Filing Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Claims
New Law Expands RECA Benefits: Idaho Residents May Now Qualify for Compensation
Did You or a Deceased Spouse or Parent Live in Idaho Anytime Between 1951-1962 and Later Develop Cancer? If so, You May Be Owed a $100,000 Payment.
From the 1940s through the early 1960s, the United States government conducted extensive atmospheric nuclear weapons tests. Radioactive fallout from these tests drifted across the country, exposing entire communities—including those throughout Idaho—to dangerous levels of radiation. In the decades that followed, many people developed serious, life-altering cancers as a result.
In recognition of this national hardship, Congress enacted the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). A recent, landmark expansion of this law now means that for the first time, the entire state of Idaho is a covered area.
If you lived in Idaho during the specified time and later developed a qualifying cancer or illness, you may be entitled to a one-time, lump-sum payment of $100,000. Importantly, if your eligible loved one has passed away, their surviving spouse, children, or grandchildren can file a claim on their behalf to secure the compensation they were owed.
This Is Not a Lawsuit—It Is a Federal Compensation Program
Filing a RECA claim is fundamentally different from filing a lawsuit. This is an administrative program established by Congress where you are applying for a government benefit, not suing a party for damages. The process involves submitting documented evidence to the U.S. Department of Justice to prove eligibility. There is no trial, no defendant, and no court appearance. Our role is to navigate this complex bureaucratic process for you to ensure your claim is complete, accurate, and approved.
The Deadline to File is Approaching
The expansion of RECA has created a critical window of opportunity for thousands of Idaho families. However, this program is not permanent. Under current law, the deadline to file a claim is December 31, 2027. You must act now to secure the compensation your family deserves before this opportunity is lost.
Do You Qualify? Key Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility is based on three main factors: where you lived, when you lived there, and your medical diagnosis. This program is for anyone who was present—it does not matter if you were a child, a homemaker, a farmer, or an office worker.
- Residency Requirement (Timing of Presence)
To qualify as a “Downwinder,” you (or your deceased family member) must have been physically present in a covered area during one of the following specific timeframes:- For a cumulative period of at least one year between January 21, 1951, and November 6, 1962;
OR - For the entire period between June 30, 1962, and July 31, 1962. This alternative allows individuals who do not meet the one-year requirement (such as those born in late 1961) to qualify if they were present for this entire specific month.
- For a cumulative period of at least one year between January 21, 1951, and November 6, 1962;
Note for New Mexico residents: The timeframe is one year between September 24, 1944, and November 6, 1962.
- Covered Geographic Areas
The 2025 RECA expansion now includes the following as “Downwinder” areas:- Idaho (entire state)
- Utah (entire state)
- New Mexico (entire state)
- Arizona(Mohave, Coconino, Apache, Gila, Yavapai, and Navajo counties)
- Nevada(Lander, Eureka, White Pine, Nye, and parts of Clark County)
Even if you moved away decades ago, you qualify based on your past residency in one of these locations during the specified time.
- Covered Illnesses Under RECA
Compensation may be available for individuals diagnosed with one or more of the primary cancers and diseases covered by the Act. This list includes, but is not limited to:- Leukemia (other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
- Multiple Myeloma
- Lymphomas (other than Hodgkin’s disease)
- Primary Cancers of the Lung, Thyroid, Breast, Esophagus, Stomach, Pharynx, Small Intestine, Pancreas, Bile Ducts, Gallbladder, and Liver Salivary Gland, Urinary Bladder, Colon, Ovary, and Brain.
Our firm will thoroughly review your medical history to determine if your diagnosis is covered under the Act.
Our Exclusive Focus: RECA Claims for Idaho Families
Filing a RECA claim requires meticulous and often difficult-to-find documentation of residency, presence, and medical history. Any error, omission, or inconsistency in your application can lead to a denial from the Department of Justice. Our firm specializes exclusively in filing these complex claims for Idaho families. We manage the entire process, from gathering decades-old proof to navigating the federal bureaucracy, so you can focus on what matters most.
Please note: We only assist with claims under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). We do not handle EEOICPA claims.
Our Path to Compensation: How We Handle Your Claim
Our firm manages the entire RECA claims process from start to finish. We are dedicated to building the strongest possible claim while providing you with peace of mind.
01 Schedule a Consultation We will meet with you to confidentially review the exposed individual’s residency, employment, and medical history to determine potential eligibility under RECA. This applies whether you are the claimant or you are filing on behalf of a deceased loved one.
02 We Determine Eligibility and Build Your Claim If it is determined you may meet the qualifications, our dedicated team will immediately begin the intensive process of gathering the vital proof of residency and medical records required to build a successful claim.
03 We File and Manage Your Claim Our team will prepare and file a comprehensive claim on your behalf and manage the entire legal process. We handle all communications with the Department of Justice, allowing you to focus on what matters most.
