% for meso factor. (Bailey Glasser, MesotheliomaHope.com) |
| G-I Holdings (GAF) | 2009 | 5% | ≈$7,750 (ER) | Based on $155k schedule × 5%. |
| H.K. Porter | 1998 | 3.0% | (Varies) | Court okayed ACRP change; % stays 3% (resumed Jan 31, 2025). (hkporterasbestostrust.org) |
| Hercules Chemical | 2010 (trust), 2011 (claims) | 2% | (Varies) | Current % per MesotheliomaFund (Feb 2025). |
| J.T. Thorpe Settlement Trust (CA) | 2006 | 50% | (Varies; uses indexed base cases) | Official site + 2024 report. (jttstrust.com) |
| J.T. Thorpe Company Successor Trust (TX) | 2004 | 45% | (Varies) | Distinct from the CA trust. |
| Western Asbestos Settlement Trust | 2004 | 51.1% | ≈$267,800 (meso in CA) | Official notice + payout example. (wastrust.com, Mesothelioma Center) |
| Thorpe Insulation Settlement Trust | 2010 | 10% | (Varies) | Current % per 2024/2025 sources. (Mesothelioma Trust Funds, asbestosclaims.law) |
| National Gypsum (NGC Bodily Injury Trust) | 1993 (trust); 2003 restructure | 45% | — | % increased in 2023; higher than many trusts |
| Porter Hayden Bodily Injury Trust | 2007 (claims start) | 1.8% | — | Very low %; posted in notices |
| Flintkote Asbestos Trust | 2015 | 15% | — | % shown on trust site |
| Fuller-Austin Asbestos Settlement Trust | 1998 | 16.2% | — | % from trust documents |
| Geo. V. Hamilton, Inc. Asbestos Trust | 2019 (claims start) | not published | — | Active; % not public |
| Durabla Asbestos Trust | 2012 (formed); 2020 (claims start) | 26% (initial) | — | Initial %; under review |
| United Gilsonite Laboratories (UGL) Asbestos PI Trust | 2014 | 3.35% (non-released); 11% (released) | — | Two rates depending on release |
| Yarway Asbestos Personal Injury Trust | 2015 | 27.5% | — | As posted on the trust site |
| Maremont Asbestos Personal Injury Trust | 2019 | 28.4% (initial) | — | As posted on the trust site |
| Metex (Kentile) Asbestos PI Trust | 2014 (formed); 2015 (claims start) | 7.25% | — | Payment % posted in trust docs |
| Motors Liquidation Co. (GM) Asbestos PI Trust | 2011 (formed); 2012 (claims start) | 12.2% | — | Periodic % reconsiderations posted |
| United States Mineral Products Co. (USMPC) Asbestos Trust | 2005 | 32% | — | Increased to 32% in Mar 2024 |
| T.H. Agriculture & Nutrition (THAN) Asbestos PI Trust | 2009 | 15% | — | Posted in trust/company pages |
| SEPCO Asbestos PI Trust | 2020 | 10% (initial) | — | As posted on the trust site |
| Duro Dyne Asbestos PI Trust | 2020 (formed); 2021 (claims start) | 20% (initial) | — | As posted on trust site |
| Leslie Controls Asbestos PI Trust | 2012 | 5% | — | As posted on the trust site |
| Keene Creditors Trust | 1996 | 1.08% | — | Very low %; long-standing |
| Rapid-American Asbestos PI Trust | 2022 | not published | — | Liquidating trust; % not posted |
| Oakfabco Liquidating Trust | 2019 | not published | — | Liquidating trust |
| A.P. Green (APG) Asbestos Trust | 2014 | 5.3% | — | Updated in 2023 |
| Fraser’s Boiler Service Liquidating Trust | 2019 | not published | — | Liquidating trust; pays asbestos claims tied to Fraser’s Boiler 【web†】 |
| Kaiser Gypsum Asbestos PI Trust | 2021 | ~10.6% | — | Current % per trust site (reduced from 15.5%) 【web†】 |
| State Insulation Corp. (SIC) Asbestos PI Trust | 2021; claims 2023 | 5% | — | Payment % set Aug 2023 【web†】 |
| Pacor / Philadelphia Asbestos Corp. Trust | 2004 (bankruptcy); later trust | not published | — | Known as PACOR; payout % not widely posted 【web†】 |
| Lloyd E. Mitchell Co. Asbestos Trust | 2000s | not published | — | Smaller regional trust; % not public |
| M.H. Detrick Company Asbestos Trust | 2004 (approx.) | not published | — | Limited information; regional insulation defendant |
| Anaconda / ARCO (ARCO Asbestos Settlement Trust) | 2000s | not published | — | Covers exposures to Anaconda asbestos |
| Babcock & Wilcox Construction Products Trust (separate) | 2006 | not published | — | One of the FM subfunds is distinct from T&N |
| Federal-Mogul (FMP subfund) | 2007 | not published | — | Several FM subfunds exist under the plan |
| Federal-Mogul (Ferodo / other subfunds) | 2007 | not published | — | Within the API/CertainTeed bankruptcy estate |
| United Conveyor Asbestos Trust | 2011 | not published | — | Handles UCC exposures |
| Stone & Webster Asbestos PI Trust | 2002 (bankruptcy); trust later | not published | — | Covers engineering/construction exposures |
| Plant Insulation (was in Batch 2, but note again) | 2012 | 16.5% | — | Already covered earlier; included here for completeness |
| Hercules (Hercules Chemical) | 2011 | 2% | — | Already covered, but confirm updated % |
| G-I Holdings Building Materials Trust (subfund) | 2009 | not published | — | Separate subfund from GAF |
| API / CertainTeed subfund | 2007 | not published | — | Already covered in the prior batch, but note subfund |
| Eagle-Picher (Refractories subfund) | 1996 | 33% | — | Already covered in the prior batch, but note the subfund |
| Owens Corning Fibreboard subfund (repeat) | 2006 | 3.7–4.7% | — | Already listed previously |
| Shook & Fletcher | 2002 | 58% | — | Already covered; listed again here for completeness |
Get Legal Help with Your Asbestos Trust Fund Claim
At Danziger & De Llano, LLP, we understand how overwhelming a mesothelioma diagnosis can be for you and your family. Our experienced team has helped countless clients navigate the complex asbestos trust fund claim process, ensuring they receive the compensation they’re entitled to. Let us handle the paperwork and deadlines so you can focus on your health and loved ones. Call us at 1-866-222-9990 or contact us online to speak with a legal expert today.
As of 2024, more than $30 billion remains available in U.S. asbestos trust funds to compensate victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. The information on this website is not intended as legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for consulting a licensed attorney. Legal outcomes and laws can vary by jurisdiction, and only a qualified lawyer can provide guidance tailored to your situation.