Get Ready for RECA Expansion: Avoid Scams and Prepare for a Successful Claim

By Tim Lerew, Cold War Patriots Strategic Advocacy, Emeritus

The substantial legislative changes to the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) that were signed into law on July 4^th, 2025 are rightfully generating a high level of interest in affected communities across the country. Potentially, thousands of uranium miners, millers, transporters, core drillers, and uranium mine and mill remediation workers will now be joined by newly eligible downwinders and those living adjacent to specific Manhattan Project-era waste sites to finally receive the compensation and healthcare they have earned.

Here are some key things to look out for in the weeks ahead, as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) works to publish guidance for workers and legal advocates on the most effective and efficient ways to submit new claims.

Fee structures for legitimate advocates assisting with RECA claims

While an affected worker or family member can submit their own RECA claim to the DOJ, many workers turn to paid advocates to professionally prepare their applications. They often make this choice with the hope or expectation of a higher probability of an approved claim and compensation.

It is important to know that the existing fee structure associated with paid advocates for new RECA claims assistance is the same as it was for RECA claims submitted in the past. That is, 2% of an original claim can be paid to an advocate as their fee upon payment to an affected claimant or survivor. For example, if a uranium worker or downwinder receives $100,000 from the DOJ and utilizes the services of a paid advocate to prepare their claims application, then the advocate would earn $2,000 of the award.

If the claim was previously submitted and denied by the DOJ, but then it is newly prepared and approved with the help of a paid advocate, RECA allows the advocate to receive up to 10% of the compensation paid, or $10,000 in our example. In addition, some paid advocates charge for mailing costs, documentation preparation, gathering medical records, and even having a new examination and letter prepared by a physician in support of a claim. Any costs for such additional services should be reasonable and specified in writing to the claimant.

What’s not reasonable is paid advocates “guaranteeing” a worker a RECA award in exchange for higher fee structures than the 2% and 10% specified by the DOJ. We have heard of newspaper ads, toll-free numbers, and social media posts enticing claimants to choose a paid advocate, and then the advocate contracting for 20%, 30% or even more of a claimant’s award. Under no circumstances should a sick worker, downwinder, or affected family member or survivor be misled into paying substantially more for a successful claim than the law allows.

Workers can avoid these situations by working with legitimate, trusted resources for information and referrals to qualified advocates. The Cold War Patriots organization has never collected a fee from claimants for any of its claims assistance services. If a professional advocate is recommended, they are well-qualified and will not take advantage of a claimant. Some excellent, free resources are available here.

What uranium workers can do right now

Act now and begin gathering the necessary information for a successful claim. First things first. Is there an illness that has been diagnosed and confirmed by a medical professional or copies of test results obtained? Depending on the type of claimant, some illnesses are covered under RECA, and others are not. A checklist and information on who qualifies for RECA can be found here.

Still not sure?  A call to the Cold War Patriots Help Center at 855-230-1339 can connect you with one of the specially trained RECA specialists who can guide you through the process. Another key piece of a successful RECA claim will depend on when and where you worked or lived. Again, the RECA checklist can help.

Finally, both patience and persistence are required, as the DOJ is continuing to add staff to handle claim applications. They are now accepting mail-in claim forms, which can be found here. Additionally, the DOJ is preparing an online portal for the submission of claims.

Stay in touch with Cold War Patriots

Register with Cold War Patriots to be informed when the online forms go live. And, work with your local doctor and health providers now to gather necessary supporting medical documentation. Remember, no one wants the burden of cancer or a serious medical condition caused by where you worked or where you lived. The new RECA compensation is America’s acknowledgment of responsibility, and at least some effort to compensate you for part of what you’ve endured. Start the process of gathering necessary information now, as the new law has only been extended to accept claims until December 31, 2027.

To learn more about what RECA benefits you may qualify for, visit our RECA information page here, or call Cold War Patriots today at 855-230-1339 or email us at [email protected].