Asbestos Trust Funds in 2026: $30 Billion Available for Victims

More than $30 billion remains available in asbestos bankruptcy trust funds to compensate mesothelioma victims and their families [1]. These trusts were established by companies that manufactured or used asbestos products and later filed for bankruptcy protection due to overwhelming litigation. If you have mesothelioma, understanding how trust funds work could mean the difference between recovering compensation from a single source or accessing funds from 10, 15, or even 20 different trusts.

Executive Summary

Over 60 active asbestos bankruptcy trusts hold more than $30 billion to compensate victims of asbestos exposure [1]. These trusts were created under Section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code when companies faced insurmountable asbestos liabilities [4]. Most mesothelioma patients qualify for claims against multiple trusts because workers were typically exposed to products from many different manufacturers. Trust fund claims can be filed alongside personal injury lawsuits against solvent defendants, and experienced attorneys typically help patients recover from 10-20 trusts depending on their work history. Claims can be processed through expedited review (faster, fixed payments) or individual review (potentially higher payments for strong cases) [2]. With my CPA background and 30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience, I help families navigate this complex system to maximize their total recovery.

10 Key Facts About Asbestos Trust Funds in 2026

Total Available: Over $30 billion remains in 60+ active trusts [1]
Largest Trusts: Johns-Manville ($2.5B+), W.R. Grace ($3B+), Owens Corning/Fibreboard
Average Claims: Most mesothelioma patients qualify for 10-20 trust claims [2]
Combined Recovery: Total trust fund recovery can exceed $1 million for well-documented cases
Expedited Processing: Mesothelioma claims receive priority processing at most trusts
Payment Percentages: Trusts pay a percentage of scheduled values to preserve funds [2]
No Lawsuit Required: Trust claims are administrative, not litigation
Concurrent Filing: You can file trust claims AND pursue lawsuits simultaneously
Contingency Fees: Attorneys work on contingency—no payment unless you recover
Time Limits Apply: Statutes of limitations govern when claims must be filed

What Are Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Funds?

Asbestos trust funds are compensation mechanisms created through bankruptcy proceedings for companies overwhelmed by asbestos litigation [4]. The asbestos trust funds guide provides comprehensive background on how these trusts operate.

Why Companies Established Trusts

Beginning in the 1970s, companies that manufactured, distributed, or used asbestos products faced thousands of lawsuits from workers who developed mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases. Many companies found themselves facing liabilities that exceeded their total assets.

The solution came through Section 524(g) of the Bankruptcy Code, which allows companies to:

Reorganize or liquidate through bankruptcy
Establish a trust funded with assets and insurance proceeds
Channel all current and future asbestos claims to the trust
Emerge from bankruptcy (in reorganization cases) free from future asbestos liability

$30+ Billion

Total assets remaining in asbestos bankruptcy trusts as of 2026

How Trust Funds Compensate Victims

Each trust operates under a Trust Distribution Procedure (TDP) that establishes:

Disease categories: Different payment levels for different diseases (mesothelioma receives highest payments)
Medical criteria: Documentation required to prove diagnosis
Exposure criteria: Evidence needed to establish exposure to that company's products
Payment percentages: Percentage of scheduled value paid to preserve trust assets
Review processes: Expedited and individual review options

"With my CPA background, I analyze trust fund financials to develop optimal claim strategies. Some trusts are paying higher percentages than others, and claim timing can significantly impact recovery. We track payment percentages across all 60+ trusts to maximize what our clients receive."
— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

Which Trusts Have the Most Assets?

While over 60 trusts exist, several hold the majority of remaining funds. The trust fund filing guidance explains how to identify which trusts may apply to your case.

Major Asbestos Trusts

Trust Name	Primary Products	Workers Affected
Johns-Manville Trust	Insulation, roofing, building products	Insulators, construction, shipyard workers
W.R. Grace Trust	Zonolite, fireproofing, Libby Montana vermiculite	Construction, renovation, mine workers
Owens Corning Trust	Insulation, building products	Construction, industrial workers
Pittsburgh Corning Trust	Unibestos block insulation	Industrial, shipyard, power plant workers
USG Trust	Joint compound, drywall, ceiling tiles	Drywall installers, construction workers

Industry-Specific Trusts

Different industries used different asbestos products, creating exposure to products from various manufacturers:

Construction and Building Trades:

Johns-Manville (insulation, pipe covering)
Owens Corning (insulation products)
USG (joint compound, ceiling tiles)
W.R. Grace (fireproofing, Zonolite)
Armstrong World Industries (flooring, ceiling tiles)

Industrial and Manufacturing:

Pittsburgh Corning (industrial insulation)
Combustion Engineering (power generation equipment)
Babcock & Wilcox (boilers, industrial equipment)
Garlock (gaskets, packing materials)

Shipyard and Maritime:

Eagle-Picher (insulation, marine products)
Various pump and valve manufacturers
Turbine and equipment manufacturers

How Many Trusts Can I File Claims With?

The number of applicable trusts depends on your work history and exposure documentation. Most mesothelioma patients qualify for significantly more trust claims than they initially realize.

Why Multiple Trusts Apply

Workers were rarely exposed to asbestos products from just one manufacturer:

Construction workers encountered insulation, drywall, flooring, ceiling tiles, and fireproofing from different companies on each job
Shipyard workers worked with pumps, valves, gaskets, insulation, and equipment from dozens of manufacturers
Industrial workers maintained equipment containing asbestos from numerous sources
Power plant workers handled insulation, gaskets, and turbine components from multiple suppliers

10-20

Trust funds most mesothelioma patients qualify to file claims with

Identifying Applicable Trusts

Determining which trusts apply requires:

Detailed work history: All employers, job sites, dates, and job duties
Product identification: Which asbestos products were present at each worksite
Manufacturer research: Matching products to their manufacturers
Trust eligibility review: Confirming each trust's exposure criteria are met

The asbestos products database and asbestos manufacturers index help identify product-manufacturer relationships.

"Clients often remember working with 'pipe insulation' without knowing the manufacturer. Our firm maintains databases tracking which products were used at thousands of job sites across America. We identify trust claims clients would never find on their own."
— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

How Do Trust Fund Claims Work?

Trust fund claims are administrative processes, not lawsuits. Understanding the process helps you know what to expect.

Filing Requirements

Each trust requires documentation including [2]:

Medical records: Pathology report confirming mesothelioma diagnosis
Work history: Employment records, Social Security earnings, union records
Exposure evidence: Documentation placing you at sites where that company's products were used
Supporting statements: Co-worker affidavits, site investigation reports

Review Options

Most trusts offer two claim review pathways:

Expedited Review:

Faster processing (typically 4-12 weeks)
Fixed payment amounts based on disease category
Requires meeting basic medical and exposure criteria
Lower threshold for exposure documentation

Individual Review:

Longer processing (6-18 months)
Payments based on individual case evaluation
May result in higher compensation for strong cases
Considers case-specific factors like exposure intensity and duration

Payment Percentages

To ensure trusts can pay future claims, most pay a percentage of the scheduled value rather than the full amount [2]. This payment percentage varies by trust and changes over time based on:

Trust assets and investment returns
Number of claims filed
Projected future claims
Trust administrator decisions

Payment percentages range from under 10% for some trusts to over 100% for others. Experienced attorneys track these percentages to optimize claim timing and strategy.

Trust Fund Claims vs. Lawsuits: What's the Difference?

Trust fund claims and personal injury lawsuits are different compensation paths that can be pursued simultaneously. The mesothelioma claim process guide explains how these work together.

Key Differences

Feature	Trust Fund Claims	Personal Injury Lawsuits
Target	Bankrupt companies' trusts	Solvent defendants
Process	Administrative filing	Court litigation
Timeline	Weeks to months per claim	12-24 months typical
Payment Amounts	Fixed or negotiated values	Settlement or verdict amounts
Discovery	Limited documentation	Full discovery process
Trial Risk	None	Trial possible if no settlement

Pursuing Both Simultaneously

Most mesothelioma patients benefit from pursuing both compensation paths:

Trust claims provide faster, more certain recovery from bankrupt defendants
Lawsuits can yield larger recoveries from solvent defendants
Combined recovery maximizes total compensation
Experienced attorneys coordinate both processes efficiently

"We pursue every available compensation source for our clients. Trust funds provide baseline recovery while lawsuits against solvent defendants can significantly increase total compensation. With over 30 years handling mesothelioma cases, we know how to coordinate these different processes for maximum results."
— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

Maximizing Your Trust Fund Recovery

Several strategies help ensure you recover maximum compensation from applicable trusts. The trust fund claim optimization guide provides additional strategies.

1. Identify All Applicable Trusts

The single most important factor is ensuring claims are filed with every trust that applies to your exposure:

Review complete work history including all employers and job sites
Research which asbestos products were used at each site
Identify manufacturers of those products
Match manufacturers to their bankruptcy trusts

2. Document Exposure Thoroughly

Strong exposure documentation increases claim values:

Gather employment records, W-2s, Social Security statements
Obtain co-worker statements confirming product exposure
Research site histories for product purchase records
Use company archives and historical databases

3. Choose Optimal Review Pathways

Work with your attorney to determine whether expedited or individual review is best for each trust:

Expedited review for trusts with lower payment percentages
Individual review when documentation supports higher values
Consider timing based on medical condition and payment percentages

4. Work with Experienced Attorneys

Mesothelioma attorneys provide significant advantages [3]:

Access to product and site databases
Knowledge of all applicable trusts
Understanding of optimal claim strategies
Efficient processing of multiple simultaneous claims
No upfront costs—contingency fee arrangement

Common Trust Fund Claim Challenges

Several challenges can arise during the trust fund claims process. Understanding these helps ensure successful claims.

Exposure Documentation Gaps

When direct records are unavailable:

Co-worker affidavits can establish exposure
Site investigation reports document product use
Industry studies show typical products used in different trades
Product databases help identify manufacturers

Statute of Limitations Concerns

Trust fund claims are subject to time limits that vary by state and trust. The statute of limitations guide explains these deadlines. Prompt action is essential to preserve your rights.

Payment Percentage Changes

Trust payment percentages can change over time. Working with attorneys who track these changes ensures optimal claim timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are asbestos trust funds?

Asbestos trust funds are legal entities established by companies that filed for bankruptcy due to asbestos liabilities. These trusts are funded with company assets and insurance proceeds to compensate current and future victims who develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases from exposure to that company's products.

How much money is available in asbestos trust funds?

Over $30 billion remains available in more than 60 active asbestos trust funds as of 2026. Individual trusts range from tens of millions to several billion dollars. The largest trusts include Johns-Manville ($2.5+ billion), W.R. Grace ($3+ billion), and Owens Corning/Fibreboard (substantial remaining assets).

How much can I receive from asbestos trust funds?

Total recovery varies significantly based on your exposure history. Most mesothelioma patients qualify for claims against 10-20 different trusts. Combined trust fund recovery can range from $100,000 to over $1 million depending on the number of applicable trusts and the strength of exposure documentation.

How long does it take to receive trust fund payments?

Expedited review claims typically pay within 4-12 weeks after approval. Individual review claims, which may yield higher payments for strong cases, can take 6-18 months. Most trusts offer expedited processing for mesothelioma patients given the disease's seriousness.

Do I need a lawyer to file asbestos trust fund claims?

While you can technically file claims yourself, experienced mesothelioma attorneys typically recover significantly more compensation. Attorneys have access to exposure databases, know which trusts apply to your work history, understand optimal claim strategies, and work on contingency—meaning no payment unless you recover.

Can I file trust fund claims and also file a lawsuit?

Yes. Trust fund claims and lawsuits are separate compensation paths that can be pursued simultaneously. Trust funds compensate for exposure to bankrupt companies' products, while lawsuits target solvent defendants. Many mesothelioma patients pursue both to maximize total recovery.

Take Action: Accessing Trust Fund Compensation

If you have mesothelioma, you may be entitled to substantial compensation from multiple asbestos trust funds. Time limits apply, so prompt action is important to preserve your rights.

Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys specialize in trust fund claims. We identify all applicable trusts, gather documentation, and maximize your recovery from every available source—at no cost unless we recover compensation for you.

Related Resources

USG Trust: Building Products and Drywall Claims — Specific trust information
Asbestos Trust Fund Guide — Detailed filing information
Find Mesothelioma Lawyers by State — Connect with specialists
Free Case Assessment — Get a personalized evaluation

Learn More About Trust Funds

Asbestos Trust Funds Overview — Complete trust fund guide
Trust Fund Filing Guidance — Claims process details
Claim Optimization Strategies — Maximizing recovery

Sources:

GAO Report on Asbestos Injury Compensation. U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2024).
Asbestos Bankruptcy Trust Payment Percentages. RAND Institute for Civil Justice. (2025).
Asbestos Litigation: 2025 Update. American Bar Association, Mass Tort Litigation Committee. (2025).
Bankruptcy Code Section 524(g) Trust Administration. U.S. Bankruptcy Courts. (2024).
Asbestos Claims Trends and Trust Fund Solvency Analysis. Bates White Economic Consulting. (2025).

Last updated: February 6, 2026