RECA Support
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act
New Mexicans impacted by radiation exposure from uranium mining, milling, and nuclear testing may now be eligible for federal compensation. Learn if you qualify and how to apply.
What Is RECA?
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) is a federal program that provides compensation to individuals who developed serious illnesses as a result of exposure to radiation from U.S. nuclear weapons testing or uranium mining and milling activities.
In 2024, Congress expanded RECA to include additional states and communities, including many New Mexicans who were previously excluded. This expansion reflects years of advocacy by the New Mexico Nuclear Alliance and partners like Representative Teresa Leger Fernández, who championed the inclusion of New Mexico downwinders and workers.
RECA provides financial compensation to individuals and families who were harmed by radiation exposure related to nuclear testing and uranium work.
For the first time, New Mexico downwinders and additional uranium workers are now eligible. This marks an important step in acknowledging the long-term impact on communities across the state.
Eligible individuals may receive a one-time payment of $100,000. Claims must be submitted by December 31, 2027.
Who May Be Eligible?
RECA covers several categories of claimants. You may qualify if you fall into one of the following groups:
1. Downwinders
Presence Requirements
- Must have been present in New Mexico for one year between September 24, 1944, and November 6, 1962 OR
- For the entirety of June 30, 1962 to July 31, 1962
- Note: The one year period does not have to be consecutive; cumulative months across the qualifying periods count.
Qualifying Diseases
- Leukemia (other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
- Multiple myeloma
- Lymphomas (other than Hodgkin's disease)
- Primary cancers of the: thyroid, male or female breast, esophagus, stomach, pharynx, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, gall bladder, salivary gland, urinary bladder, brain, colon, ovary, liver (except if cirrhosis or Hepatitis B is indicated), or lung
2. Uranium Workers
Employment Requirements
- Must have been employed as a uranium miner, uranium miller, core driller, in the transport of uranium or vanadium-uranium ore, or involved in remediation efforts at a uranium mine or mill in New Mexico
- Must have been employed for at least one year or 40 working level months between January 1, 1942 and December 1, 1990
Qualifying Diseases
- Lung cancer
- Pulmonary fibrosis / fibrosis of the lung
- Silicosis
- Pneumoconiosis
- Cor pulmonale related to fibrosis of the lung
- Renal cancer
- Any other chronic renal disease including nephritis and kidney tubal tissue injury
3. Onsite Participants
Presence Requirements
- Must have been present onsite above or within a government installation during the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device before January 1, 1963 including at the Trinity Test
Qualifying Diseases
- Leukemia (other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
- Multiple myeloma
- Lymphomas (other than Hodgkin's disease)
- Primary cancers of the: thyroid, male or female breast, esophagus, stomach, pharynx, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, gall bladder, salivary gland, urinary bladder, brain, colon, ovary, liver (except if cirrhosis or Hepatitis B is indicated), or lung
4. Survivors
Eligibility
- If an eligible individual dies, their survivor may apply for compensation on their behalf. Survivors are considered in the following order:
Order of Priority
- Living spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Grandchildren
- Grandparents