RECA ACT
RECA (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act)
Uranium Industry Workers: $100,000
Onsite Participants: $75,000
Downwinders: $50,000
In 1990, the U.S. government established the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to offer financial assistance to individuals who became seriously ill due to exposure to radiation. This includes:
Communities affected by nuclear weapons testing
Individuals who worked in uranium mining and milling
Onsite workers exposed during atmospheric nuclear detonations
Who Qualifies and Who Gets the Compensation? RECA provides lump-sum payments not ongoing medical benefits. There are three main groups of eligible claimants, each with different criteria and compensation amounts:
Downwinders:
Compensation: $50,000
These are individuals who lived in areas downwind of nuclear test sites and later developed qualifying illnesses.
Requirements:
Lived for at least two years (consecutive or total) between Jan 21, 1951 – Oct 31, 1958, or
Were present for the full month between June 30 – July 31, 1962
Later diagnosed with a covered illness
Onsite ParticipantsCompensation: $75,000
These individuals worked directly at nuclear testing locations.
Requirements:
Physically present at a test site during atmospheric nuclear testing
Participated in or were exposed during detonation events
Later diagnosed with a qualifying illness
Uramium Industry Workers
Compensation: $100,000
These include miners, millers, and ore transporters exposed to radioactive or toxic materials.
Requirements:
Worked at a covered uranium site between Jan 1, 1942 – Dec 31, 1971
Employed for at least 12 months (cumulative or continuous)
Developed an approved illness following exposure
What Health Conditions Are Covered?
Covered illnesses vary slightly depending on which category the claimant falls under:
Downwinders & Onsite Workers
(Must meet age and latency requirements)
Leukemia (excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
Multiple myeloma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Cancers of the: thyroid, breast, esophagus, stomach, pharynx, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, salivary gland, bladder, brain, colon, liver, lung, ovary.
Uranium Workers
Lung-related diseases: primary lung cancer, fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, silicosis, pneumoconiosis, cor pulmonale
Kidney conditions (millers and ore transporters): primary renal cancer, chronic renal disease, nephritis.
Where Did Your Exposure Occur?
RECA-Covered Test Sites (for Onsite Participants)
Nevada Test Site
Trinity Test Site (New Mexico)
Bikini Atoll
Enewetak
Johnston Island
Christmas Island
South Atlantic & Pacific Proving Grounds
Uranium Work Locations
Eligible workers must have worked in one of the following states:
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Eligible Counties for Downwind Exposure
Residents in the following counties may qualify:
Arizona: Apache, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, Yavapai
Nevada: Eureka, Lander, Lincoln, Nye, White Pine, Clark (townships 13–16, ranges 63–71)
Utah: Beaver, Garfield, Iron, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sevier, Washington, Wayne
RECA Does Not Provide Medical Benefits
While RECA offers financial compensation, it does not cover ongoing medical treatment. However, if you’ve been approved under RECA, you may also qualify for medical benefits through Part B of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA).
Under EEOICPA Part B, eligible individuals may receive: Full coverage for medical expenses related to a covered illness
In-home care, prescriptions, therapy, and more.
COMPENSATION / PAYOUTS
EEOICPA Eligiblity Requirements
Quick Reference: Downwinder Eligibility Requirements
Quick Reference: Downwinder Eligibility Requirements
EEOICPA Overview
The EEOICPA is divided into two main parts, each offering unique forms of support:
Part B: Radiation & Beryllium Related Illnesses
Lump-sum compensation up to $150,000
Full medical coverage for approved conditions
Applicable to workers exposed to radiation, beryllium, or silica
Part E: Toxic Exposure Illnesses
Compensation based on wage loss and whole-body impairment (up to $250,000)
Medical benefits related to the condition
Available to DOE workers whose illness is “as likely as not” caused by toxic exposure
Covered Medical Services Under Both Parts:
Primary care & specialty doctor visits Hospital stays (inpatient/outpatient)
Physical, speech, and occupational therapy
Lab tests and diagnostic procedures
In-home care services
Prescription medications
Durable medical equipment (DME)
Travel costs for medical appointments
How Are Compensation Amounts Calculated in Part E?
Wage Loss:
$10,000 per year when pre-retirement earnings dropped by 25–50%
$15,000 per year when earnings dropped by more than 50%
Whole Body Impairement:
$2,500 per percentage point of impairment based on AMA guidelines
How to Qualify, Two Pathways in Part B
Dose Reconstruction
Estimates the level of radiation exposure during your employment, used to determine if your illness was likely caused by workplace conditions.
Special Exposure Cohort (SEC)
Allows workers from specific facilities and timeframes to qualify without undergoing dose reconstruction, as long as they have a covered cancer diagnosis.
Survivor Eligibility for EEOICPA Benefits
Family members can apply if the eligible worker has passed away. Survivor rules differ slightly under each part.
Part B Survivors May Include:
Spouse (married at least one year)
Children (if no spouse survives)
Parents, grandparents, or grandchildren (in that order, if no spouse/child survives)
Part E Survivors May Include:
Spouse (if married at least one year)
Children under 18 at the time of the worker’s death
Children up to 23 if enrolled in college
Children with qualifying medical disabilities at the time of the worker’s passing.
Quick Reference: Downwinder Eligibility Requirements
Quick Reference: Downwinder Eligibility Requirements
Quick Reference: Downwinder Eligibility Requirements
What's New Under the new RECA Expansion?
Wider Downwinder Coverage
Eligibility now extends to all residents of Utah, New Mexico, and Idaho, in addition to newly included areas in Arizona (specifically Coconino, Yavapai, Navajo, Apache, Gila, and Mohave counties). Residents of select regions in Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alaska—particularly those affected by the Manhattan Project—are also now eligible.
"Downwinders" refers to people who lived in areas affected by radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons testing or uranium mining, particularly in the western United States. These individuals were exposed to radiation, and many have developed related illnesses, including various cancers. The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) provides compensation to certain downwinders and uranium workers who developed illnesses after exposure. Key aspects of the downwinder issue:
Nuclear Testing and Uranium Mining: The U.S. conducted numerous atmospheric nuclear weapons tests in the 1950s and 60s, releasing radioactive materials that were carried by wind. Additionally, uranium mining and processing activities in the West also resulted in radioactive contamination.
Exposure and Health Effects: Downwinders were exposed to radiation through fallout, contaminated air, water, and food chains. This exposure has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers (including leukemia, thyroid, breast, lung, and others), thyroid disease, and other health problems.
RECA and Compensation: The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), established in 1990, provides compensation to individuals who developed certain illnesses after being exposed to radiation from nuclear weapons testing or uranium industry employment. The program has been amended and expanded over time to include more individuals and locations.
Popular Questions:
Do I Need Legal Help for My RECA or EEOICPA Claim?
If you or a loved one became ill due to radiation or toxic exposure while working at a Department of Energy (DOE) facility, you may qualify for free medical benefits through two important federal programs:
EEOICPA (Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act)
RECA (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act)
These programs were created to ensure that former energy workers and uranium industry employees receive the care and support they deserve.
Am I Eligible for These Benefits?
- In general, to qualify for free healthcare under EEOICPA or RECA, three main conditions must be met:
- Medical Diagnosis – You’ve been diagnosed with a qualifying illness linked to radiation or toxic exposure.
- Employment History – You worked at one of over 300 DOE-recognized or uranium industry sites.
- Causal Link – There’s documentation or evidence connecting your illness to your job-related exposure.
⚠️ Even when all criteria are met, some valid claims still get denied. The process can be complex, and incomplete paperwork is a common reason for rejection.
Can I File a Claim on My Own?
Yes. You have the legal right to file a RECA or EEOICPA claim yourself—no lawyer is required. But it’s important to know that the claims process involves extensive documentation, medical records, employment verification, and sometimes even appeals.
- In fact, nearly half of all claims are initially denied.
- Many applicants feel overwhelmed or uncertain during the process.
Should I Hire an Attorney or Professional Representative?
While hiring an attorney is an option, not every attorney knows the requirements. Make sure to select attorneys/law firms with claims experience who specialize in EEOICPA and RECA benefits. These professionals can guide you step-by-step to ensure you submit the strongest possible application.
We’re Here to Help – Free of Charge
Prestige United Home Healthcare can help provide you with contacts for reputable law firms and attorneys and free consultations to help you:
- Understand your eligibility
- Learn how to start or strengthen your claim
- Navigate the benefits application process
- Access no-cost home healthcare if you qualify
Our team has experience with both RECA and EEOICPA, and we’re passionate about ensuring families like yours receive the benefits they’re entitled to—without missing important opportunities due to paperwork or confusion
Contact Us for Support Today
Whether you're just starting your application or facing a denied claim, we’re ready to help.
Let’s explore your options together and connect you or your loved one with the high-quality, no-cost care you may now rightfully deserve.
📞 Call us today to schedule your free consultation and take the next step toward receiving your benefits.
The White Card
How to Secure a White Card:
The process of applying for a White Card can be complex, but the Prestige United HHC team is here to offer comprehensive support and assistance. We can help you connect with attorneys who specialize RECA applications, even if you have been denied in the past or are a survivor of a family member who has passed away.
Our goal is to ensure that patients receive the full range of benefits and compensation they deserve for their condition.
Eligibility for EEOICPA and the White Card can depend on several factors. That’s why we work closely with Authorized Representatives who are experts in navigating the claims process for both EEOICPA and RECA. These professionals are dedicated to guiding patients and their families throughout each stage of the application process.
What the White Card Covers
A White Card provides coverage for the following services:
Medical consultations with healthcare professionals
Prescription medications approved by your doctor
Durable medical devices and equipment
Modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate medical needs
Chiropractic care
Acupuncture services
Mental health treatment and therapy
