INL Communication
Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program
During the period of the Cold War, thousands of workers were employed in the
nation's atomic weapons programs. The work was dangerous and consequently many
workers may have been exposed to radioactive and toxic substances. Recognizing
that workers at these facilities may be suffering from illnesses caused by their
work, Congress passed The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program
Act (EEOICPA) to provide compensation to persons who have become ill as a result of
work at atomic weapon facilities. The law became effective July 1, 2001.
Individuals, or their eligible survivors, who worked as an employee, contractor,
or subcontractor at a Department of Energy (DOE) facility, such as the Idaho National Laboratory, at an Atomic Weapons Employer or with a company under contract with the DOE
and designated as a beryllium vendor may be eligible for benefits under the Energy
Employees' Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICPA).
Part B of the EEOICP
Part B of the EEOICPA was enacted to provide compensation to workers with
beryllium disease, silicosis, or radiation induced cancer. Employees, or their
survivors, whose claims are approved may receive a lump-sum payment of $150,000
and medical benefits for the covered illness.
Uranium workers who received compensation under Section 5 of the Radiation
Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) are eligible for an additional $50,000 in
compensation under EEOICPA.
Part E of the EEOICP
In October 2004, Congress amended the EEOICPA with Part E which provides
compensation and medical benefits for DOE contractor and subcontractor employees
whose illnesses were caused by exposure to any toxic substance while working at a
DOE facility. Qualified survivors are the spouse of the employee and children who
were either under the age of 18, full time students under the age of 23, or any age
and incapable of self support at the time of the employee's death. The passage of this
legislation means some individuals who have received payments under the existing Part
B may be eligible for a new federal payment if qualified under Part E.
How to get Help
If you need additional information about this program or if you have been
diagnosed with an illness and wish to file a claim, contact the:
Idaho Falls Energy Employees Compensation Resource Center
Exchange Plaza, Suite 375
1820 East 17th Street
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
Email: idaho.center@rrohio.com
(208) 523-0158
Toll-free: (800) 861-8608
*** Phone Interviews Available ****
Related Links:
U.S. Department of Labor EEOICP Website
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Worker Advocacy |