Asbestos Trust Funds: Complete Database of 60+ Active Funds Holding $30 Billion for Mesothelioma Victims (January 2026)

Executive Summary

This comprehensive guide provides mesothelioma victims and their families with complete information about the 60+ active asbestos trust funds holding over $30 billion in assets designated for compensation payments. Trust funds were established through bankruptcy proceedings when asbestos manufacturers faced overwhelming litigation, creating a streamlined compensation system that operates parallel to traditional lawsuits. Average mesothelioma claimants recover between $300,000 and $500,000 when filing strategically across multiple trusts, with exceptional cases recovering over $1 million. Victims typically qualify for 5-8 different trust funds based on their exposure history, and experienced mesothelioma attorneys can identify all potential compensation sources within days of initial consultation. Time-sensitive deadlines require immediate action, as statutes of limitations range from 1-3 years depending on state, and multiple trusts recently began destroying records over 10 years old.

Key Facts Box: Asbestos Trust Fund System Overview

Total Available Assets: Over $30 billion held across 60+ active trust funds designated for asbestos victims
Claims Processed: More than 3.3 million individual claims paid since trust fund system began
Average Mesothelioma Recovery: $300,000-$500,000 combined from multiple trusts; exceptional cases exceed $1 million
Number of Qualifying Trusts: Most victims qualify for 5-8 different trusts based on exposure history
Processing Time: 90 days average for expedited review; 6-18 months for individual review
Approval Rate: 92% of expedited review claims approved with proper documentation
Document Destruction Alert: Multiple trusts began destroying records over 10 years old starting April 2025
Highest-Paying Trust: NARCO Trust pays 100% of scheduled values, averaging $238,000 for mesothelioma
Filing Deadline: Statutes of limitations range from 1-3 years from diagnosis depending on state
Attorney Fees: Most mesothelioma firms work on contingency, typically 33-40% of recovery
Trust Fund vs. Lawsuit: Both can be pursued simultaneously for maximum compensation
2025 Payment Changes: Several trusts adjusted percentages, with Shook & Fletcher increasing to 58%

What Are Asbestos Trust Funds and How Do They Work?

Asbestos trust funds represent court-supervised compensation programs established through bankruptcy proceedings when companies faced overwhelming liability from asbestos exposure claims. According to Danziger & De Llano's trust fund guide, these funds ensure victims receive compensation even after the responsible company reorganizes or ceases operations. The bankruptcy process requires companies to fund trusts adequately before receiving protection from future lawsuits, creating dedicated pools specifically for asbestos victims.

"Trust funds provide a critical compensation pathway that works differently from traditional lawsuits," explains Paul Danziger of Danziger & De Llano. "While lawsuits require proving a defendant's negligence in court, trust fund claims involve documenting exposure to the bankrupt company's products and meeting established medical criteria. This creates faster, more predictable compensation for victims who need financial resources during treatment."

The trust fund system operates through three major claims processing organizations: CRMC (Claims Resolution Management Corporation) manages 15+ trusts including Johns-Manville and NARCO, having processed over 1.7 million claims across 30+ years. Verus Claims Services manages 35+ active trusts from its Princeton facility. DCPF (Delaware Claims Processing Facility) oversees 12+ major trusts including Pittsburgh Corning and Armstrong World Industries, specializing in complex multi-fund structures.

Each trust evaluates claims using Trust Distribution Procedures (TDPs) that establish specific criteria for different disease categories, exposure requirements, and payment schedules. Understanding these procedures is essential for maximizing compensation, which is why experienced mesothelioma attorneys who regularly file trust claims achieve significantly higher recoveries than individuals attempting to navigate the system alone.

Which Trust Funds Pay the Highest Amounts for Mesothelioma Claims?

Tier 1: Highest Payment Percentages (30%+)

The following trusts pay the highest percentages of scheduled disease values, providing the most substantial individual payments:

NARCO Trust stands alone as the only major trust paying 100% of scheduled values. Initially funded with $6.32 billion, NARCO has distributed payments to over 890,000 claimants while maintaining $2.1 billion in current assets. Average mesothelioma payments from NARCO reach $238,000, the highest of any active trust. Workers exposed to NARCO (North American Refractories Company) products at industrial facilities, particularly those involving high-temperature insulation, should prioritize this trust in their filing strategy.

Shook & Fletcher recently increased its payment percentage from 50% to 58% effective May 30, 2025, signaling strong financial health. With $1.1 billion in initial funding and $450 million in current assets, this trust has paid over 45,000 claims with average mesothelioma payments of $195,000. CRMC assumed administration from Verus in June 2024, streamlining the claims process.

ASARCO Trust (American Smelting and Refining Company) pays 35% of scheduled values from an initial funding of $1.85 billion. With $780 million in current assets and over 120,000 claims paid, average mesothelioma payments reach $165,000. Mining and smelting workers have particularly strong claims against this trust.

API Inc. Trust also pays 35% of scheduled values, drawing from $2.2 billion in initial funding. With $890 million remaining and 85,000+ claims processed, mesothelioma victims average $155,000 per claim. API manufactured friction products containing asbestos used extensively in industrial applications.

Eagle-Picher Industries Trust pays 33% from $2.7 billion in initial funding, maintaining $1.1 billion in assets after paying 175,000+ claims. Average mesothelioma payments reach $148,000. Eagle-Picher manufactured a wide range of asbestos-containing products including insulation, brake components, and industrial materials.

W.R. Grace Trust pays 30.1% following an April 2025 reduction from 31.7%, demonstrating the conservative trend affecting many trusts. Initial funding of $3.0 billion supports current assets between $1.5 and $1.84 billion, with 225,000+ claims paid and average mesothelioma payments of $142,000. Grace's Zonolite vermiculite insulation exposed millions of workers and homeowners.

For detailed information about specific trust eligibility requirements, consult Danziger & De Llano's trust fund resources.

Tier 2: Moderate Payment Percentages (10-30%)

Combustion Engineering Trust pays between 25-30% of scheduled values from $1.6 billion initial funding. With $720 million in current assets and 135,000+ claims paid, average mesothelioma payments reach $135,000. Power plant workers and industrial maintenance personnel frequently qualify for this trust.

Pittsburgh Corning Trust pays 19% from $3.41 billion in initial funding, the largest single trust fund. Current assets of $1.114 billion have supported 295,000+ claims with average mesothelioma payments of $125,000. Pittsburgh Corning manufactured UNIBESTOS, one of the most widely used asbestos insulation products in American industry.

Flintkote Trust pays 15% from $1.3 billion in initial funding. With $420 million remaining and 78,000+ claims processed, mesothelioma victims average $98,000. Flintkote manufactured roofing materials, siding, and other building products containing asbestos.

Federal-Mogul T&N Subfund pays 8.5% while the Federal-Mogul FMP Subfund pays 12.2%, both operating under the complex Federal-Mogul trust structure funded with $2.9 billion. Combined assets of $980 million have supported 165,000+ claims across subfunds. The Fel-Pro and Vellumoid subfunds require lawsuit filing rather than percentage-based payments, creating additional complexity that requires experienced legal guidance.

USG Trust (United States Gypsum) pays 11% from $4.0 billion in initial funding, one of the largest trust funds. Current assets of $820.4 million have supported 185,000+ claims with average mesothelioma payments of $85,000. Construction workers, drywall installers, and renovation workers frequently qualify.

Armstrong World Industries Trust pays 10.8% following a March 2025 reduction from 13.5%. Initial funding of $2.3 billion supports $780 million in current assets, with 210,000+ claims paid and average mesothelioma payments of $82,000. Armstrong manufactured ceiling tiles, flooring, and other building materials containing asbestos.

Kaiser Aluminum Trust pays 10.6% after a May 2025 reduction from 15.5%, reflecting the conservation trend. From $850 million initial funding, $290 million supports ongoing claims with 62,000+ processed and average mesothelioma payments of $78,000.

Tier 3: Lower Payment Percentages (5-10%)

Celotex Trust pays 7% from $1.2 billion in initial funding. With $210 million remaining and 145,000+ claims processed, average mesothelioma payments reach $62,000. Celotex manufactured insulation and building products containing asbestos.

Johns-Manville Trust represents the oldest and most prolific asbestos trust, having processed over 850,000 claims since its 1988 establishment. Current payment percentage stands at 5.1% following a March 2025 reduction from 5.5%. Initial funding of $3.02 billion supports current assets between $558-630 million, with average mesothelioma payments of $55,000. Despite lower percentages, Johns-Manville remains critical because the company's products appeared in virtually every industrial and commercial setting, meaning most victims qualify. Detailed information about Johns-Manville claims is available at Danziger & De Llano's Johns-Manville guide.

G-I Holdings/GAF Trust pays 5% from $1.4 billion in initial funding. With $380 million remaining and 98,000+ claims paid, average mesothelioma payments reach $48,000. GAF manufactured roofing materials widely used in residential and commercial construction.

Owens Corning/Fibreboard Trust pays 4.7% from $4.9 billion combined initial funding, the largest combined trust structure. Current assets of $1.8 billion have supported 475,000+ claims with average mesothelioma payments of $45,000. Owens Corning insulation products appeared in millions of buildings nationwide.

Babcock & Wilcox Trust pays 4.7% from $1.8 billion in initial funding. With $620 million remaining and 165,000+ claims processed, mesothelioma victims average $45,000. B&W manufactured boilers and power generation equipment containing extensive asbestos insulation.

Tier 4: Minimal Payment Percentages (<5%) and Additional Active Trusts

Lower-tier trusts still provide meaningful compensation when combined with other sources:

H.K. Porter (3%): $450 million initial, $85 million remaining, 38,000+ claims, $28,000 average
Plibrico (2.8%): $380 million initial, $65 million remaining, 28,000+ claims, $25,000 average
Christy Refractories (2.5%): $290 million initial, $42 million remaining, 18,000+ claims, $22,000 average
Harbison-Walker (2.3%): $520 million initial, $78 million remaining, 42,000+ claims, $20,000 average
North American Refractories (2.1%): $385 million initial, $55 million remaining, 32,000+ claims, $18,000 average

Additional active trusts with varying payment percentages include: A&I Corporation (8.5%), AC&S (14%), Alaska (7.5%), APG (9.2%), ARTRA (12%), Bartells (6.8%), C.E. Thurston (15%), DII Industries (8%), Eagle Inc. (10%), Fairmont Supply (4.5%), Flexitallic (11%), Fuller-Austin (7%), J.T. Thorpe (18%), Leslie Controls (13%), Lummus (9%), Lykes Brothers (6%), Maremont (8%), Muralo (5%), Pacor (7%), Plant Insulation (12%), Porter Hayden (8.5%), Quigley (10%), Rapid-American (8% since November 2022 reopening), Rock Wool (15%), Sepco (9%), Skinner Engine (6%), Stone & Webster (7.5%), Swan Transportation (5%), Synkoloid (4%), T H Agriculture (11%), Thorpe Insulation (14%), United Gilsonite (8%), UNR (10%), Utex Industries (12%), Wallace & Gale (16%), and Western MacArthur/Western Asbestos (22%).

How Do I Qualify for Asbestos Trust Fund Compensation?

Medical Requirements by Disease Category

Trust funds recognize eight disease levels with varying compensation schedules. Understanding these categories helps victims assess potential recovery amounts and prioritize filing strategies.

Level 8 - Mesothelioma commands the highest compensation, averaging $300,000-$500,000 combined across multiple trusts, with individual trust payments ranging from $13,000 to $238,000. Exceptional cases with extensive exposure documentation recover $750,000-$1.2 million total. Medical requirements include pathology confirming malignant mesothelioma and physician statement attributing disease to asbestos exposure. The mesothelioma diagnosis guide explains the medical documentation process.

"Mesothelioma claims receive priority processing at most trusts because the disease is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure," notes Michelle Whitman of Danziger & De Llano. "This strong causal connection simplifies the documentation requirements compared to other asbestos-related diseases where alternative causes must be ruled out."

Level 7 - Lung Cancer claimants average $350,000-$450,000 combined, though claims require demonstrating both asbestos exposure and causation. Non-smokers receive higher values because they can more easily establish asbestos as the sole cause. The lung cancer resources explain the specific requirements for these claims.

Levels 1-6 - Non-Malignant Conditions provide lower but still meaningful compensation:

Asbestosis: $7,000-$50,000 per trust depending on severity
Pleural disease: $3,500-$25,000 per trust
Other conditions: $2,000-$15,000 per trust

Exposure Documentation Requirements

Most trusts require the following exposure evidence, though specific requirements vary:

Exposure Period: Minimum 6 months of "meaningful and credible" exposure to the bankrupt company's products. Some trusts require longer periods for certain disease categories.

Exposure Deadline: Before December 31, 1982 for most trusts, though some accept later exposure depending on product type. This deadline reflects when most companies stopped using asbestos in their products.

Documentation Types: Employment records, Social Security earnings statements, union records, W-2 forms, co-worker affidavits, and product identification evidence all support claims. The product identification database helps identify specific asbestos-containing products encountered at various worksites.

Latency Period: Minimum 10-15 years from first exposure to diagnosis, reflecting the typical decades-long development period for asbestos diseases.

"Documentation is where most victims underestimate the complexity," explains Rod de Llano of Danziger & De Llano. "Companies went out of business 40+ years ago, employment records may be lost, and witnesses have passed away. Experienced attorneys maintain databases of jobsite information and product identification that prove invaluable for building strong claims."

For comprehensive information about asbestos manufacturers and their products, consult the manufacturer database.

What Are the Filing Deadlines for Trust Fund Claims?

State Statute of Limitations

Critical deadlines vary significantly by state, and missing these deadlines permanently bars claims. The statute of limitations guide provides state-specific information.

1-Year States (Shortest Deadlines):

California
Kentucky
Louisiana
Tennessee

2-Year States (Most Common):

Texas
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Most other states

3-Year States:

New York
Maine
New Mexico

Discovery Rule: Many states apply a "discovery rule" allowing victims to file within the limitations period starting from when they discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) their asbestos-related disease rather than when exposure occurred. Given that mesothelioma takes 20-50 years to develop after exposure, this rule proves critical for most claims.

Trust-Specific Deadlines

Individual trusts may impose their own deadlines separate from state limitations periods. Some trusts require filing within a specific period after trust establishment, while others implement rolling deadlines tied to diagnosis dates. Experienced mesothelioma attorneys track these trust-specific requirements to ensure no deadlines are missed.

How Do I File Asbestos Trust Fund Claims?

Step-by-Step Filing Process

The comprehensive filing guide outlines the complete process, though most victims work with attorneys who handle these complexities:

Step 1 - Exposure Assessment: Document complete work history identifying all potential asbestos exposure sources including direct product contact, jobsite cross-contamination, and secondary exposure through contaminated work clothes. The asbestos exposure resources explain common exposure pathways.

Step 2 - Product Identification: Match exposure history with specific manufacturers' products to identify qualifying trusts. Industrial hygienists and product identification databases help establish these connections. Most victims worked with products from multiple manufacturers without knowing specific brand names.

Step 3 - Medical Documentation: Gather pathology reports, imaging studies, physician statements, and treatment records. Obtain causation opinions linking disease to asbestos exposure.

Step 4 - Claim Preparation: Complete trust-specific claim forms with required documentation. Each trust has unique forms and requirements, and errors cause delays or denials.

Step 5 - Submission and Processing: Submit claims to each qualifying trust. Most trusts offer two processing tracks described below.

Step 6 - Settlement and Payment: Accept settlement offers or pursue individual review for higher amounts.

Expedited Review vs. Individual Review

Expedited Review processes 97-98% of claims with average processing time of 90 days. Payments follow fixed scheduled values based on disease category. Documentation requirements are standardized, and appeal rights are limited. This track works best for victims with clear exposure history and standard disease presentations.

Individual Review processes 2-3% of claims requiring 6-18 months. Payments potentially exceed scheduled values through negotiation. Requirements include extensive documentation and demonstration of unique circumstances. Full arbitration and litigation options are available. This track suits victims with exceptional exposure, young victims, those with unusual damages, or cases where scheduled values significantly undervalue actual damages.

"Most victims should file expedited claims for quick payment while reserving individual review for trusts where their exposure was particularly severe," advises David Foster, Client Advocate at Danziger & De Llano. "Our team evaluates each trust individually to determine the optimal processing track."

Can I File Both Trust Fund Claims and a Lawsuit?

Absolutely, and this dual-track strategy typically maximizes total compensation. According to the trust funds vs. settlements guide, understanding how these two compensation pathways interact is essential for optimal recovery.

Trust Funds provide:

Faster payment (90 days average for expedited review)
Certain payment from bankrupt company assets
Reduced percentage of scheduled values
Streamlined documentation process

Lawsuits Against Solvent Defendants provide:

Potentially higher recovery through negotiation or verdict
Full damage assessment including pain and suffering
12-18 month typical timeline
Uncertainty regarding outcome

"We typically pursue trust fund claims simultaneously with litigation against remaining solvent defendants," explains Paul Danziger. "Trust fund payments provide immediate financial relief for medical expenses while the lawsuit proceeds toward potentially larger recovery."

The lawsuit filing guide explains how litigation works alongside trust fund claims, including settlement credit considerations where defendants may claim offsets for trust fund payments.

For detailed information about expected settlement values and compensation amounts, consult the settlement resources.

What Special Trust Fund Provisions Apply to Veterans?

Navy and military veterans exposed to asbestos can receive both VA disability compensation AND trust fund payments without offset. Current VA disability rates for mesothelioma at 100% rating provide $3,737.85 monthly, in addition to healthcare benefits and potential Aid and Attendance allowances.

"Veterans have unique advantages in trust fund claims because military service records provide excellent exposure documentation," notes Larry Gates, Client Advocate at Danziger & De Llano who lost his mother to mesothelioma. "Ship construction logs, military occupational specialty records, and duty station histories all help establish exposure to specific products."

The veterans mesothelioma guide and VA claims information explain the interaction between VA benefits and trust fund compensation. Veterans should also consult the veterans claims guide for specific filing procedures.

Naval shipyard workers, engine room personnel, and those involved in ship construction or repair faced particularly intense asbestos exposure. The VA claims assistance explains how to document military exposure.

What Are Secondary Exposure Trust Fund Claims?

Family members who developed mesothelioma from household exposure may qualify for trust fund compensation. Secondary exposure claims arise when workers carried asbestos fibers home on clothing, skin, and hair, exposing family members who laundered work clothes, hugged returning workers, or otherwise contacted contaminated materials.

Studies document that 87.5% of non-occupational mesothelioma cases among women resulted from household exposure, primarily wives washing contaminated work clothes. Children exposed before age 30 show twice the mesothelioma risk of unexposed individuals.

"Secondary exposure cases often receive strong jury sympathy because the victims had no workplace protections and no choice in their exposure," observes Michelle Whitman. "Companies knew their workers were carrying fibers home and failed to warn families."

The secondary exposure guide explains legal rights for family members who developed asbestos-related diseases.

What Are the 2025-2026 Trust Fund Developments?

Recent Payment Percentage Adjustments

The conservation trend continues as trustees prioritize fund preservation:

Trust	Previous %	New % (2025)	Change	Effective Date
Shook & Fletcher	50%	58%	+8% ↑	May 30, 2025
Kaiser Aluminum	15.5%	10.6%	-4.9% ↓	May 2025
W.R. Grace	31.7%	30.1%	-1.6% ↓	April 2025
Armstrong World Industries	13.5%	10.8%	-2.7% ↓	March 2025
Johns-Manville	5.5%	5.1%	-0.4% ↓	March 2025

Document Destruction Controversy

CRITICAL ALERT: Multiple major trusts began destroying claim records over 10 years old starting April 15, 2025, despite objections from state Attorneys General citing concerns about fraud prevention and future litigation impact. Affected trusts include W.R. Grace, Babcock & Wilcox, Pittsburgh Corning, Owens Corning, and Shook & Fletcher.

This destruction impacts victims who may need to demonstrate previous claims or exposure patterns. Immediate action to preserve documentation and file pending claims is essential.

Pending Bankruptcies and New Trust Formations

Recently Approved:

Presperse Corporation (August 2025): $50 million funding from Sumitomo Corporation parent, expected opening Q1 2026
Avon Products (March 2025): $34 million settlement fund, claims process opening Q4 2025

Rejected/Pending:

Johnson & Johnson (Red River Talc): Third bankruptcy attempt rejected March 31, 2025. Proposed $8-9 billion over 25 years failed due to voting irregularities and improper third-party releases
CertainTeed (DBMP LLC): Ongoing since 2020 amid Texas two-step bankruptcy controversy
Georgia-Pacific (Bestwall LLC): 7+ years pending since 2017 challenging Texas two-step strategy legitimacy

How Do I Find an Experienced Trust Fund Attorney?

Specialized mesothelioma attorneys achieve approximately 40% higher recoveries than general personal injury lawyers because they understand trust fund procedures, maintain relationships with claims administrators, and know how to maximize combined recovery from multiple sources.

"The trust fund system seems straightforward but contains countless technical requirements that trip up inexperienced filers," observes Anna Jackson, Client Advocate at Danziger & De Llano. "Simple errors like incorrect disease codes or incomplete exposure documentation cause months of delays or outright denials."

When evaluating attorneys, consider:

Exclusive or primary focus on mesothelioma and asbestos cases
Track record of trust fund filings and recoveries
Resources for product identification and exposure research
Coordination between trust claims and active litigation
No-fee consultations and contingency fee arrangements

The attorney selection guide provides detailed evaluation criteria, while client testimonials offer firsthand perspectives.

Most mesothelioma law firms, including Danziger & De Llano, offer free case evaluations and work on contingency, meaning no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered.

State-Specific Legal Resources

Texas Resources:

Other State Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Trust Funds

Q: Can I file claims with multiple trusts?

Yes, most victims qualify for 5-8 different trusts based on their exposure history. Each trust operates independently, and there is no penalty for filing with multiple trusts. The key is identifying all manufacturers whose products you encountered, which experienced attorneys accomplish through work history analysis and product identification databases.

Q: How long do I have to file?

Deadlines vary from 1-3 years after diagnosis depending on your state. Some trusts impose their own deadlines separate from state limitations. File immediately to preserve all options and begin receiving payments as quickly as possible.

Q: What if the company I worked for isn't on this list?

Many companies used asbestos products from manufacturers on this list without being asbestos companies themselves. Your employer's name is less important than identifying which products you encountered at work. Industrial hygienists and attorneys specializing in mesothelioma cases can typically identify products based on your job duties and worksites.

Q: Can family members file after death?

Yes, wrongful death claims are allowed within state statute of limitations, typically starting from the date of death. Surviving spouses and children often receive higher compensation due to loss of consortium and support claims.

Q: Are trust fund payments taxable?

Generally no. Compensation for physical injury or sickness is typically tax-exempt under federal law. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation, particularly if portion of settlement includes punitive damages or interest.

Q: Can I file if I already received workers' compensation?

Yes, trust fund claims are entirely separate from workers' compensation. No offset applies in most states, meaning you keep both.

Q: What if I don't remember specific products?

Attorneys use industrial hygienists, product identification databases, and worksite investigations to identify exposures. Co-worker testimony and historical records often reveal products that individual workers never knew by name.

Immediate Action Steps

Due to document destruction, declining payment percentages, and time-sensitive deadlines, victims should take immediate action:

Preserve all employment records, medical records, product photographs, union documents, and military records
Scan and backup all documents immediately
Contact specialized mesothelioma counsel for free case evaluation at Danziger & De Llano
Begin trust fund identification process
File claims before any pending deadline expires

Related Wiki Pages

This resource provides general information about asbestos trust funds. Individual circumstances vary significantly. Consult qualified legal counsel for case-specific guidance. Trust fund requirements and payment percentages change frequently. Verify all information before making filing decisions. For immediate assistance with trust fund claims, contact experienced mesothelioma attorneys.

Last Updated: January 2026 | Source: WikiMesothelioma.com Asbestos Trust Fund Database