Question: Where do I get information about black lung benefits?

Answer: The federal black lung benefits program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment Standards Administration (ESA), not by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). In order to be eligible, an individual must be totally and permanently disabled by black lung. That is a very high standard to meet, and most miners are therefore not eligible for federal black lung benefits. The web site also lists phone numbers for federal black lung benefits offices.