Federal compensation for nuclear workers who got sick on the job.
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) is a federal law that pays compensation and lifetime medical benefits to workers who became ill from toxic exposures at nuclear weapons and energy facilities.
The U.S. government built and operated nuclear weapons and energy facilities for decades. Workers at those sites were exposed to radiation, beryllium, silica, and other dangerous substances — often without knowing the risks. Many developed serious illnesses years later.
Congress passed EEOICPA in 2000 to recognize that responsibility. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP).
It is not a lawsuit. It is a federal benefit program — and if you qualify, the government is required to pay you.
42 U.S.C. § 7384 et seq. · Administered by DOL OWCP · Reference: dol.gov/agencies/owcp/energyFixed payment for cancer, beryllium disease, or silicosis.
For toxic illness — based on wage loss and impairment.
Both parts include lifetime medical benefits. Once approved, covered medical treatment is paid directly by the government — for life — at no cost to you.
Who does it cover?
- Current and former nuclear facility workers
- Contractors and subcontractors at DOE sites
- Surviving spouses, children, and parents of deceased workers
Part B and Part E — what each covers.
EEOICPA has two distinct parts. Many workers qualify for both. Filing under only one when you qualify for both means leaving compensation on the table.
Part B
Fixed lump-sum payment — not based on severity. Paid if your illness is on the covered list and your facility qualifies.
Covered under Part B:
- All types of cancer (radiation-induced)
- Chronic beryllium disease
- Beryllium sensitivity
- Silicosis
- + Lifetime medical benefits for the covered condition
Part E
Based on wage loss and physical impairment — amount varies. Broader illness coverage than Part B.
Covered under Part E:
- Any illness caused by toxic exposure at a covered facility
- COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, neurological illness, kidney disease, and more
- Wage-loss compensation (75% of annual wage loss × years)
- Impairment compensation ($2,500 per % of impairment)
- + Lifetime medical benefits for the covered condition
Can I receive both Part B and Part E?
Yes. If your cancer (Part B) also caused wage loss or impairment, you can file under both parts simultaneously. Many workers qualify for both and only file under one — leaving significant compensation unclaimed.
Workers, survivors, and family members.
Current and former workers
Any individual employed at a covered DOE nuclear facility — directly by the government or as a contractor or subcontractor. Full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers all qualify. No minimum employment period.
Contractors and subcontractors
Workers employed by a private company at a DOE site are covered — even if their employer was not the government. If you worked at the site during the covered period, you likely qualify. This is the most commonly misunderstood aspect of eligibility.
Survivors and family members
If the worker has already passed away, surviving spouses, children, and parents can file a claim. There is no deadline. The worker does not need to have known about the program or filed during their lifetime.
The worker does not need to be alive. Survivors can file at any time after the worker's death. In many cases, surviving family members receive the same lump-sum compensation the worker would have received.
Over 300 federal nuclear sites are covered.
The DOL maintains an official list of covered Department of Energy facilities. Some of the largest and most well-known sites include:
Not sure if your facility is covered?
Many facilities are known by multiple names — the DOE site name, contractor names, or local nicknames. Contact us before assuming your site is not on the list. We check the DOL's full facility database and historical designations for you.
Search the full DOL facility list ↗Three steps to finding out if you qualify.
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1
Submit a free case review
Tell us where you worked, what you were diagnosed with, and who is filing. No cost, no obligation.
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2
We verify your facility and diagnosis
We check the DOL facility list, review your diagnosis against Part B and Part E, and tell you exactly what you may be entitled to.
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We handle everything — if you choose to proceed
We prepare all OWCP forms, request records, draft physician letters, and submit your claim. No upfront cost — contingency only.
Free case review
No cost. No obligation. Confidential.
We review every case for free.
No cost. No obligation. If you are not sure whether you or your family member qualifies, a free review gives you a clear answer.