Radiation Exposure Compensation Act

On July 3, 2025, Congress reauthorized claims under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) and extended the RECA Trust Fund.  In addition, the reauthorization expands the criteria for eligibility under RECA.

The Department is reviewing the amendments to RECA and will provide additional guidance as it becomes available.  Claimants are encouraged to wait until additional guidance is published before filing a claim.

Program Summary

The United States conducted nearly 200 atmospheric nuclear weapons development tests from 1945 to 1962. Essential to the nation’s nuclear weapons development was uranium mining and processing, which was carried out by tens of thousands of workers.

Following the conclusion of these activities, lawsuits against the United States alleged failure to warn of exposures to known radiation hazards. These suits were dismissed by the appellate courts. Congress responded by devising a program allowing partial restitution to individuals who developed serious illnesses after presumed exposure to radiation released during the atmospheric nuclear tests or after employment in the uranium industry.  

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (“the Act” or “RECA”), 42 U.S.C. § 2210 note, established an administrative program for claims relating to atmospheric nuclear testing and uranium industry employment. The Act delegated authority to the Attorney General to establish procedures and make determinations regarding whether claims satisfy statutory eligibility criteria.

Please refer to the Act and to the Department’s implementing regulations at 28 C.F.R. Part 79 for more information.

Inter-Agency Radiation Network
Today, the RECA Program is part of a broad inter-agency network that comprises the comprehensive federal radiation compensation system.

The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act ("EEOICPA"), 42 U.S.C. §§ 7384 et seq. (2012), pays an additional $50,000 to certain individuals who were approved for compensation under the uranium worker provisions of RECA, as well as impairment and wage loss benefits.  For more information, please review the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs EEOICPA website.

The National Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program ("RESEP"), provides grants to rural health clinics located in Nevada, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.  RESEP clinics provide medical screening for compensable diseases under RECA at no cost to the individual.  RESEP clinics may also offer referral services, diagnostic tests, educational materials about preventive health measures, and assistance with RECA and EEOICPA claims.  For more information, please review the National Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program website.  

The Nuclear Test Personnel Review (“NTPR”) program is a Department of Defense office that works to confirm veteran participation in U.S. nuclear tests.  More information, including historical reports on U.S. nuclear tests, is available on the Nuclear Test Personnel Review website.

Finally, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) administers the largest system of benefits for veterans of any nation in the world.  More information regarding VA benefits related to radiation exposure is available on the VA radiation exposures website.
 

RECA Updates