EEOICPA and RECA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) was enacted by Congress in 2000 to support energy workers who became ill due to work-related exposure. For those who qualify, the program may provide ongoing medical benefits and, in some cases, financial compensation, recognizing the long-term impact of these illnesses.

EEOICPA medical benefits may include purposeful, whole-person, in-home care, nursing and personal assistance, prescription medications, medical equipment and supplies, and care coordination related to the accepted illness—helping individuals live safely, independently, and with dignity at home.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is a federal program created by Congress in 1990 to recognize and compensate individuals who developed certain illnesses after radiation exposure related to the nation’s early nuclear programs. RECA provides a one-time, lump-sum financial payment to eligible individuals, most often uranium workers, to acknowledge the impact of that exposure.

While RECA does not provide medical care, a RECA award may help some uranium workers explore eligibility for ongoing medical benefits through the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). EEOICPA is a separate program with its own requirements, but for those who independently qualify, it may provide access to long-term medical care and in-home support—allowing care to continue where it matters most, at home.

RECA and EEOICPA are separate federal programs that serve different populations and purposes, but for some uranium workers, they may work together. RECA applies only to uranium workers and provides a one-time financial compensation payment to eligible individuals harmed by radiation exposure, helping acknowledge service and ease the financial burden of illness. RECA does not include medical care.

EEOICPA serves both uranium workers and other energy workers who independently qualify and focuses on ongoing medical benefits, along with additional compensation in certain cases. Through EEOICPA, approved individuals may receive purposeful, whole-person medical support, including in-home care, supportive services, prescription medications, medical equipment, and coordinated treatment related to their accepted condition. While a RECA award does not guarantee EEOICPA approval, it may help some uranium workers explore eligibility for long-term medical care and continued support at home.

Applications are submitted to the Department of Labor for EEOICPA and the Department of Justice for RECA. The process can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to explain what to expect, answer questions, and help you understand your options with clarity and care.

Approved medical benefits may include hospital and physician care, surgical procedures, prescription medications, diagnostic imaging, durable medical equipment, and medically necessary home health services. For those who qualify, support can also include in-home nursing care, personal assistance, medical supplies, and care coordination related to the accepted illness—helping protect health, dignity, and independence at home.

A covered condition is an illness that the program has determined is linked to work-related exposure at a qualifying facility or job role. Depending on the program and your work history, covered conditions may include certain cancers, chronic silicosis, chronic beryllium disease, beryllium sensitivity, and other qualifying occupational illnesses. Coverage is based on documented exposure and medical diagnosis, not assumptions.

A consequential condition is a secondary health issue that develops because of an already accepted covered condition. For example, complications caused by treatment or progression of the original illness may be considered consequential. When approved, medical care related to the consequential condition may also be covered.

Ex: COPD (covered) + Steroid treatment for covered treatment = Diabetes (consequential condition)

No. There is no age limit for either program. Eligibility is determined by work history, exposure, and medical diagnosis—not age, retirement status, or when symptoms began.

No. An attorney is not required to apply for RECA or EEOICPA benefits. Some individuals choose to work with an authorized representative, which may include an attorney, but many successfully move forward by gaining education, understanding their options, and following the program process with support. UEW is here to answer questions, share knowledge, and help you better understand your options as you navigate next steps.

No. United Energy Workers Healthcare is an independent in-home care provider and is not part of the Department of Labor or the claims decision process. Once benefits are approved, UEW serves as a Department of Labor–approved in-home care provider, working alongside patients and their providers to deliver purposeful, whole-person, in-home care that supports health, dignity, and independence at home.

Home healthcare allows you to receive medically necessary care in the place you’re most comfortable—your home. You dedicated your health to helping power and protect the nation, and now it’s time to receive care that supports your independence, dignity, and quality of life. In-home care helps you stay safe, reduces unnecessary hospital visits, and supports better health outcomes over time.

For those with approved benefits, home healthcare often comes with no out-of-pocket costs for covered services, allowing family members to remain supportive without sacrificing their own time, work, or resources. With skilled nurses, therapists, and caregivers providing consistent, personalized care, you can continue living comfortably at home—surrounded by familiarity, stability, and care you can trust.

Official information about EEOICPA is available through the U.S. Department of Labor, and RECA information is provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. If navigating these resources feels overwhelming, our team can help point you to trusted sources and explain what the information means for you.

EEOICPA Information: https://www.dol.gov/owcp/energy/

RECA Information: https://www.justice.gov/civil/reca