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Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)

Understanding the Compensation Program

What is RECA?

In 1990, the United States federal government passed the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). The program provides compensation to individuals suffering from certain health conditions as a result of exposure to radiation from either employment in uranium mines or radiation released by nuclear testing.

RECA Benefits & Eligibility

What Illnesses Are Eligible for RECA Compensation?

There are three main categories of individuals who qualify for RECA benefits. Those who (1) resided downwind of nuclear test sites, (2) worked onsite at nuclear testing facilities, or (3) worked in uranium mines, mills, and ore transportation.

Downwinders

Individuals who lived in the vicinity, or “downwind,” of nuclear test sites are eligible for a payment of $50,000
To be eligible for benefits, downwind claimants must establish:
  1. (a) That the claimant was physically present at any place within the affected area for a period of at least two years (24 consecutive or cumulative months) during the period beginning on January 21, 1951, and ending on October 31, 1958; or
    1. (b) That the claimant was physically present at any place within the affected area for the entire, continuous period beginning on June 30, 1962, and ending on July 31, 1962; and
  2. That after such period of physical presence the claimant contracted one of the specified compensable diseases

Onsite Participants

Individuals who worked onsite at nuclear testing facilities are eligible for a payment of $75,000
To be eligible for benefits, onsite claimants must establish:
  1. That the claimant was present onsite at any time during a period of atmospheric nuclear testing;
  2. That the claimant was a participant during that period in the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device; and
  3. That after such participation, the claimant contracted a specified compensable disease

Uranium Workers

Individuals who worked at uranium mines, mills or transported ore are eligible for a payment of $100,000
To be eligible for benefits, uranium worker claimants must establish:
  1. The claimant was employed as a miner, miller, or ore transporter in a specified state;
  2. The claimant was so employed for at least one year (12 consecutive or cumulative months) during the period beginning on January 1, 1942, and ending on December 31, 1971; or exposed during the course of his or her employment to 40 or more working level months of radiation; and
  3. The claimant contracted primary lung cancer, a nonmalignant respiratory disease, primary renal cancer, or chronic renal disease (including nephritis and kidney tubal tissue injury) following at least one year of such employment.

RECA Covered Illnesses

What Illnesses Are Eligible for RECA Compensation?

The illnesses covered by RECA differ based on the category of claimant.

Downwinders & Onsite Participants

If the onset of the disease occurred at least two years after exposure and after the claimant was at least 20 years old:
  • Leukemia (other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
If the onset of the disease occurred at least five years after exposure:
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Lymphomas, other than Hodgkin’s disease
  • Primary cancer of the thyroid
  • Primary cancer of the male or female breast
  • Primary cancer of the esophagus
  • Primary cancer of the stomach
  • Primary cancer of the pharynx
  • Primary cancer of the small intestine
  • Primary cancer of the pancreas
  • Primary cancer of the bile ducts
  • Primary cancer of the gallbladder
  • Primary cancer of the salivary gland
  • Primary cancer of the urinary bladder
  • Primary cancer of the brain
  • Primary cancer of the colon
  • Primary cancer of the ovary
  • Primary cancer of the liver
  • Primary cancer of the lung

Uranium Workers

If the onset of the disease was following at least one year of such employment:
  • Primary cancer of the lung
  • Fibrosis of the lung
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
  • Silicosis
  • Pneumoconiosis
  • Cor pulmonale
  • Renal Cancer (Millers & Ore Transporters)
  • Chronic Renal disease (Millers & Ore Transporters)

RECA Covered Sites and Areas

Which Sites and Facilities are Eligible for RECA Compensation?

Eligible Test Sites for Onsite Participants

RECA covers onsite participants at the following test sites:
Bikini
Christmas Isl
Enewetak
Johnston Isl
Nevada Test Site (“NTS”)
Pacific
South Atlantic
Trinity Test Site

Eligible Test Sites for Onsite Participants

RECA covers uranium workers employed in the following states:

Arizona

Colorado

Idaho

New Mexico

North Dakota

Oregon

South Dakota

Texas

Utah

Washington

Wyoming

Which Sites and Facilities are Eligible for RECA Compensation?

Claimants may be eligible for RECA compensation if they were present in the following counties for at least two years between January 21, 1951 and October 31, 1958. Or for the entire period between June 30, 1962 and July 31, 1962.

Arizona

Apache
Coconino
Gila
Navajo
Yavapai

Nevada

Eureka

Lander

Lincoln

Nye

White Pine

Clark
(townships 13 through 16 at ranges 63 through 71)

Utah

Beaver
Garfield
Iron
Kane
Millard
Piute
San Juan
Sevier
Washington
Wayne

Medical Benefits

Does RECA Cover the Cost of Medical Care?

RECA alone does not provide medical benefits; only lump sum compensation. However, in 2000, the federal government passed the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA), which does provide payments for the medical expenses incurred by covered illnesses. Individuals who are eligible for RECA compensation are entitled to EEOICPA benefits under Part B of the program. Learn more about the EEOICPA here.

Contact a Healthcare Professional

Although nothing can replace a loved one lost as a result of exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals, obtaining compensation can go a long way towards helping families avoid the additional stresses caused by unpaid bills and mounting medical debts.