Eligibility

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) has been reauthorized and expanded following the passage of S.243 – Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act in the 119th Congress.

This legislation extends the RECA program and broadens eligibility to include additional groups affected by radiation exposure, including individuals impacted by Manhattan Project waste and expanded categories of uranium industry workers.

Compensation amount:
Compensation available under the Manhattan Project waste provisions of RECA varies depending on whether the individual who became ill is living or deceased at the time of filing:

• RECA provides qualifying individuals who are living at the time of filing the greater of $50,000, or total documented out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the covered illness not paid for or reimbursed through health insurance, a workers compensation program, or any other public, private or employee health program or benefit.
• Where a qualifying individual is deceased at the time of filing, RECA provides their surviving spouse $25,000.  If there is no surviving spouse, surviving children may receive equal shares of the $25,000 payment.

RECA was expanded to include 21 ZIP codes in Missouri, each linked to specific contamination sites. Learn more about the impacted areas and which ZIP codes are now included.

The following list outlines medical conditions eligible for RECA compensation based on documented radioactive exposure. You may access a printable version of this list here via Dropbox.

Leukemia

Any Leukemia (provided initial exposure occurred after age 20 and the onset of the disease was at least 2 years after first exposure)

Cancers & Conditions

Onset ≥ Any of the following diseases, provided that the onset was at least 2 years after the initial exposure:

Blood & Lymphatic Disorders

• Multiple Myeloma
• Lymphoma (excluding Hodgkin’s Disease)

Primary Cancers by Organ/System

RECA provides lump-sum compensation to individuals who have developed certain cancers and other serious illnesses due to exposure to radiation from U.S. atmospheric nuclear weapons testing or uranium industry employment.

• RECA provides qualifying individuals who are living at the time of filing the greater of $50,000, or total documented out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the covered illness not paid for or reimbursed through health insurance, a workers compensation program, or any other public, private or employee health program or benefit from one of the diseases/cancers listed.
• Where a qualifying individual is deceased at the time of filing, RECA provides their surviving spouse $25,000.  If there is no surviving spouse, surviving children may receive equal shares of the $25,000 payment. one of the diseases/cancers listed.

The program is administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

How to Apply:

You may apply for RECA by using the electronic claim portal, or by mailing in a claim form with original or certified supporting documentation.  The Civil Division cannot accept emailed applications.

Online

Click here to file your claim electronically: RECA Claim Portal

Before you file, gather supporting documents, such as:

• Proof of residence, employment, or onsite participation during a qualifying period
• Medical records documenting your diagnosis of a compensable disease
• Identification documentation as described on the claim form

When using the electronic claim portal, you may upload scans of original or certified supporting documentation to expedite processing of your claim.  However, the RECA Program may ask you to submit the original or certified document by mail to validate the authenticity of the scan.

Mail

1. Download the correct claim form for your category:

• Downwinder Claim Form
• Uranium Worker Claim Form
• Onsite Participant Claim Form
• Manhattan Project Waste Claim Form (Use this form if you are filing for Missouri)

2. Gather original or certified copies of supporting documents, such as:

• Proof of residence, employment, or onsite participation during a qualifying period
• Medical records documenting your diagnosis of a compensable disease
• Identification documentation as described on the claim form

3.  Submit your completed claim form and documents by mail to:

U.S. Department of Justice
Radiation Exposure Compensation Program
P.O. Box 146
Ben Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146

Keep copies of all submitted materials for your records.

Deadline to File:  All claims must be filed by December 31, 2027.

Contact the RECA Program 

Please call us toll-free at 1-800-729-7327.
Representatives are available Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time to answer questions about the application process.

You may email the RECA Program at Civil.RECA@usdoj.gov.  Please include your name, RECA claim number, and a telephone number if you are emailing about a claim you have filed.

The RECA Program mailing address is:

U.S. Department of Justice
Radiation Exposure Compensation Program
P.O. Box 146
Ben Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-0146