Federal Compensation Program
Nuclear workers and their families may be
owed significant compensation
The EEOICPA program provides up to $150,000 or more in lump-sum payments, plus lifetime medical benefits, to workers who became ill from toxic exposures at nuclear weapons and energy facilities.
$150K+
Part B lump sum
$250K
Part E maximum
300+
Covered facilities
Who this program covers
- Current and former DOE nuclear facility workers
- Workers exposed to radiation, beryllium, silica, or other toxins
- Surviving spouses, children, and parents of deceased workers
- Contractors and subcontractors at covered sites
- Workers diagnosed with cancer, beryllium disease, or silicosis
What is the EEOICPA?
Plain-English explanation of the program.
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) is a federal law that recognizes that many workers at nuclear weapons and energy facilities were exposed to dangerous substances — and got sick as a result.
Congress created this program because the government knew workers were being exposed to radiation, beryllium, silica, and other toxic materials, and ordinary workers’ compensation was not enough.
The program has two parts. Part B covers specific cancers and other occupational illnesses with a fixed lump-sum payment of $150,000 plus medical benefits. Part E covers toxic illness with up to $250,000 based on wage loss and impairment, plus medical benefits.
Survivors — including spouses, children, and parents of workers who have died — can also file claims for compensation.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). Reference: dol.gov/agencies/owcp/energy
The two parts at a glance
- The two parts at a glance
- Part E — up to $250,000 + medical for toxic illness and wage loss at DOE contractor sites
- Survivors can file on behalf of deceased workers
- No lawsuit needed — this is a federal benefit program
$150K+
Part B lump sum
$250K
Part E maximum
Step-by-step eligibility check
Am I eligible? Answer a few questions to find out.
Answer these questions one at a time. This is not a legal determination — it is a general guide to help you understand whether it is worth speaking with our team.
Question 1 of 4
Step 1 of 4Covered conditions
Illnesses covered by the EEOICPA program.
The program covers specific illnesses that have been scientifically linked to workplace exposures at nuclear facilities. Search for your diagnosis below.
No illnesses matched your search. Try a broader term, or contact us — many conditions not listed here may still qualify.
This list is not exhaustive. Speak with our team about your specific diagnosis.
Source: EEOICPA Part B and Part E schedules, 42 U.S.C. § 7384 et seq.
How to file a claim
The filing process, step by step.
Filing an EEOICPA claim involves several steps and federal agencies. We help you navigate every one of them.
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Start here
Free case review with our team
We review your work history, exposures, and medical records at no cost to determine which part of the program you may qualify under, and what documentation you will need.
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Documentation
Gather your employment and medical records
We help you request and organize records — including DOE facility employment verification, medical diagnoses, radiation dosimetry records, and wage history.
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Filing
Complete and submit the claim forms
We prepare your OWCP forms (EE-1, EE-2, EE-3, or EE-4 as appropriate) and submit your claim to the Department of Labor's OWCP district office.
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DOL Review — 6 to 18+ months
OWCP reviews your claim
The Department of Labor evaluates your claim, verifies employment and exposure, and may request additional medical evidence. NIOSH may conduct a radiation dose reconstruction for cancer claims.
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Decision
Recommended decision and final order
OWCP issues a recommended decision. If accepted, you receive a final order and your lump-sum payment is issued. If denied, you have the right to object — and we help with that too.
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Payment
Compensation payment and ongoing medical benefits
Lump-sum payments are issued by the DOL. Ongoing medical benefits for covered conditions are administered separately, covering treatment related to your occupational illness for life.
Official forms
Key EEOICPA forms, in plain English.
These are the official Department of Labor forms used to file EEOICPA claims. We prepare and submit these on your behalf.
Free. No obligation.
Find out if you qualify — free case review.
Tell us about your situation and we will review it at no cost. There is no obligation to proceed, and we do not share your information.
- No upfront fees — we work on contingency
- Free review of your work history and diagnosis
- We handle all paperwork and DOL communications
- We help survivors file on behalf of deceased workers
- No obligation to proceed after the review
Free case review
All information is confidential and will only be used to evaluate your potential claim.
What is it worth?
Compensation amounts — Part B and Part E.
The program pays two types of compensation. Both come with lifetime medical benefits at no cost to you.
$150,000
Part B lump sum
The program pays two types of compensation. Both come with lifetime medical benefits at no cost to you.
Up to $250,000
Part E — based on wage loss + impairment
For workers with toxic illness. Amount varies by income lost and physical impairment rating. Some workers qualify for both Part B and Part E.
Quick award estimate
Rough estimate only. Actual Part E based on verified wage records and physician impairment rating.
Common questions
Questions people often ask.
Who qualifies for EEOICPA benefits?
Current and former employees, contractors, or subcontractors at covered Department of Energy facilities who developed certain illnesses as a result of their work. Survivors — including spouses, children, and parents of workers who have since died — can also file. The worker does not need to be alive to start a claim.
How much money can I receive?
Under Part B, if your cancer or illness is covered, you receive a lump-sum payment of $150,000, plus medical benefits for the covered illness. Under Part E, the amount depends on wage loss and impairment — the maximum is $250,000, plus medical benefits. Survivors may also receive the lump-sum payment depending on their relationship to the worker.
What facilities are covered?
Survivors can file a claim. Eligible survivors include the surviving spouse, children (including stepchildren and adopted children), and parents of a deceased worker. The survivor files using Form EE-2. In many cases, surviving family members receive the same lump-sum compensation the worker would have been entitled to. We help families navigate this process.
What if the worker has already passed away?
Survivors can file a claim. Eligible survivors include the surviving spouse, children (including stepchildren and adopted children), and parents of a deceased worker. The survivor files using Form EE-2. In many cases, surviving family members receive the same lump-sum compensation the worker would have been entitled to. We help families navigate this process.
How long does the process take?
Processing times vary. Simple claims with complete documentation can be decided in six to twelve months. Claims requiring NIOSH radiation dose reconstruction — as is common in cancer cases — can take one to three years or longer. We monitor your claim throughout the process and respond promptly to any OWCP requests for additional information.
Does it cost anything to work with you?
No upfront fees. We work on a contingency basis, meaning we are only paid if your claim is approved and you receive compensation. The initial case review is completely free and there is no obligation to proceed. Under the EEOICPA, attorneys and claim representatives are limited in the fees they can charge by federal regulation
Can I file if I already filed before and was denied?
Yes. A prior denial does not bar a new claim, and changed circumstances — a new diagnosis, additional evidence, or a change in DOE site designation — can support a successful re-filing. Many workers who were initially denied have later been approved. Contact us to review your prior claim and discuss options.