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ESA News Release: [10/11/2005]
Office of Workers' Compensation Programs
Contact Name: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd
Phone Number: (214) 767-4776 or x222, x221
Release Number: 05-1948-DAL
Labor Department Hosts Town Hall Meeting in Grants, N.M. to Provide Information on Compensation Benefits for Uranium Workers
GRANTS, N.M. — Labor officials will host a Town Hall meeting to explain changes to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA). Recent EEOICPA amendments created Part E that provides federal compensation and medical benefits to contractors and subcontractors of the Department of Energy (DOE) who worked at certain DOE facilities and sustained an occupational illness as a result of exposure to toxic substances. Certain survivors of these workers are also eligible for benefits. The new law also provides additional compensation for uranium workers who worked at facilities covered by the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) and survivors of covered employees.
Congress mandated that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issue regulations governing implementation of Part E. To speed the start-up of the new program prior to issuing those regulations, DOL identified survivors payable under preliminary procedures issued in December 2004.
To date, more than $194 million has been paid to 1,525 recipients under the new program. With the May 26 release of Interim Final Regulations, DOL is now able to undertake benefit analysis for complex claims, including wage loss and impairment evaluations.
Workers or survivors of workers who need assistance filling out claim forms may schedule appointments following the town hall meeting or may call toll-free, (866) 272-3622.
DATE & TIME:
October 26, 2005, at 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION:
Best Western
1501 East Santa Fe Avenue
Grants, N.M.
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