Change may give former Hanford nuclear weapons contractors
easier access to EEOICPA compensation for illnesses

RICHLAND, Wash. — Former U.S. Department of Energy contractors and subcontractors who worked at the Hanford site in Richland may qualify for a presumption of causation if they are included in a designated Special Exposure Cohort class of employees, and diagnosed with one of 22 specified cancers. The change comes after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services amended its Special Exposure Cohort in May 2015. This SEC designation took effect on June 21, 2015.

For nuclear weapons workers applying for compensation under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act, a presumption of causation can facilitate the process. 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.

The SEC now includes U.S. Department of Energy contractors and subcontractors who worked at the Hanford site from January 1, 1984 through December 31, 1990, for at least 250 days total, either solely under this employment, or in combination with work days within the parameters established for one or more other classes of employees included in the SEC.

The SEC excludes employees of the following Hanford contractors during the time periods specified below:

• Battelle Memorial Institute, January 1, 1984 through December 31, 1990;
• Rockwell Hanford Operations, January 1, 1984 through June 28, 1987;
• Boeing Computer Services Richland, January 1, 1984 through June 28, 1987;
• UNC Nuclear Industries, January 1, 1984 through June 28, 1987;
• Westinghouse Hanford Company, January 1, 1984 through December 31, 1990; and
• Hanford Environmental Health Foundation, January 1, 1984 through December 31, 1990.

To date, $1.1 billion in EEOICPA compensation and medical benefits has been paid to 10,803 Hanford claimants, while more than $11.6 billion has been paid nationwide. For additional information about the new SEC or to schedule an appointment for claim-filing assistance, contact the Labor Department's Hanford Resource Center toll-free at 888-654-0014.