EEOICPA Benefits

The EEOICP Act of 2001 provides many benefits for nuclear weapon workers and their loved ones. Read below to see what benefits you may be eligible for.

eeoicpa benefits

Who Gets EEOICPA Benefits?

Under EEOICPA there is a specific breakdown of who receives the EEOICPA benefits under Parts B and E. Below is the legally ordered ranking for who receives compensation.

  1. The covered employee.
    • If the covered employee is still alive, they receive all benefits. If not, then follow the order before.
  2. The spouse of the covered employee.
    • Must have been married to the covered employee for at least one year immediately before the death of the individual.
    • Exception: The covered employee has a living child that is legally a minor at the time of payment. If the child is not recognized as a natural child (or is adopted) half of the compensation will go to the child, half to the spouse.
  3. The children of the covered employee.
    • This includes natural children, stepchildren, and adopted children.
    • Each surviving child is entitled to an equal share of the benefits. Example, if there are two surviving children, each will receive half of the benefits.
  4. The parents of the covered employee.
    • If both of the parents are alive, then they are each entitled to half of the compensation.
  5. The grandchildren of the covered employee.
    • Each surviving grandchild is entitled to an equal share of the benefits. Example, if there are two surviving grandchildren, each will receive half of the benefits.
  6. The grandparents of the covered employee.
    • If both of the grandparents are alive, then they are each entitled to half of the compensation.

Part B of EEOICPA Benefits:

  • $150,000 compensation
  • $50,000 compensation
    • If you filed a claim on behalf of a Uranium worker that was previously awarded compensation under RECA.
  • Payment of medical expenses after the date the claim is filed
  • Medical monitoring to check for Chronic Beryllium Disease – if you were exposed to beryllium at your job

Part E of EEOICPA Benefits:

  • Variable compensation up to $250,000
    • This is determined based upon wage loss, impairment, and survivor.
    • Wage loss – based upon the number of years the employee was unable to work or lost income as a result of illness. Compensation is payable for years of lost wages prior to Social Security Retirement Age.
      • $10,000 for each year which you earned 25% – 50% less than your Average Annual Wage.
      • $15,000 for each year you earned 50% or more than your Average Annual Wage.
    • Impairment – based upon the decreased functioning of a body part or organ as it affects the whole body as a result of the illness.
      • Rating occurs after the condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improved with additional medial treatment
      • Compensation is calculated at: $2,500 for each one percent (1%) of whole body impairment.
    • Survivor 
      • Compensation of at least $125,000
      • Additional compensation will come from wage loss prior to Social Security Retirement Age.
        • $0 – if the employee had less than 10 years of wage loss
        • $25,000 – if the employee had between 10 and 19 years of wage loss
        • $50,000 – if the employee had 20 years or more of wage loss
      • Total survivor compensation can not exceed $175,000
      • A surviving spouse of a covered employee is eligible for survivor benefits.
      • If there is no surviving spouse, a child may be eligible if they meet one of the following criteria at the time of the covered employee’s death:
        • Under the age of 18
        • Under the age of 23 and a full-time student that was continuously enrolled at an educational institution
        • Incapable of self support
  • Medical expenses.
    • These do not count against your $250,000 cap.

For more specific information on EEOICPA Parts B and E, please visit the Department of Labor EEOICPA Website.