Radiation Exposure Compensation Program (RECA) For New Mexico Downwinders

What is this program?

RECA provides $100,000 one-time payments to people who developed certain cancers after exposure to radiation from nuclear weapons testing, including individuals who worked in certain covered occupations relating to uranium mining. You can submit a claim form here. You do NOT need a lawyer to claim eligible compensation through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, and the deadline for submitting a RECA claim is December 31, 2027.

Am I eligible as a Downwinder?

✓ Have you lived, worked, or gone to school (had a “physical presence”) in New Mexico for at least 1 year between September 24, 1944 and November 6, 1962 or for the entirety of June 30, 1962 to July 31, 1962? AND

✓ Have you been diagnosed with a qualifying cancer (see below for guidance on qualifying cancers)?

If you answered YES to these questions or have had a family member eligible who has passed away and meets those qualifications, you may qualify for $100,000 under the expanded program.

What cancers qualify?

If you had a physical presence in New Mexico during the eligibility periods (above), you may qualify if you have been diagnosed with:

What documents will I need to file a claim?

Proof of residence, employment, or onsite participation during a qualifying period
Medical records documenting your diagnosis of a compensable disease
Identification documentation as described on the claim form

You do NOT need to submit original or certified copies of supporting documentation if you choose to file online.

How much may I receive?

$100,000 one-time payment (Federally tax-free, does not affect Social Security or Medicaid eligibility).

How do I apply?

You can submit a claim form here. Feel free to contact Rep. Vasquez's office at (505) 208-4777 with questions.

Take the first step today to receive the recognition and compensation you deserve.

Eligibility Information for Uranium Workers

RECA extends compensation to individuals who participated onsite in a test involving the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device and later contracted a compensable disease. A qualifying Onsite Participant must meet two essential criteria:

The participant was present “onsite” above or within a government installation during a test involving the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear device. “Test involving the atmospheric detonation of a nuclear devices” means only those tests conducted by the United States prior to January 1, 1963, and does not include the wartime detonations at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.
The participant was subsequently diagnosed with a specified compensable disease. The compensable diseases for Onsite Participants are the same as the compensable diseases for Downwinders.

Compensation amount:
RECA provides qualifying Onsite Participants a one-time, lump sum payment of $100,000 offset by any amounts received from the VA for the same illness. If the individual has died, their survivors may apply for equal shares of the single payment.

Know Your Rights: Attorney Fees

You do not need a lawyer to claim eligible compensation through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. If you choose to acquire a lawyer, please note:

Notwithstanding any contract and except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, the attorney of a claimant or beneficiary, along with any assistants or experts retained by the attorney on behalf of the claimant or beneficiary, may receive from a claimant or beneficiary no more than 2% of the total award for all services rendered in connection with a successful claim, exclusive of costs. (3)

(i) If an attorney entered into a contract with the claimant or beneficiary for services before July 10, 2000, with respect to a particular claim, then that attorney may receive up to 10% of the total award for services rendered in connection with a successful claim, exclusive of costs.

(ii) If an attorney resubmits a previously denied claim, then that attorney may receive up to 10% of the total award to the claimant or beneficiary for services rendered in connection with that subsequently successful claim, exclusive of costs. Resubmission of a previously denied claim includes only those claims that were previously denied and refiled under the Act.

Find more information here.