Resources available for former Amarillo, Texas’ Pantex plant workers

WASHINGTON – Former Pantex plant workers in Amarillo, Texas, may qualify as part of a new worker Special Exposure Cohort class that will simplify filing of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act claims.

Managed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, EEOICPA provides compensation and medical benefits to workers who became ill as a result of exposure to radiation, beryllium, or silica while employed at covered facilities. Survivors of qualified workers may also be entitled to benefits.

Affected employees: Effective Feb. 3, 2017, the following class of workers was added to the SEC of the EEOICPA: All employees of the U.S. Department of Energy, its predecessor agencies, and contractors and subcontractors who worked at the Amarillo plant.

Qualifying dates of employment:  Jan. 1, 1951, through Dec. 31, 1957.

A worker who is included in a designated SEC class, and who was diagnosed with one of 22 specified cancers may qualify for a presumption of causation under the EEOICPA, making the claims process easier. Qualifying employees must have worked at least 250 days, either solely under the above-mentioned employment, or in combination with workdays within the parameters established for one or more classes of employees included in the SEC. 

For more information about the new Pantex plant SEC, or to schedule an appointment for claim-filing assistance, contact the department’s Espanola Resource Center toll-free at (866) 272-3622.