NSW state insurer icare says about 300 participants in its dust diseases scheme were underpaid.

The affected people represent 6% of the program’s 5000 participants. 

icare will contact those affected in coming weeks to tell them the amounts owed and the expected timeline for payments, which are planned to be complete by December.

“We have unfortunately discovered historical errors in the calculation of some dust diseases scheme payments,” icare said. “We are deeply sorry for any distress or concern that people may experience.”

The state insurer says it is implementing an end-to-end case management platform for the dust diseases care scheme to prevent future errors and increase efficiency. 

icare previously undertook remediation for dust disease payments in 2021.

Dust disease can refer to illnesses such as mesothelioma and silicosis.