Expansion may give former Hooker Electrochemical Corp. nuclear weapons workers easier access to EEOICPA compensation for illnesses

Expansion: Former Hooker Electrochemical Corp. workers may qualify for a presumption of causation if they are included in a designated Special Exposure Cohort class of employees, and were diagnosed with one of 22 specified cancers. For nuclear weapons workers applying for compensation under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, a presumption of causation can simplify the process.

Affected employer: Hooker Electrochemical Corp., in Niagara Falls, New York

Qualifying dates of employment: July 1, 1944, through Dec. 31, 1948

Qualifying employees must have worked at least 250 days total, either solely under this employment, or in combination with workdays within the parameters established for one or more classes of employees included in the SEC.

Effective date: Oct. 22, 2015

EEOICPA: The EEOICPA provides compensation and medical benefits to employees whose work in the nuclear weapons industry made them ill. Survivors of qualified workers may also be entitled to benefits. To date, $3.2 million in EEOICPA compensation and medical benefits has been paid to 33 Hooker Electrochemical Corp. claimants, while more than $11.8 billion has been paid nationwide. For additional information about the new SEC or to schedule an appointment for claim-filing assistance, contact the U.S. Department of Labor's New York Resource Center toll-free at 800-941-3943.