Federal Government Shutdown and EEOICPA Benefits

If you or a loved one are a nuclear or uranium worker receiving care under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) or the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), you may be wondering: Will my benefits be affected? Will my care continue uninterrupted?

The short answer is: your benefits and care are protected.

Mandatory Funding Means Your Benefits Continue

Unlike many federal programs that rely on discretionary funding—subject to annual approval by Congress—EEOICPA and RECA are funded through mandatory appropriations. This means their budgets are protected by law and not subject to the same shutdown risks as other programs.

The Department of Labor (DOL), which administers EEOICPA, has confirmed that healthcare services and compensation payments will continue even during a government shutdown. Similarly, RECA benefits, administered by the Department of Justice, are also considered protected activities due to their statutory obligations.

What You Can Expect During a Shutdown

While your medical care, compensation payments, and access to pharmacy and durable medical equipment will remain uninterrupted, there may be minor delays in administrative processes. Here’s what that could look like:

• Claims Processing: If you’re submitting a new claim or waiting on a decision, you might experience slower response times.
• Customer Service: Federal support lines may operate with reduced staffing, leading to longer wait times.
• Website Updates: Online resources and updates from federal agencies may be paused temporarily.

However, these are administrative slowdowns, not service interruptions. Your home care team will continue to show up, your prescriptions will be filled, and your compensation checks will arrive as scheduled.

What We’re Doing to Support You

We are actively engaged with federal agencies to stay ahead of any changes. Our team is in regular contact with the DOL and other stakeholders to ensure we have the most current information.

Here’s how we’re supporting you:

• Proactive Communication: We’ll keep you informed of any updates that could affect your care or benefits.
• Dedicated Support Staff: Our Outreach and Clinical teams are available to answer questions, help with paperwork, and provide reassurance.
• Continuity of Care: Our caregivers are committed to maintaining your care schedule without disruption.

If you’re a Professional Case Management client and have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your case manager. We’re here to help.

A Message to Nuclear and Uranium Workers

If you’re considering applying for EEOICPA or RECA benefits, a government shutdown should not deter you. While there may be slight delays in processing, the programs remain fully operational. You can still begin your application, schedule assessments, and receive guidance from our team.

In fact, starting now ensures you’re in the queue and ready to move forward once normal operations resume. We’ll walk you through every step—from eligibility screening to medical documentation—so you don’t have to navigate the system alone.

For beneficiaries of EEOICPA and RECA, the message is clear: your care is protected. These programs are more than just policy—they’re a promise. A promise to honor the sacrifices of workers who helped build and defend our nation, often at great personal cost.

At Cold War Patriots and Professional Case Management, we take that promise seriously. Whether you’re a long-time client or just beginning your journey, we’re committed to providing compassionate, uninterrupted care.

Let’s Stay Connected

If you have questions about your benefits, your claim, or how a shutdown might affect you, please reach out to our Outreach Help Center at 855-230-1339. We’re here to provide answers, reassurance, and support.