Federal agencies host public meetings in Orlando, Tampa to provide information about federal workers’ compensation program

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Labor and other federal agencies will host four town hall meetings for former, retired and current nuclear weapons workers and their survivors in Florida. On Feb. 22 and 23 in Altamonte Springs and Feb. 24 in Tampa, federal representatives will provide information about the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act and the benefits available under the program. 

“We believe there are many former, retired and current nuclear weapons workers living in Florida eligible for benefits in this program, but they haven’t filed a claim, including many retirees who relocated to Florida from other parts of the country. Our goal is to not only inform these workers or their survivors about the program, but also assist them with filing a claim to obtain compensation,” said Malcolm Nelson, ombudsman for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program. 

The EEOICPA provides compensation and medical benefits to employees, including contractors and subcontractors, whose work in the nuclear weapons industry made them ill. Survivors of qualified workers may also be entitled to benefits. A searchable list of the covered facilities located across the country is available here.

At each meeting, federal representatives from the Joint Outreach Task Group will present information and host an audience question-and-answer session. The JOTG includes the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Offices of the Ombudsman for EEOICPA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Representatives will also be available to help individuals file new claims and provide claimants with status updates on their existing claims. The same information will be presented at all meetings.

Orlando Sessions: 

When:
Monday, Feb. 22 @ 4 p.m. EST
Tuesday, Feb. 23 @ 10 a.m. EST

Where:
Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs
350 Northlake Blvd.
Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701

Tampa Sessions: 

When:
Wednesday, Feb. 24 @ 10 a.m. & 4 p.m. EST   

Where:
Hillsborough Community College – Brandon Campus
10414 E. Columbus Drive
Tampa, Florida 33619

For additional information about these outreach events contact the Office of the Ombudsman for EEOICPA toll-free at 877-662-8363 or ombudsman@dol.gov.