US Department of Labor will hold two events in Alabama for current, former coal miners, survivors on black lung benefits, claims

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation will host two outreach events in Alabama on Sept. 20 and 21, 2023, for current and former coal miners and their survivors to file or re-file benefit claims for those disabled by black lung disease. 

The events in Tuscaloosa and Jasper are the first the division will host in a state where about 400 people now receive benefits under the Federal Black Lung Program. The Alabama events follows similar events in Arizona, New Mexico and Wyoming in 2023 and in Indiana and Illinois in 2022. The division administers claims filed under the program.

“The U.S. Department of Labor encourages current, former coal miners and their survivors in these areas to attend and learn more about eligibility for benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act,” said Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation Director Mike Chance. “Attendees can get assistance with filing or refiling claims and get information on eligibility and the adjudication process.”

Open to the public, the events require no pre-registration to attend. Events will be held as follows:

• Sept. 20: Tuscaloosa Library, 1801 Jack Warner Parkway from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Sept. 21: Jasper Library, 98 18th Street E from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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 OWCP.