Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Reinstated and Expanded

Thanks to years of advocacy from impacted families and health organizations, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) has officially been reinstated and expanded as of July 4, 2025. This important bill provides financial assistance to some people with specific diseases related to radiation exposure from the United States atomic testing era.

The RECA Reauthorization Act of 2025 expands eligibility for downwinders, onsite participants, and uranium industry workers exposed to nuclear radiation and people exposed to Manhattan Project waste. The bill also modernizes the claims process and extends the program for six more years through June 2028.

If you’ve already received RECA compensation in the past, current law does not permit additional claims.

How has RECA changed?

RECA was reinstated and expanded as of July 2025. This includes major improvements designed to simplify and expand access: 

• Program extension to June 2028

• Expanded geographic coverage

• A new digital application option with electronic uploads of medical records 

• Simplified proof-of-residence 

• Shortened review timeline and clearer appeals process

Who qualifies as a downwinder under RECA?

“Downwinders” are people who lived in areas affected by nuclear test fallout, especially from the Nevada Test Site, and later developed specific diseases related to radiation exposure.

To qualify, Downwinders must have lived in: 

• The state of New Mexico for 1 year between September 24, 1944 and November 6, 1962. 

• In any affected area for 1 year between January 21, 1951, and November 6, 1962. 

• In any affected area for the entire period from June 30, 1962 to July 31, 1962. 

The affected areas include: 

• The entire states of Idaho, New Mexico, and Utah

• The Arizona counties of Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai

• The Nevada counties of Eureka, Lander, Lincoln, Nye, White Pine, and townships 13 through 16 at ranges 63 through 71 of Clark County

Downwinders must show they were diagnosed with a qualifying disease. These include: 

• Leukemia (other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia)

• Lymphoma (other than Hodgkin’s Lymphoma)

• Multiple myeloma

It also includes primary cancers of the: 

• Bile ducts

• Brain

• Breast

• Colon

• Esophagus

• Gall bladder

• Liver (except if cirrhosis or Hepatitis B is indicated)

• Lung

• Ovary

• Pancreas

• Pharynx

• Salivary gland

• Small Intestine

• Stomach

• Thyroid

• Urinary bladder

For Downwinders, RECA pays a lump sum of $100,000. If the person has died, survivors may apply for equal shares of the total amount. 

Who qualifies as an onsite participant under RECA?

RECA will also compensate people who were present for a test atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device. To be eligible, an onsite participant must have: 

• Been present “onsite” or within a government installation during a test involving the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device. Only tests completed in the United States before January 1, 1963 are eligible. 

• Received a diagnosis of a compensable disease. The eligible diseases are the same as those for Downwinders listed above. 

For onsite participants, RECA pays a lump sum of $100,000 offset by any amounts received by Veterans Affairs for the same illness. If the person has died, survivors may apply for equal shares of the total amount. 

Who qualifies as a uranium worker under RECA?

RECA also provides compensation for people who mined, milled, or transported uranium ore for at least one year for the U.S. government or its contractors between 1942 and 1990. The worker must have been employed at uranium mills or mines in:

• Arizona

• Colorado

• Idaho

• New Mexico

• North Dakota

• Oregon

• South Dakota

• Texas

• Utah

• Washington

• Wyoming

The eligible diseases for uranium workers include: 

• Cor pulmonale related to fibrosis of the lung

• Lung cancer

• Pneumoconiosis

• Pulmonary fibrosis

• Silicosis

• Renal cancer

• Any other chronic renal disease, including nephritis and kidney tubal tissue injury

For uranium workers, RECA pays a lump sum of $100,000. If the person has died, survivors may apply for equal shares of the total amount. 

Who qualifies for Manhattan Project Waste exposure under RECA?

RECA now covers people who developed specific illnesses after being exposed to Manhattan Project waste contamination. Anyone who lived, worked, or attended school in these specific areas for at least 2 years after January 1, 1949 could be eligible: 

• Missouri zip codes: 63031, 63033, 63034, 63042, 63045, 63074, 63114, 63135, 63138, 63044, 63121, 63140, 63145, 63147, 63102, 63304, 63134, 63043, 63341, 63368, 63367

• Tennessee zip codes: 37716, 37840, 37719, 37748, 37763, 37828, 37769, 37710, 37845, 37887, 37829, 37854, 37830, 37831

• Alaska zip codes: 99546 and 99547

• Kentucky zip codes: 42001, 42003, and 42086

The eligible diseases for people exposed to Manhattan Project waste include: 

• Leukemia (if exposure occurred after age 20)

• Lymphoma (other than Hodgkin’s lymphoma)

• Multiple myeloma

It also includes primary cancers of the: 

• Bile ducts

• Bone

• Brain

• Breast

• Colon

• Esophagus

• Gall bladder

• Liver (except if cirrhosis or Hepatitis B is indicated)

• Lung

• Ovary

• Pancreas

• Pharynx

• Renal

• Salivary gland

• Small intestine

• Stomach

• Thyroid

• Urinary bladder

For people exposed to Manhattan Project waste, RECA pays a lump sum of $50,000 or total documented out-of-pocket medical expenses related to the illness not paid for or reimbursed through health insurance, workers compensation, or any other health program or benefit. If the person has died, their surviving spouse or children may apply for a portion of the benefit. 

How to apply for RECA compensation

1. Obtain the Application Packet

• Online: justice.gov/civil/common/reca

• By Mail: Request from the Radiation Exposure Compensation Program (RECP) office.

2. Gather Required Documents

• Proof of residence or employment during eligible period

• Medical documentation of qualifying illness

• Birth/death certificates (for deceased claimants)

• Affidavits (if records are incomplete)

3. Submit Your Application

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

• Or Submit Online (new in 2025): via justice.gov/civil/common/reca

Processing Time: Average 12 to 18 months. Appeals are available for denied claims.

Sources:

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. U.S. Department of Justice.