Owens Corning Asbestos Trust Fund: $5 Billion Fund and Filing Requirements in 2026

Key Facts About the Owens Corning Asbestos Trust Fund

• Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2000 due to multi-billion-dollar asbestos liability [1]
• The trust was established on October 31, 2006, initially funded with $5 billion [1]
• The trust has paid approximately $3.11 billion to asbestos victims across more than 809,000 claims [2]
• Current payment percentage: 4.7% of scheduled value for Owens Corning claims, 3.7% for Fibreboard claims [2]
• Kaylo brand pipe covering and block insulation was the most widely distributed asbestos product, sold from 1953 to 1973 [6]
• Owens Corning removed asbestos from Kaylo products in 1972, but installed products continued to expose workers for decades [6]
• Two claim processes are available: expedited review (faster, fixed payment) and individual review (potentially higher amounts) [3]. See our related article on Owens Corning trust filing requirements for additional detail
• Expedited review claims typically receive payment within approximately 90 days [3]
• Fibreboard Corporation was acquired by Owens Corning in 1997 and is covered by the same trust [5]
• The trust operates alongside more than 60 other asbestos bankruptcy trusts holding over $30 billion combined [9] — learn how to file multiple trust fund claims to maximize recovery

What Is the Owens Corning/Fibreboard Asbestos Trust?

The Owens Corning/Fibreboard Asbestos Personal Injury Trust was created in 2006 to resolve all asbestos personal injury claims against Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation and its subsidiary Fibreboard Corporation. Initially funded with $5 billion, the trust has processed more than 809,000 claims and paid approximately $3.11 billion in compensation to individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases [1][2].

Owens Corning filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2000 after facing escalating asbestos litigation. The company's Kaylo brand insulation products, manufactured from 1953 to 1973, had been installed in thousands of commercial, industrial, and military facilities nationwide. By the time of the bankruptcy filing, the volume of asbestos claims made continued operations financially unsustainable [5].

"The Owens Corning trust is one of the best-funded asbestos trusts still actively paying claims. With $5 billion in initial funding and a structured claims process, it remains a critical compensation source for workers who installed or maintained Kaylo insulation products."

— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

The trust pays claims in accordance with its court-approved Trust Distribution Procedures (TDP), which establish scheduled values for each disease category and define two claim review pathways. Understanding these procedures is essential for maximizing compensation.

What Asbestos Products Did Owens Corning Manufacture?

Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation manufactured asbestos-containing products from as early as 1938 through the early 1970s. The company's product line exposed workers across dozens of industries and thousands of facilities [6]. The National Cancer Institute identifies insulation products like those made by Owens Corning as a primary source of occupational asbestos exposure [7].

Key Owens Corning asbestos products include:

• Kaylo pipe covering: The company's flagship asbestos product, designed for pipe temperatures of 200 to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and used extensively in boiler rooms, power plants, and industrial facilities
• Kaylo block insulation: Rigid insulation panels used in walls, ceilings, and equipment housings in commercial and industrial buildings
• Insulating cement: Applied to pipes, boilers, and ductwork during construction and maintenance
• Joint compound: Used in building construction for sealing joints between drywall panels
• Pipe covering: Non-Kaylo branded pipe insulation materials containing asbestos fibers

Kaylo insulation was installed in hospitals, airports, schools, Navy ships, petrochemical facilities, and office buildings across the country. For a detailed history of Owens Corning insulation asbestos claims, see our companion guide. Owens Corning removed asbestos from the Kaylo product line in 1972, but products already installed continued to expose maintenance workers, renovation crews, and demolition teams for decades afterward [6].

How Much Does the Owens Corning Trust Pay for Mesothelioma?

The Owens Corning/Fibreboard Trust pays claims based on a percentage of the scheduled value assigned to each disease category. The current payment percentages — 4.7% for Owens Corning claims and 3.7% for Fibreboard claims — are applied to the scheduled value to determine the actual payment amount [2].

Under expedited review, a mesothelioma claim filed at the Owens Corning payment rate would receive approximately $10,105 based on the current payment percentage applied to the mesothelioma scheduled value [3]. However, actual compensation varies based on the review process chosen and the specific circumstances of each claim.

"The expedited review payment is the floor, not the ceiling. Individual review allows us to present evidence of severe exposure, extensive medical treatment, and significant economic losses that can justify compensation well above the scheduled value."

— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

Payment percentages are subject to periodic adjustment by the trust based on remaining assets and projected future claims. These percentages have decreased over time as the trust has paid out a substantial portion of its initial $5 billion funding. Working with an experienced asbestos attorney ensures your claim is filed under the most advantageous review process for your situation.

What Are the Two Claim Review Processes?

The Owens Corning trust offers two distinct pathways for claim evaluation, each with different timelines, documentation requirements, and potential outcomes [3]:

Expedited Review (ER)

Expedited review is designed for claims that meet all standard medical and exposure criteria established in the Trust Distribution Procedures. Claims approved under ER receive a fixed payment equal to the current payment percentage multiplied by the scheduled value for the diagnosed disease level. This process is faster — many claimants receive payment within approximately 90 days of submission. The trade-off is that the payment amount is predetermined and cannot exceed the scheduled value.

Individual Review (IR)

Individual review allows claimants to present additional evidence demonstrating that their claim is worth more than the standard scheduled value. This evidence may include documentation of severe or prolonged exposure, significant medical expenses, lost income, and the specific circumstances of the illness. Awards under individual review may be higher or lower than the expedited review amount, and the process takes longer due to the additional evaluation required [3].

For mesothelioma claims with well-documented, extensive exposure to Kaylo insulation or other Owens Corning products, individual review often yields higher compensation. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether the additional documentation effort is justified based on the strength of your exposure evidence.

Who Is Eligible to File a Claim With the Owens Corning Trust?

Eligibility for the Owens Corning/Fibreboard trust requires three elements: a qualifying medical diagnosis, documented exposure to an Owens Corning or Fibreboard asbestos product, and evidence connecting the exposure to the diagnosed disease [1].

Eligible claimants include:

• Insulation workers: Those who installed, maintained, or removed Kaylo pipe covering and block insulation
• Construction workers: Tradespeople who worked alongside insulation installers or encountered Owens Corning joint compound and cement
• Industrial workers: Employees at power plants, refineries, and manufacturing facilities where Kaylo products were installed
• Shipyard workers: Personnel who installed or maintained Owens Corning insulation aboard naval and commercial vessels
• Building maintenance workers: Staff who maintained facilities containing deteriorating Kaylo insulation
• Family members: Individuals who developed asbestos-related diseases from secondhand exposure on workers' clothing
• Surviving family members: Spouses, children, and dependents who may file wrongful death claims on behalf of deceased workers

"Product identification is the key to a successful trust fund claim. Workers often don't remember specific brand names from decades ago. An experienced attorney knows how to use work site records, union documents, and manufacturer databases to connect your exposure to specific Owens Corning or Fibreboard products."

— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

What Documentation Do You Need to File an Owens Corning Trust Claim?

A successful claim requires documentation in three categories: medical evidence, exposure evidence, and supporting records [4]. Gathering this documentation before filing prevents delays and strengthens the claim regardless of which review process you choose.

Medical documentation:

• Pathology report confirming mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or other qualifying asbestos-related diagnosis
• Medical records showing treatment history and current condition
• Physician statement linking the diagnosis to asbestos exposure

Exposure documentation:

• Employment records showing work at facilities where Owens Corning or Fibreboard products were used
• Product identification evidence connecting the work site to specific Owens Corning products (Kaylo insulation, joint compound, cement)
• Witness statements from coworkers confirming asbestos exposure conditions
• Union records, Social Security earnings statements, or tax records documenting employment history

Supporting records:

• Proof of identity and relationship to the exposed individual (for family member claims)
• Death certificate (for wrongful death claims)
• Prior litigation or trust fund claim history

Can You File Owens Corning Trust Claims Alongside Other Compensation?

Yes. Filing with the Owens Corning/Fibreboard trust does not prevent you from pursuing compensation through other channels. Most mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos products from multiple manufacturers, and each manufacturer's trust operates independently [9].

Compensation pathways that can be pursued simultaneously include:

• Other asbestos trust funds: Over 60 trusts hold more than $30 billion combined — file with every trust whose products contributed to your exposure, including the Pittsburgh Corning Trust for industrial insulation claims
• Personal injury lawsuits: Against companies that manufactured or distributed asbestos products and have not filed bankruptcy
• VA disability benefits: For veterans exposed to Owens Corning products during military service, particularly aboard ships and at military installations
• Workers' compensation: Through the state system where the exposure occurred

The asbestos trust fund system was specifically designed to operate alongside the civil litigation system. An attorney experienced in asbestos cases can identify every applicable trust based on your work history and exposure profile, ensuring no compensation source is overlooked.

How Do You File a Claim With the Owens Corning Trust?

The filing process follows a structured sequence designed to evaluate eligibility and determine appropriate compensation [3][4]:

1. Gather documentation: Compile medical records, employment history, and product identification evidence before filing
2. Choose review process: Select either expedited review (fixed scheduled value, faster payment) or individual review (potentially higher compensation, longer timeline)
3. Submit claim: File the claim through the trust's claims facility with all required documentation
4. Trust evaluation: The trust reviews the claim for completeness and verifies medical and exposure criteria
5. Deficiency notice (if applicable): If documentation is incomplete, the trust issues a notice specifying what additional evidence is needed
6. Payment determination: For approved ER claims, payment equals the current percentage of the scheduled value; for IR claims, the trust evaluates the evidence and determines an appropriate amount
7. Payment: Approved claims receive payment — typically within 90 days for expedited review

"Filing trust fund claims is one piece of a comprehensive compensation strategy. For most mesothelioma patients, the Owens Corning trust is one of 5 to 15 trusts they're eligible for. The combined value of all applicable trust claims — plus any lawsuit recoveries and VA benefits — can be substantial."

— Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano

The trust accepts claims from individuals or through legal representatives. Because product identification and exposure documentation can be complex — particularly for exposure that occurred 30 to 50 years ago — most claimants work with a mesothelioma attorney who has experience navigating the trust fund claims process.

If you were exposed to Kaylo insulation or other Owens Corning asbestos products and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, take our free case assessment to learn which trust funds you may be eligible for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Owens Corning asbestos trust pay for mesothelioma claims?

The Owens Corning/Fibreboard Asbestos Trust currently pays a percentage of the scheduled value for each disease category. For Owens Corning product claims, the current payment percentage is 4.7% of the scheduled value. For Fibreboard product claims, the payment percentage is 3.7%. A mesothelioma claim filed under expedited review at the Owens Corning rate would receive approximately $10,105. However, claimants who file under individual review may negotiate higher amounts based on the specific circumstances of their exposure and illness. The trust was initially funded with $5 billion and has paid approximately $3.11 billion to date.

What is the difference between expedited review and individual review for Owens Corning trust claims?

Expedited review is the faster process where eligible claims receive a fixed payment equal to the current payment percentage multiplied by the scheduled value for the diagnosed disease level. This process requires meeting specific medical and exposure criteria and typically results in payment within approximately 90 days. Individual review allows claimants to present additional evidence that their claim is worth more than the scheduled value. Individual review awards may be higher or lower than expedited review payments, and the process takes longer. An experienced asbestos attorney can advise which process is likely to yield better compensation for your specific situation.

What products did Owens Corning make that contained asbestos?

Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation manufactured several asbestos-containing products from the 1930s through the early 1970s. The most widely known was the Kaylo brand of pipe covering and block insulation, sold from 1953 to 1973 and designed for pipe temperatures of 200 to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Other products included insulating cement, joint compound, pipe covering, and various building materials. Kaylo insulation was installed in hospitals, airports, power plants, ships, petrochemical facilities, and commercial buildings nationwide. Owens Corning removed asbestos from the Kaylo product line in 1972, but installed products continued to expose workers during maintenance and removal for decades afterward.

Who is eligible to file a claim with the Owens Corning asbestos trust?

Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease who can demonstrate exposure to Owens Corning or Fibreboard asbestos products may be eligible. This includes workers who installed, maintained, or removed Kaylo insulation and other Owens Corning products; building occupants exposed to deteriorating asbestos materials; and family members who developed asbestos-related diseases from secondhand exposure on workers' clothing. Claims can be filed by the diagnosed individual, a legal representative, or surviving family members. You must provide medical documentation of diagnosis, evidence of exposure to a qualifying product, and proof of the exposure period.

How long does it take to receive payment from the Owens Corning trust?

For claims filed under expedited review that meet all medical and exposure criteria, many claimants receive payment within approximately 90 days of submission. Individual review claims take longer because they involve additional evidence evaluation and potential negotiation. The timeline can vary depending on the completeness of documentation submitted, the complexity of the exposure history, and the current volume of claims being processed by the trust. Working with an attorney experienced in asbestos trust fund claims can help ensure documentation is complete at the time of filing, reducing delays.

Can I file claims with multiple asbestos trust funds at the same time?

Yes. Most mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos products from multiple manufacturers. You can file claims with every trust fund whose products contributed to your exposure. Over 60 asbestos bankruptcy trusts hold more than $30 billion combined, and an experienced attorney can identify all applicable trusts based on your work history and exposure profile. Filing with the Owens Corning trust does not prevent you from filing with other trusts such as Johns-Manville, W.R. Grace, or USG Corporation. Trust fund claims are also separate from personal injury lawsuits — you can pursue both simultaneously.

What is the difference between Owens Corning and Fibreboard claims?

The Owens Corning/Fibreboard Trust handles claims for two separate entities. Owens Corning claims involve exposure to products manufactured by Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corporation, including Kaylo insulation. Fibreboard claims involve exposure to products manufactured by Fibreboard Corporation, which Owens Corning acquired in 1997. The two claim types have different payment percentages: 4.7% for Owens Corning and 3.7% for Fibreboard. The scheduled values for each disease category may also differ. Your claim is filed under whichever entity manufactured the specific product you were exposed to. If you were exposed to products from both companies, you may be eligible to file claims under both.

References

1. Owens Corning / Fibreboard Asbestos Personal Injury Trust. Official Website.
2. Owens Corning / Fibreboard Asbestos Trust. "Payments Information."
3. Owens Corning / Fibreboard Asbestos Trust. "Expedited Review Settlement."
4. Owens Corning / Fibreboard Asbestos Trust. "Trust Documents."
5. Mesothelioma Lawyer Center. "Owens Corning Corporation — Asbestos Products and Trust Fund."
6. Mesothelioma.net. "Owens Corning Asbestos Products, Lawsuits, and Trust."
7. National Cancer Institute. "Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk Fact Sheet."
8. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. "Asbestos: Overview and Standards."
9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Asbestos Ban and Phase Out Regulations."
10. WikiMesothelioma. "Owens Corning Trust."
11. National Cancer Institute. "Malignant Mesothelioma Treatment — Patient Version."

Related Articles

• Owens Corning Fibreboard Trust: Insulation and Asbestos Claims — overview of the trust and eligible product exposure