US Department of Labor announces outreach events in Wyoming for current, former coal miners, survivors on black lung benefits

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation will host a series of outreach events in Wyoming from June 13 to 15, 2023, for current and former coal miners and their survivors to file or re-file benefit claims for those disabled by black lung.

The events are the first hosted by the division in the state where about 2,700 people now receive program benefits. The division, which administers claims filed under the Federal Black Lung Program, held similar outreach events in Indiana and Illinois in late 2022.

“The U.S. Department of Labor encourages current and former coal miners in Wyoming to attend and learn more about their eligibility for Black Lung Benefits Act benefits,” said Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation Director Mike Chance. “The events are intended to assist miners and their survivors with filing or re-filing claims and provide information on eligibility and the claims process.”

Representatives of the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Federal Black Lung Clinic, the Northwest Community Action Programs of Wyoming, will also be on-hand to assist attendees.

Open to the public, the events require no pre-registration to attend.

Events will be held as follows:

• June 13: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Rock Springs Library, 400 C St., Rock Springs WY 82901
• June 14: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Campbell County Library, 2101 S 4-J Road, Gillette, WY 82718
• June 15: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wright Branch Library, 305 Wright Branch Library, Wright, WY 82732

For more information, contact the Federal Black Lung program at 800-347-2502.

Learn more about the Black Lung Benefits Act.

Learn more about the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs.