RECA Eligibility Requirements
Find out if you or a family member qualifies for the $100,000 federal compensation
Quick Eligibility Check
You may qualify if all three criteria are met
1. Presence Requirement
Where and when you (or your family member) lived
Covered States (2025 Expansion):
Time Period:
- Standard: At least 1 full year of residence between January 21, 1951 and November 6, 1962, OR
- Alternate: The entire month of July 1962
- New Mexico specific: At least 1 year between September 24, 1944 and November 6, 1962 (Manhattan Project era)
2. Covered Cancers
Primary cancers recognized by the Department of Justice
The following primary cancers qualify (must be the original site, not metastatic):
Blood & Lymph:
- Leukemia (except chronic lymphocytic)
- Lymphoma (all types)
- Multiple myeloma
Solid Tumors:
- Thyroid cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Pharynx
Digestive:
- Colon cancer
- Pancreas
- Bile ducts
- Gall bladder
- Small intestine
Other:
- Brain cancer
- Liver (except cirrhosis/hepatitis)
- Salivary gland
- Urinary tract (bladder, kidney)
- Ovary
Note: This is not a complete list. See the DOJ RECA website for the full list of covered cancers.
3. Latency Period
Time between exposure and cancer diagnosis
For Leukemia:
Must be diagnosed at least 2 years after the date the person was first exposed (last date of residence in affected area).
For All Other Cancers:
Must be diagnosed at least 5 years after the date the person was first exposed.
Can I File for a Deceased Family Member?
Yes! Survivors can file on behalf of eligible individuals
If your loved one was diagnosed with a covered cancer and has since passed away, eligible survivors can file and receive the compensation.
✓ Eligible to File:
✗ NOT Eligible to File:
Important for Children Filing Claims:
- All siblings must be disclosed and documented
- If a sibling has passed away, their death certificate must be included
- The $100,000 award is shared equally among all eligible children
About Adopted Children:
Legally adopted children can file if they have valid adoption paperwork. Step-children without legal adoption papers are not eligible.
You'll need death certificates and proof of your relationship to the deceased claimant.
Documents You'll Need to Gather
Start collecting these now to speed up your claim
Proof of Residence (need 2+ sources):
- School records or yearbooks
- Employment or tax records
- Church membership records (often fastest!)
- Utility bills or letters with postmarks
- Marriage or birth certificates listing residence
- Voting or military registration
Medical Proof:
- Pathology report (preferred)
- Hospital discharge summary
- Oncologist letter or summary
- Death certificate (if applicable, must list cancer as cause)
Identity Documents:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- For deceased: family relationship proof (birth/marriage certificates)
Filing on Behalf of a Deceased Individual?
Understand the survivor payment hierarchy and eligibility requirements
RECA Survivor Compensation Overview
Understanding the payment hierarchy and eligibility requirements
How Survivor Payments Work
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) establishes a strict order of priority for distributing payments to survivors when a qualified individual has passed away.
Payment is divided equally among all eligible members in the highest qualifying category. If no one qualifies in that category, the Department of Justice (DOJ) moves to the next group in the hierarchy.
Survivor Payment Hierarchy
Listed in order of priority - highest to lowest
| Priority | Survivor Category | Eligibility & Rights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surviving Spouse | Receives the full payment if married to the decedent for at least one year immediately before death and alive at the time of payment. |
| 2 | Children | If no eligible spouse, all living biological or legally adopted children share the payment equally. |
| 3 | Parents | If no spouse or children, surviving parents share equally. |
| 4 | Grandchildren | If no spouse, children, or parents, surviving grandchildren share equally. |
| 5 | Grandparents | If no spouse, children, parents, or grandchildren, surviving grandparents share equally. |
| 6 | Authorized Agents / Estates | Only paid if specifically named or legally authorized when no qualifying survivor exists. |
Key Rules & Requirements
One Claim Per Category
All eligible individuals (e.g., all surviving children) must be listed together on the same claim form. Missing names or false statements can delay or invalidate a claim.
Verification Required
The DOJ verifies completeness and accuracy. Each beneficiary must provide proof of relationship (e.g., birth, marriage, or adoption certificates).
Stepchildren Eligibility
Stepchildren are not eligible unless legally adopted or a legally recognized parent-child relationship existed.
Surviving Spouse Requirements
A surviving spouse must have been married to the deceased for ≥1 year immediately before death and be alive at time of payment.
Native American Marriages
Native American claims may recognize marriages or relationships established under tribal law or custom.
Distribution Examples
Example 1: Surviving Spouse
If a qualifying worker dies with a surviving spouse (married ≥1 year), that spouse receives the full RECA payment.
Example 2: Multiple Children
If no spouse, the payment is divided equally among all living children (including adopted).
Example 3: Next Generation
If no spouse or children, it passes to parents, then grandchildren, then grandparents, in order.
Example 4: Estate or Agent
If no qualifying survivors remain, the estate or a legally authorized agent may receive the payment.
Dependencies & Exclusions
Ex-spouses, former stepchildren, estranged relatives, or non-relatives are not eligible unless legal documentation supports their claim.
Only living, eligible individuals at the time of payment can receive funds.
If a listed claimant dies before payment, their share may pass to the next eligible category or their estate, depending on circumstances.
Summary
RECA survivor payments follow a strict legal hierarchy requiring verified documentation and inclusive listing of all eligible family members.
To avoid disputes or delays, claimants should ensure:
- Every qualifying survivor in the highest category is included and signs the claim.
- Relationship documentation is provided and certified.
- Claims are truthful, consistent, and filed under current DOJ RECA guidelines.