Social Security Legislative Bulletin

106-23
July 24, 2000

On July 10, 2000, the President signed into law S. 1515 (P.L. 106-245) the "Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2000."

As enacted, the law:

• Broadens the population covered by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, which authorizes monetary compensation to individuals who were present, or nearby when nuclear weapons tests were conducted, or who worked in uranium mines, and later developed certain diseases;
• Adds more qualifying occupations relating to uranium production;
• Increases the number of states covered and extends the time period considered for radiation exposure;
• Adds more diseases which may qualify individuals for compensation;
• Decreases the level of radiation exposure that is necessary to qualify, and,
• Makes certain medical criteria less stringent for potential claimants.

The compensation received under this statute is excluded as countable income in the Supplemental Security Income program.