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SANTA FE, N.M., Oct. 20, 2026—The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Program provides a one-time payment of $100,000 to individuals affected by radiation exposure from the Trinity and other nuclear tests. RECA compensation is now available to New Mexico downwinders and post 1971 uranium workers.

All claims must be filed by December 31, 2027. For the latest information and how to apply, visit the U.S. Department of Justice RECA webpage.

Downwinders qualifications:

• Must have been present in New Mexico for one year between September 24, 1944 and November 6, 1962 OR the entirety of June 30, 1962 to July 31, 1962.
• Must suffer or have suffered from one or more of these qualifying diseases:
  • Leukemia (other than chronic lymphocytic leukemias)
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Lymphomas (other than Hodgkin’s disease)
  • Primary cancers of the: thyroid, male or female breast, esophagus, stomach, pharynx, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, lung, ovary, gall bladder, salivary gland, urinary bladder, brain, colon, liver (except if cirrhosis or Hepatitis B is indicated)
• If an eligible individual dies, their survivor may apply for compensation on their behalf. Survivors are considered in the following order: living spouse, children, parents, grandchildren, and grandparents.

Uranium worker qualifications:

• Must have been a uranium miner, miller, or core driller.
• Must have:
  • Worked in the transport if uranium or vanadium-uranium ore from a mine or mill, or
  • Been involved in remediation efforts at such uranium mine or mill in New Mexico.
• Must have been employed for at least one year or 40 working level months between January 1, 1942 and December 1, 1990.
• Must suffer or have suffered from one or more of these qualifying diseases:
  • Lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, fibrosis of the lung, silicosis, pneumoconiosis, cor pulmonale related to fibrosis of the lung, renal cancer, any other chronic renal disease including nephritis and kidney tubal tissue injury.

If an eligible individual dies, their survivor may apply for compensation on their behalf. Survivors are considered in the following order: living spouse, children, parents, grandchildren, and grandparents.

For more information about the program, including a RECA Tele-Workshop and informational flyer available in English and Spanish, visit the website of Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, who helped expand RECA alongside the New Mexico congressional delegation and New Mexico advocates.

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