C.O.A.L. Mine Portal – Now Accepting Application Forms!

The DCMWC, better known as the Federal Black Lung Program, is pleased to announce that beginning March 29, 2024, stakeholders will be able to submit the CM-911, Miner's Claim for Benefits Under the Black Lung Benefits Act, and the CM-912, Survivor's Form for Benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act, electronically using the portal. We encourage claimants to also submit the CM-911a, Employment History form, at the same time the application is submitted to improve processing timeframes.

When DCMWC launched the C.O.A.L. Mine portal in 2016, the functionality did not support new claim forms; documents could be submitted only to existing case files. This new enhancement includes digital signature capabilities and thus will enable miners and survivors to submit their claim applications electronically, reducing delays and costs associated with postal mail.

First time users of the C.O.A.L. Mine portal must create an OWCP Connect account prior to completing or submitting documents to DCMWC. OWCP Connect allows users to prove their identity and create an account for various self-service applications. IMPORTANT NOTE: Only the claimant can digitally sign the three new forms – CM-911, CM-912, and CM-911a. The forms may NOT be signed by an Authorized Representative of the claimant.

Identity proofing is accomplished by validating the user's information entered during the account registration process against secure Credit Bureau data. Once the user's identify has been verified, their account can be created.

Once the account has been successfully created, the claimant will receive an email informing them their account has been created. The user must activate the account within 24 hours.

Detailed instructions for creating an OWCP Connect account and signing and submitting applications for benefits are available here. DCMWC is working on a video demonstrating the process and will soon make that available on our website.

For more information about the C.O.A.L. Mine portal, or general questions for DCMWC, please visit our website at www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dcmwc or contact us at 1-800-347-2502.