Asbestos trust funds were created by federal bankruptcy courts to compensate people harmed by asbestos exposure — even decades after the responsible companies went bankrupt. As of 2026, more than 60 active trust funds hold an estimated $30 billion in remaining assets, and they continue to accept and pay claims from mesothelioma patients, lung cancer patients, and others diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases.
This guide provides a complete, current directory of every major active asbestos trust fund, including payment percentages, estimated claim values, and filing status. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, this information is directly relevant to your legal rights and financial recovery options.
How Asbestos Trust Funds Work
When asbestos manufacturers faced overwhelming litigation from workers and consumers they had exposed to asbestos, many filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Under Section 524(g) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, these companies were required to establish trust funds — funded with the company's remaining assets, insurance proceeds, and in some cases equity in successor companies — specifically to pay current and future asbestos injury claims.
Each trust fund operates under a Trust Distribution Procedure (TDP) approved by the bankruptcy court. The TDP defines:
- Disease categories — what diagnoses qualify (mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, etc.)
- Scheduled values — base payment amounts for each disease category
- Payment percentages — the percentage of the scheduled value actually paid (adjusted periodically to ensure the trust can pay future claimants)
- Exposure criteria — what evidence of exposure to the specific company's products is required
- Claim types — expedited review (faster, fixed payment) vs. individual review (longer, potentially higher payment)
Why Payment Percentages Change
Trust funds must balance paying current claimants fairly while preserving assets for people who will be diagnosed in the future — since mesothelioma can develop 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. As a result, most trusts periodically adjust their payment percentage (sometimes called the "claims payment ratio") based on actuarial projections of future claims.
For example, if a trust has a scheduled value of $180,000 for mesothelioma but a current payment percentage of 25%, the actual payment would be $45,000. Payment percentages across active trusts currently range from approximately 2.6% to 100%, depending on the trust's remaining assets and projected future claims.
Complete List of Major Active Asbestos Trust Funds (2026)
The following table lists the major active asbestos trust funds currently accepting claims from mesothelioma patients and other asbestos victims. Data is compiled from publicly available trust fund annual reports, Trust Distribution Procedures, and court filings.
Note: Payment percentages and asset levels are updated periodically by each trust. The figures below reflect the most recent publicly available data as of early 2026. Actual payment amounts depend on claim type, exposure evidence, and individual circumstances.
Tier 1: Largest Active Trust Funds
These trust funds were established by the largest asbestos manufacturers and hold the most significant remaining assets.
| Trust Fund Name | Debtor / Company | Year Est. | Est. Remaining Assets | Payment % | Meso Scheduled Value | Filing Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns-Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust | Johns-Manville Corporation | 1988 | $1.5 billion+ | 5.2% | $600,000 - $1,100,000 | Open |
| Owens Corning / Fibreboard Asbestos PI Trust | Owens Corning, Fibreboard Corp. | 2006 | $3.2 billion+ | 19.5% | $200,000 - $400,000 | Open |
| USG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust | USG Corporation | 2006 | $2.1 billion+ | 25.0% | $225,000 - $375,000 | Open |
| W.R. Grace Asbestos Personal Injury Trust | W.R. Grace & Co. | 2014 | $2.8 billion+ | 36.8% | $150,000 - $325,000 | Open |
| Armstrong World Industries Asbestos PI Trust | Armstrong World Industries | 2006 | $1.8 billion+ | 19.2% | $200,000 - $350,000 | Open |
| Federal-Mogul Asbestos Personal Injury Trust | Federal-Mogul (T&N Ltd.) | 2007 | $1.4 billion+ | 8.0% | $275,000 - $500,000 | Open |
| Harbison-Walker Refractories Trust | Harbison-Walker Refractories | 2008 | $900 million+ | 21.3% | $180,000 - $300,000 | Open |
Tier 2: Mid-Size Active Trust Funds
| Trust Fund Name | Debtor / Company | Year Est. | Est. Remaining Assets | Payment % | Meso Scheduled Value | Filing Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combustion Engineering 524(g) Trust | Combustion Engineering (ABB) | 2006 | $1.2 billion+ | 24.2% | $175,000 - $300,000 | Open |
| Pittsburgh Corning Corporation Trust | Pittsburgh Corning Corp. | 2013 | $1.3 billion+ | 40.0% | $150,000 - $275,000 | Open |
| U.S. Mineral Products Trust | U.S. Mineral Products Co. | 2008 | $140 million+ | 50.0% | $100,000 - $200,000 | Open |
| Babcock & Wilcox Asbestos PI Trust | Babcock & Wilcox Company | 2006 | $800 million+ | 10.0% | $200,000 - $350,000 | Open |
| Celotex Asbestos Settlement Trust | Celotex Corporation | 1997 | $500 million+ | 7.5% | $200,000 - $400,000 | Open |
| Eagle-Picher Industries PI Trust | Eagle-Picher Industries | 1996 | $350 million+ | 2.6% | $300,000 - $550,000 | Open |
| Flintkote / Genstar Asbestos PI Trust | Flintkote Company | 2004 | $575 million+ | 15.5% | $180,000 - $325,000 | Open |
| Kaiser Aluminum Asbestos PI Trust | Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical | 2006 | $240 million+ | 5.0% | $225,000 - $400,000 | Open |
| National Gypsum Asbestos PI Trust | National Gypsum Company | 1993 | $400 million+ | 6.0% | $200,000 - $375,000 | Open |
Tier 3: Specialized and Smaller Active Trust Funds
| Trust Fund Name | Debtor / Company | Year Est. | Est. Remaining Assets | Payment % | Meso Scheduled Value | Filing Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thorpe Insulation Asbestos Settlement Trust | Thorpe Insulation Company | 2011 | $165 million+ | 22.0% | $100,000 - $200,000 | Open |
| Western Asbestos Settlement Trust | Western MacArthur Company | 2004 | $115 million+ | 100.0% | $40,000 - $75,000 | Open |
| ASARCO Asbestos PI Trust | ASARCO LLC | 2009 | $280 million+ | 22.0% | $125,000 - $250,000 | Open |
| G-I Holdings Asbestos PI Trust | GAF Corporation / G-I Holdings | 2009 | $600 million+ | 13.5% | $200,000 - $350,000 | Open |
| Halliburton / DII Industries Trust | Dresser Industries, Harbison-Fischer | 2004 | $1.0 billion+ | 31.2% | $125,000 - $225,000 | Open |
| Leslie Controls Asbestos PI Trust | Leslie Controls Inc. | 2010 | $125 million+ | 100.0% | $35,000 - $60,000 | Open |
| Plibrico Asbestos PI Trust | Plibrico Company | 2010 | $50 million+ | 15.0% | $100,000 - $180,000 | Open |
| Rapid-American Asbestos PI Trust | Rapid-American Corporation | 2013 | $450 million+ | 20.0% | $150,000 - $275,000 | Open |
| T H Agriculture & Nutrition Trust | T H Agriculture & Nutrition | 2003 | $75 million+ | 25.0% | $100,000 - $175,000 | Open |
| United Gilsonite Laboratories Trust | United Gilsonite Laboratories | 2012 | $55 million+ | 50.0% | $50,000 - $100,000 | Open |
Understanding the Table
- Payment % reflects the current payment percentage (claims payment ratio). Your actual payment equals the scheduled value multiplied by this percentage.
- Meso Scheduled Value shows the range for mesothelioma claims under expedited and individual review tracks.
- Filing Status: Open means the trust is currently accepting new claims. Some trusts may have periodic administrative pauses.
- Estimated Remaining Assets are approximate and based on the most recent publicly available trust annual reports.
How Much Can You Receive from Asbestos Trust Funds?
The total amount a mesothelioma patient can receive depends on several factors:
Number of Qualifying Trust Funds
Most people who developed mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos from multiple companies over the course of their careers. A construction worker, for example, may have worked with insulation products from Johns-Manville, pipe coverings from Owens Corning, cement products from National Gypsum, and fireproofing from U.S. Mineral Products — all at different job sites over a 20- or 30-year career.
Each of those companies has its own trust fund, and the worker can file separate claims with each one.
Average number of trust fund claims per mesothelioma patient: 5 to 10
Combined Payment Examples
Based on current payment percentages and scheduled values, here are illustrative examples of combined trust fund recoveries:
- Shipyard worker (exposed to insulation, gaskets, boiler materials): 8-12 trust fund claims, combined recovery of $150,000 to $400,000+
- Construction worker (exposed to drywall, fireproofing, roofing, cement): 6-10 trust fund claims, combined recovery of $100,000 to $350,000+
- Industrial worker (exposed to insulation, gaskets, pumps, valves): 5-8 trust fund claims, combined recovery of $80,000 to $250,000+
- Navy veteran (exposed to shipboard insulation, boilers, gaskets): 7-12 trust fund claims, combined recovery of $125,000 to $400,000+
These figures represent trust fund claims only. Additional compensation may be available through lawsuits against companies that did not go bankrupt.
Expedited Review vs. Individual Review
Most trust funds offer two claim processing tracks:
- Expedited review — Faster processing (typically 6 to 12 months). You receive the scheduled value for your disease category multiplied by the current payment percentage. No negotiation or additional documentation beyond the standard requirements.
- Individual review — Longer processing (12 to 24 months or more). Allows you to present additional evidence that your exposure or damages justify a higher payment than the scheduled value. Commonly used when the claimant has strong exposure evidence, extensive medical documentation, or significant economic damages.
An experienced mesothelioma attorney will evaluate each trust fund claim individually and recommend the best processing track based on the strength of your evidence and the specific trust's procedures.
How to File an Asbestos Trust Fund Claim: Step by Step
Filing trust fund claims requires careful documentation and an understanding of each trust's specific requirements. Here is the general process:
Step 1: Identify Applicable Trust Funds
An attorney reviews your complete work history, military service record (if applicable), and residential history to identify every asbestos product and manufacturer you may have been exposed to. This typically involves:
- Detailed interview about every job, job site, and work activity
- Review of employment records, union records, and Social Security earnings history
- Cross-referencing job sites with known asbestos product usage databases
- Identifying products by name, manufacturer, and type
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
Each trust fund requires specific documentation, but most claims need:
- Medical records confirming an asbestos-related diagnosis (pathology report, imaging, physician statement)
- Exposure evidence linking you to the specific debtor's products (work history affidavit, co-worker affidavits, employer records, product identification)
- Proof of identity (Social Security number, government-issued ID)
- Signed claim form specific to each trust
Step 3: Submit Claims to Each Trust Fund
Claims are submitted separately to each applicable trust fund. Each trust has its own:
- Claim forms and submission procedures
- Required documentation checklists
- Filing deadlines and processing timelines
- Contact information and submission portals
Step 4: Claim Review and Processing
After submission, each trust fund independently reviews your claim:
- Initial review — Trust verifies completeness of documentation
- Deficiency notices — If anything is missing, the trust issues a notice and provides time to supplement
- Evaluation — Trust reviews exposure evidence and medical documentation against its criteria
- Offer — Trust issues a payment offer based on the applicable scheduled value and current payment percentage
Step 5: Payment
Once a claim is approved and any review or appeal period has passed, the trust issues payment. Processing times vary:
- Expedited review claims: 6 to 12 months from submission to payment
- Individual review claims: 12 to 24+ months from submission to payment
Multiple trust fund claims can be filed and processed simultaneously, which is a significant advantage — you do not need to wait for one trust to pay before filing with another.
Trust Fund Claims vs. Asbestos Lawsuits: Key Differences
Many mesothelioma patients and families are confused about the difference between trust fund claims and lawsuits. These are two separate legal avenues, and you can typically pursue both at the same time.
| Feature | Trust Fund Claims | Asbestos Lawsuits |
|---|---|---|
| Filed against | Bankrupt companies (through their trusts) | Companies still in business |
| Process | Administrative — no trial, no courtroom | Litigation — may involve depositions, trial |
| Timeline | 6-24 months to payment | 12-36+ months (varies widely) |
| Payment amount | Scheduled values × payment percentage | Negotiated settlements or jury verdicts |
| Number of claims | Can file with multiple trusts simultaneously | Usually consolidated into one lawsuit |
| Attorney fees | Typically lower percentage | Typically contingency (25-40%) |
| Risk | Low — most valid claims are paid | Variable — depends on evidence, jurisdiction |
| Appeal process | Internal trust arbitration | Standard court appeals |
Can You File Both?
Yes. Trust fund claims and lawsuits are legally separate processes. Filing trust fund claims does not prevent you from also filing a lawsuit against non-bankrupt companies, and vice versa. In fact, pursuing both avenues simultaneously is standard practice in mesothelioma cases and is typically recommended to maximize total compensation.
Some states require disclosure of trust fund claim filings during lawsuit proceedings. Your attorney will manage these requirements.
Filing Claims with Multiple Trust Funds
One of the most important things mesothelioma patients should understand is that you are not limited to filing with just one trust fund. Because asbestos was manufactured by dozens of companies and used in thousands of products, most people with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos from multiple manufacturers at various points during their working lives.
Why Multiple Claims Are Common
Consider a typical career in the construction trades from the 1960s through the 1980s:
- Year 1-5: Worked with Johns-Manville insulation products at a commercial construction site
- Year 6-10: Installed Owens Corning fiberglass insulation (which contained asbestos) and USG joint compound at residential sites
- Year 11-15: Maintained boilers insulated with Babcock & Wilcox products at an industrial plant
- Year 16-25: Worked at a shipyard where Harbison-Walker refractory materials, Pittsburgh Corning UNIBESTOS, and W.R. Grace Zonolite insulation were all present
In this scenario, the worker was exposed to asbestos products from seven different manufacturers — each of which has its own trust fund. Filing claims with all seven trusts is not only permitted, it is expected. Each trust only pays for the harm attributable to its own company's products.
How Attorneys Maximize Trust Fund Recovery
Experienced mesothelioma attorneys maintain detailed databases of:
- Which asbestos products were used at specific job sites
- Product identification by brand name, appearance, and application
- Co-worker networks who can provide supporting affidavits
- Trust-specific filing requirements and strategies
This expertise is critical because identifying all applicable trust funds requires knowledge that goes well beyond what the patient may remember. An attorney may identify 8 to 12 applicable trusts where the patient initially recalled exposure to only 2 or 3 companies.
Total Compensation Paid to Date
The asbestos trust fund system is one of the largest private compensation programs in history:
- $30+ billion paid to date by all asbestos trust funds combined (RAND Corporation estimates)
- $30+ billion in estimated remaining trust fund assets
- 3+ million claims processed since the first trusts were established
- Mesothelioma claims consistently receive the highest scheduled values and payment priorities
- Average total trust fund recovery for mesothelioma patients with experienced legal representation: $150,000 to $400,000+ (from combined trust fund claims alone)
These figures do not include compensation from lawsuits against non-bankrupt companies, which can result in additional settlements or jury verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and RAND Corporation research, the trust fund system is projected to continue operating for decades, as new asbestos-related diagnoses are expected to continue through at least the 2050s due to the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive trust fund payments?
Processing times vary by trust fund and claim type. Expedited review claims typically take 6 to 12 months from submission to payment. Individual review claims take 12 to 24 months or longer. Filing with multiple trusts simultaneously means you may receive payments at different times as each trust completes its review.
Do I need a lawyer to file trust fund claims?
Technically, you can file trust fund claims without an attorney. However, mesothelioma attorneys are strongly recommended because they have the expertise to identify all applicable trust funds (patients typically underestimate their exposure history), maintain the documentation databases needed to meet each trust's evidence requirements, and navigate the claim process efficiently. Most mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront.
Are trust fund payments taxable?
Compensation received from asbestos trust funds for physical injuries or illness is generally not taxable under federal tax law (IRC Section 104(a)(2)). However, portions allocated to punitive damages or interest may be taxable. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Can family members file trust fund claims after a loved one passes away?
Yes. Surviving family members can file wrongful death trust fund claims on behalf of a deceased person who had an asbestos-related disease. Surviving spouses, children, and estate representatives may all be eligible to file. The claims process and documentation requirements are similar to living claimant filings, with additional estate documentation required.
Will trust funds run out of money?
Trust funds are managed by independent trustees and actuaries who periodically review claims projections and adjust payment percentages to ensure long-term solvency. While some trusts have reduced their payment percentages over time, the system is designed to remain operational for decades. New trusts are still being established as additional asbestos-related companies file for bankruptcy. The key takeaway for patients: filing sooner rather than later ensures you receive current payment percentages.
What to Do Next
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or another asbestos-related disease, you may be eligible to file claims with multiple asbestos trust funds. The steps to take are straightforward:
- Consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney — A free case review can determine which trust funds may apply to your situation based on your work history and exposure.
- Gather your work history — Start documenting every job, employer, and job site where you may have been exposed to asbestos products. Include military service if applicable.
- Collect medical records — Obtain copies of your diagnosis, pathology reports, and treatment records.
- Act promptly — While most trust funds do not have strict statutes of limitations, payment percentages can change, and claims filed sooner are generally processed sooner.
Trust fund claims do not require going to court, do not require a trial, and can be filed from anywhere in the United States. An experienced attorney handles the entire process and is paid only if you receive compensation.
This article was reviewed by Rod De Llano, Senior Partner at Danziger & De Llano, LLP, who is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Trust fund data reflects publicly available information as of early 2026. Payment percentages and trust fund assets are subject to change. Individual results vary based on exposure history, diagnosis, and claim specifics.
Sources: RAND Corporation — Asbestos Litigation Research; U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO-11-819); U.S. Bankruptcy Court filings and Trust Distribution Procedures; Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR); U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); American Cancer Society.
