US Department of Labor brings traveling resource center to Newport News to inform current and former nuclear weapons workers about benefits

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's traveling resource center will visit Newport News, Virginia, on April 28, to inform nuclear weapons workers about benefits available to them under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. The event focuses on current and former workers at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator facility in Newport News, BWX Technologies, Inc. in Lynchburg and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

"More than $86 million in compensation and medical benefits has been paid to 780 Virginia residents eligible for EEOICPA benefits to date. We believe there are many others who worked at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, BWX Technologies, Inc. and the University of Virginia who may be eligible for these benefits," said Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Director Rachel P. Leiton. "People who worked at one of these facilities and became ill, or a family member, are encouraged to join us in Newport News or contact our Oak Ridge resource center at (866) 481-0411 to learn more about the program."

Administered by Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation, the program is part of the Labor Department's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs. The EEOICPA provides lump-sum compensation and medical benefits to workers whose illness is the result of working in the nuclear weapons industry. Survivors of qualified workers may also be entitled to benefits. Staff from DEEOIC's national office and Oak Ridge resource center will be available at the traveling resource center to help individuals file new claims under the EEOICPA and provide those who have already filed with updates on the status of their EEOICPA claims.

On July 31, 2001, the Department of Labor began administering Part B of the EEOICPA. Part B covers current and former workers who have been diagnosed with cancer, beryllium disease or silicosis, and whose illness was caused by exposure to radiation, beryllium or silica while working directly for the Department of Energy, its contractor or subcontractors, a designated Atomic Weapons Employer or a beryllium vendor. Created by an amendment to the EEOICPA on October 28, 2004, Part E provides federal compensation and medical benefits to Department of Energy contractors and subcontractors who worked at a covered facility and sustained an illness because of exposure to toxic substances.

DEEOIC established 11 stationary resource centers nationwide to assist workers and their families who are applying for benefits under the EEOICPA. DEEOIC's traveling resource center brings its services to workers who need assistance to file a claim. This traveling center is open to the public. Preregistration is not required. Service is available on a first come, first served basis.

DATE & LOCATION:

Tuesday, April 28Denbigh Community Center15198 Warwick Blvd. Newport News, VA. 23608

HOURS: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT