EEOICPA Claims Assistance
United Energy Workers Healthcare
The EEOICPA claims process can seem daunting and complex, but UEW Healthcare is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re filing for the first time, resubmitting a rejected claim, or filing on behalf of a deceased loved one, we are committed to assisting you through the filing process. We stand by former energy workers, ensuring that your questions are answered, and helping with supporting documents. Our goal is to help you navigate the claims process as efficiently as possible, enabling you to receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
For claims filing assistance, call 1-800-250-3154
The EEOICPA Claims Process
The EEOICPA Program is designed to ensure that former energy workers receive the compensation they deserve for their time working in a hazardous environment. Understanding the process can be difficult, but UEW Healthcare is here to help make it easier. Our goal is to provide you with accurate information and guidance throughout every step of the claims process.
Claimant Responsibilities
- File Claim
- Collect/Copy/Submit relevant records
- Respond to information requests
- Talk to co-workers – get affidavits
- Seek assistance if you need help – call a Resource Center
- Review decision and information for appeal
How to File for EEOICPA Benefits
The steps outlined here are intended as a "quick-start" guide for workers and former workers.
How to File for Employee Benefits
Step 1: Complete the application form titled, “Employee Claim for Benefits under the EEOICPA” (form EE-1).
Step 2: Complete the form titled, “Employment History” (form EE-3).
Step 3: Include any copies of supporting medical and employment documentation along with your application. DO NOT SUBMIT ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
Step 4: Submit claim form either via (1) the Energy Document Portal, (2) a DEEOIC Resource Center, or (3) Mail your form(s) to:
U.S. Department of Labor OWCP/DEEOIC
P.O. Box 8306
London, KY 40742-8306
How to File for Survivor Benefits
Step 1: Complete the application form titled, “Survivor Claim for Benefits under the EEOICPA” (form EE-2).
Step 2: Complete the form titled, “Employment History” (form EE-3).
Step 3: Include any copies of supporting medical, employment, and survivor documentation along with your application. DO NOT SUBMIT ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
Step 4: Submit claim form either via (1) the Energy Document Portal, (2) a DEEOIC Resource Center, or (3) Mail your form(s) to:
U.S. Department of Labor OWCP/DEEOIC
P.O. Box 8306
London, KY 40742-8306
How Do Former Energy Workers Qualify?
Former energy workers can qualify for program benefits through one of two ways
1) Special Exposure Cohort
You qualify for a special exposure cohort (SEC). In order to qualify for the special exposure cohort, you must meet all of the following conditions.
Condition 1)
You worked at a covered facility as a Department of Energy employee (or preceding agencies), DoE contractor, or subcontractor.
Condition 2)
You worked between the facilities covered dates (varies by facility)
Condition 3)
You worked within the parameters established for one or more other classes of employees in the Special Exposure Cohort for at least 250 days.
Condition 4)
You have been diagnosed with one of the covered illnesses.
2) Dose Reconstruction
Dose reconstruction to determine the likelihood that illness was caused by radiation exposure. Here’s how the process works:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) uses personal exposure information like film badge readings, x-rays, urinalysis results, and incident reports. When such data is limited, technical documents, site profiles, and coworker data are utilized to estimate doses and fill in the gaps. A health physicist is assigned to conduct the dose reconstruction once sufficient information is obtained.
Questionnaires are sent to claimants, who then submit their answers via telephone interviews. These interviews allow claimants to provide additional information about radiation exposure. After the interview, a written summary report is sent to the claimant for review and to make any necessary corrections or provide additional information.
After the phone interview, NIOSH analyzes and generates a dose reconstruction report. This report is sent to the claimant to review. The claimant then must sign and submit an OCAS-1 form, which permits the NIOSH to send the complete report to the DOL.
The DOL reviews the dose reconstruction report with additional medical and employment information to determine the probability that the condition was caused by occupational exposure.
Supporting Documentation
Because the denial or approval of a claim will depend largely on a claimant’s proof of employment at a covered facility and diagnosis of a covered disease, it is important to retain all medical documentation related to the illness as well as evidence of employment at a particular work site.
Evidence of Employment
Claimants will be required to submit documentation to the DOE as evidence of employment. This is a critical step, but it can be easily proven with by including any of the following:
- Employment records;
- Pay stubs;
- Tax returns;
- Social Security records; and
- Written affidavits or declarations by the employee, survivor, or another person.
The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) accepts photocopies, certified copies, and original records of these types of documentation.
Medical Evidence
Documentation for Covered Conditions
After successfully obtaining proof of employment, claimants will also be required to submit evidence of the medical conditions covered under the EEOICPA/RECA. This demonstrates that the workers’ health was in fact related to their employment at a nuclear power center. Documentation as evidence of covered medical condition may include the following:
- A physician’s report, including the results of a physical examination;
- Laboratory reports;
- Hospital records;
- Death certificates;
- X-ray results;
- MRI results;
- CAT scans;
- Lymphocyte proliferation testing results;
- Beryllium patch test results;
- Pulmonary function test results;
- Exercise test results;
- Pathology reports;
- Biopsy reports; and
- Other medical records.
Applicants may also be required to submit additional evidence to the Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation (DEEOIC), including a written medical report, authored by a physician, to demonstrate the relationship between workers’ exposures to radiation and the incurred disease.
Documentation for Beryllium Disease After 1993
For chronic Beryllium diseases occurring after January 1, 1993, a claimant will need to submit additional medical evidence, including a beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT) performed on blood or lung cells as well as proof of one of the following:
- A lung biopsy;
- A computerized axial tomography scan; or
- A pulmonary function study or exercise tolerance test.
Documentation for Beryllium Disease Before 1993
If a claimant was diagnosed before January 1, 1993, he or she will need to submit at least three of the following tests:
- A chest radiograph or computed tomography;
- A restrictive or obstructive lung physiology test or diffusion lung capacity defect;
- Lung pathology;
- A clinical course; or
- An immunologic test.
Documentation for Chronic Silicosis
For an EEOICPA claim related to a diagnosis of chronic silicosis, claimants must have experienced a ten year onset latency period and submit one of the following:
- A chest radiograph;
- Results from a computer-assisted tomograph; or
- A lung biopsy.
Re-Opening a Rejected Claim
The Director of the Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation (DEEOIC) has the power to reopen and overturn a Final Decision issued by the Final Adjudication Branch (FAB). Claimants can request a reopening if they disagree with the decision, and in some cases, the Director may delegate this authority to other officials within the DEEOIC.
More information available on DOL website
Step-by-step guide to Requesting a Reopening
- Step 1: Prepare and sign a written request to seek a reopening of a prior final decision. Be specific about the decision being contested, state the reasons for contesting it, and explain how new evidence or arguments justify a reopening.
- Step 2: Collect and make copies of any additional evidence to support the reopening request. This may include new medical, employment, and survivor documentation.
- Step 3: Submit your request for reopening and supporting evidence to DEEOIC. Original documents are not required; DEEOIC accepts document copies.