Frequently asked questions.

EEOICPA FAQ’s

What is the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation (EEOICPA) Program?

The Department of Labor, Office of Worker Compensation Programs, administers EEOICPA. These claims are Federal Workers Compensation Claims which provide compensation to those who worked for the Department of Energy (DOE) or under a DOE contract at a designated Department of Energy (DOE) Facility or an Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) facility.

The law was enacted in 2000 by Congress and went into effect in 2001. EEOICPA covers workers and work sites currently or formerly administered by the Department of Energy (DOE) and Atomic Energy Commission.

Am I eligible for EEOICPA compensation?

If you, your parent (step-parent), spouse, or your grandparent worked for a Department of Energy facility or an Atomic Weapons Employer (AWE) facility and currently has a condition related from exposure to radiation and/or a toxic substance or passed away from a condition related from exposure to radiation and/or a toxic substance then you are eligible to apply for compensation under EEOICPA. Compensation will depend on whether the Department of Labor (DOL) can verify a connection between exposure to radiation and/or a toxic substance and the illness or condition in question.

Who Is Covered by the EEOICPA health benefits? 

Nuclear Weapons Workers who worked for the Department of Energy (DOE) in the production or testing of atomic weapons are eligible for EEOICPA benefits. Their eligible survivors including the surviving spouse, children (including step children), grandchildren and parents can apply for benefits as well.

EEOICPA coverage may differ, depending on whether you’re eligible under Part B or Part E of the EEOICPA. If you’re unsure where your claim falls, we can help you determine your next steps. 

Part B covers workers employed by the Department of Energy (DOE), atomic weapons employers (AWE), or contractors working for the DOE. This compensation is offered for those working at a covered facility, offering up to $150,000 for eligible workers, as well as medical bill coverage. If the worker is deceased, their spouse, children, grandchildren, or parents may be eligible for these EEOICPA benefits.

Part E only covers those working for a DOE facility. These benefits differ because they also offer workers’ compensation, such as wage repayment for those too ill to work. You may also be eligible for an impairment award under Part E of the EEOICPA. 

What are the EEOICPA & SEC approved Illnesses?

There are many illnesses covered by EEOICPA, including the 22 Specified Cancers covered by the Special Exposure Cohort (SEC) classes of the EEOICPA.

1 – All Cancers (AWE and DOE facilities)

2 – Beryllium Disease (AWE and DOE facilities)

3 – COPD/Emphysema (only DOE facilities)

4 – Occupational Asthma (only DOE facilities)

5 – Kidney Disease (only DOE facilities)

6 – Other Illnesses Caused, Contributed to, or Aggravated by Occupational Exposure to Any Hazardous Substance (at DOE owned facilities)

Are EEOICPA settlements taxable?

US Code 42 states that your compensation is not included in your gross income when it comes to filing your taxes.

What is an engagement letter?

This engagement letter lists our fees – which are limited by the EEOICPA statutes themselves.

  • Fees are 2% for an initial claim, or 10% if the claim is recommended for denial.

  • The fees will be the same whether you choose a professional advocate or other representative.

  • We do not receive compensation if your claim is not paid.

  • The compensation that is paid by the Department of Labor is wired directly into your account.

  • After you receive your compensation we send you an invoice for 2%, or 10% of the compensation based on (1) whether you were paid on the initial claim, or (2) if we handled the initial claim and any subsequent objection and/or hearing.

RECA FAQ’s

What is the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA)?

The RECA claims program involves Uranium Miners, Millers, and Transporters who developed lung and kidney diseases as well as cancer due to exposure to Uranium and other hazardous substances.

RECA also addresses claims from on-site participants who were exposed to radiation during a test of a nuclear weapon at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) or in the South Pacific and later developed certain types of cancer. Those who lived downwind of the Nevada Test Site (NTS) and were diagnosed with certain types of cancer can also obtain compensation under RECA as Downwinders.

Who are Downwinders? 

You may not have been employed at a nuclear testing site, but the fallout from one of these federal tests can still impact your health. Downwinders are people who suffered from radiation-related disease because they were downwind from nuclear testing facilities. If you believe you qualify as a downwinder, we are committed to getting your benefits. Talk to your representative to determine if your state is impacted.

Am I eligible for RECA compensation?

If you, your parent (step-parent), spouse, or your grandparent worked as a uranium miller, miner, or transporter and developed a condition related to uranium exposure then you are eligible to apply for compensation under RECA’s program for uranium miners, millers, or transporters.

RECA also has a program which compensates individuals who developed cancer and lived downwind of the Nevada Test Site during its period of operation (Downwinder claims), and one which addresses individuals who were exposed to radiation due to presence at a nuclear weapons test (Onsite Participant claims).  If this applies to you, your parent, or your grandparent, you are eligible to apply for compensation.

What’s the difference between RECA and EEOICPA claims? 

One of the key differences between RECA and EEOICPA claims is that RECA doesn’t offer medical benefits. Your injuries instead are compensable by a one-time lump sum payment, which can be used for your medical bills.

But you may be eligible for both. Talk to your representative about your eligibility and what your claim may be worth.

What is an engagement letter?

This engagement letter lists our fees – which are limited by the RECA statutes themselves.

  • Fees are 2% for an initial claim, or 10% if the claim is recommended for denial.

  • The fees will be the same whether you choose a professional advocate or other representative.

  • We do not receive compensation if your claim is not paid.

  • The compensation that is paid by the Department of Labor is wired directly into your account.

  • After you receive your compensation we send you an invoice for 2%, or 10% of the compensation based on (1) whether you were paid on the initial claim, or (2) if we handled the initial claim and any subsequent objection and/or hearing.