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.
Who Is Eligible?
Compensation is now available for individuals affected by Manhattan Project waste and additional uranium-related work not previously covered.
Living Individuals
Living individuals must have been physically present in an affected community for at least two years after Jan 1, 1949, and later diagnosed with a specified disease.
Deceased Individuals
Authorized agents or beneficiaries of deceased individuals may file for compensation if their loved one met the same criteria as above and passed away from one of the specified diseases.
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.
Specified Disease List
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
All types except chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Must meet both of the following conditions:
- Exposure began after age 20
- Onset occurred ≥ 2 years after first exposure
Cancers & Conditions
Onset ≥ 2 years post-exposure
Blood & Lymphatic Disorders
- Multiple Myeloma
- Lymphoma (excluding Hodgkin’s Disease)
Primary Cancers by Organ/System
- Bile Ducts
- Bone
- Brain
- Breast (Male & Female)
- Colon
- Esophagus
- Gall Bladder
- Kidney (Renal)
- Liver (excluding cases with cirrhosis or Hepatitis B)
- Lung
- Ovary
- Pancreas
- Pharynx
- Salivary Gland
- Small Intestine
- Stomach
- Thyroid
- Urinary Bladder
Compensation
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.
- $50,000 one-time payment or out-of-pocket medical expenses related to one of the diseases/cancers listed.
- $25,000 one-time payment to beneficiaries of deceased individuals who have passed away from one of the diseases/cancers listed.
The program is administered by the Department of Justice (DOJ).