RECA Expanded: Are You a Uranium Worker Now Eligible for Compensation?

For decades, uranium workers have faced significant health risks due to radiation exposure, often without adequate compensation. But there’s good news: the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) has been expanded, potentially making you eligible for benefits. If you or a loved one worked in the uranium industry, it’s crucial to understand these changes and how they could provide much-needed support.

What is RECA and Why Was It Expanded?

Originally enacted in 1990, RECA provides financial compensation to individuals who developed specific illnesses due to radiation exposure from U.S. nuclear weapons testing and uranium mining. The program was created to offer restitution to those who sacrificed their health for national security during the Cold War.

However, the initial legislation had limitations, excluding many affected workers and communities. Recognizing these gaps, Congress passed major updates to RECA, addressing previous exclusions and extending the program’s lifespan. The expansion acknowledges the long-term health consequences faced by uranium workers and aims to provide broader access to compensation.

Key Changes in the RECA Expansion

The RECA expansion brings several significant changes that could affect your eligibility:

Extended Eligibility Period: The covered period for uranium workers has been extended to include those employed between January 1, 1942, and December 31, 1990. Previously, the cutoff was 1971.
Expanded Geographic Coverage: The expansion includes uranium workers in Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, South Dakota, Washington, Utah, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, and Texas.
Inclusion of New Job Roles: The updated act now includes core drillers and those involved in remediation efforts at uranium mines or mills.
Recognition of Additional Illnesses: The list of compensable illnesses has been expanded to include renal cancer and chronic kidney diseases, such as nephritis and kidney tubal tissue injury.
Increased Compensation Amounts: Eligible uranium workers and on-site participants may now receive up to $100,000 in compensation.
Extended Filing Deadline: The deadline to file a RECA claim is now December 31, 2027.
Lowered Residency Requirements: In some cases, only one year of residency is required.

Who is Now Eligible?

Under the expanded RECA, you may be eligible for compensation if you meet the following criteria:

Uranium Worker: You worked as a uranium miner, miller, ore transporter, or core driller in a covered state between 1942 and 1990.
Exposure: You were exposed to radiation for at least one year during your employment. Alternatively, uranium miners may qualify with documented exposure to 40 or more working level months (WLM) of radiation.
Qualifying Disease: You have been diagnosed with a compensable disease, such as lung cancer, renal cancer, chronic kidney disease, or certain non-malignant respiratory diseases.

The 2025 amendment recognizes combined work histories, meaning that if you held multiple roles (miner, miller, core driller, ore transporter) for at least one year or met cumulative radiation exposure standards, you may still qualify for compensation even if no single job met the prior threshold.

Health Risks Faced by Uranium Workers

Uranium mining and milling present numerous health hazards due to radiation exposure. Workers may be exposed to radiation through:

Inhalation: Breathing in radon decay products and uranium dust.
Ingestion: Swallowing radioactive materials.
External Exposure: Exposure to gamma radiation from uranium ore.

These exposures can lead to serious health conditions, including:

Lung Cancer
Renal (Kidney) Cancer
Chronic Kidney Diseases (Nephritis, Kidney Tubal Injury)
Non-Malignant Respiratory Diseases (Pulmonary Fibrosis, Silicosis, Pneumoconiosis)

How to File a Claim

To file a RECA claim, you will need to gather documentation to support your eligibility. This includes:

Employment Records: Documents proving your employment in the uranium industry, such as pay stubs, employment contracts, or affidavits from former colleagues.
Medical Records: Documentation of your diagnosis of a compensable disease, including medical reports and test results.
Residency Records: Documents proving your residency in a covered area, such as utility bills or property records.
Identification Documents: Driver’s license, social security card, or other forms of identification.

You can download the claim form from the Department of Justice (DOJ) website or request that a form be mailed to you. Complete the form and gather all necessary documentation. Mail your completed form and documents to the U.S. Department of Justice Radiation Exposure Compensation Program.

Resources and Support

Navigating the RECA claims process can be complex. Fortunately, numerous resources are available to help you:

Department of Justice (DOJ): The DOJ administers the RECA program and provides information on eligibility requirements and the claims process.
RECA Attorneys: Experienced attorneys can guide you through the claims process, ensuring your claim is submitted accurately and handled with the attention it deserves.
Community Organizations: Various organizations offer support and assistance to uranium workers and their families.

Don’t Wait, Take Action Now

If you or a loved one worked in the uranium industry and have developed a qualifying illness, don’t miss the opportunity to seek compensation under the expanded RECA program. The deadline to file a claim is December 31, 2027, so it’s essential to act promptly. Gather your documentation, seek legal advice if needed, and take the first step toward receiving the benefits you deserve.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation and eligibility for RECA benefits.