Radiation exposure compensation (RECA) support for Downwinders

Get free help applying for federal compensation tied to radiation exposure from historic nuclear testing.

EligibilityHow to applyFree public meetingsFAQsContact us
Nuclear testing site

Free support for people affected by nuclear testing

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), also known as the Downwinders program, provides financial compensation for people affected by radiation exposure from nuclear testing. Our team offers free, expert support to help you understand eligibility and complete your application. This is a grant-funded assistance program designed to help individuals and families apply for federal compensation related to radiation exposure. 

The program offers free, one-on-one guidance to:

  • Explain eligibility requirements
  • Help gather and prepare application materials
  • Support you through each step of the process

 

Eligibility

Eligibility is based on federal criteria tied to exposure from nuclear testing. You may qualify if the person who became ill was physically present in designated areas affected by radioactive fallout during specific time periods.

All RECA claims must be filed by December 31, 2027.

Exposure and location requirements for Downwinders

You may qualify if one of the following applies:

  • Present in a designated affected area for at least one year between January 21, 1951 and November 6, 1962
  • Present in a designated affected area from June 30, 1962 through July 31, 1962
  • Present in New Mexico for at least one year between September 24, 1944 and November 6, 1962

Affected areas include:

  • Utah, Idaho, or New Mexico
  • Counties in Arizona: Coconino, Yavapai, Navajo, Apache, Gila, Mohave
  • Counties in Nevada: White Pine, Nye, Lander, Lincoln, Eureka, and portions of Clark County (townships 13–16, ranges 63–71)

Qualifying cancers and conditions

Compensable diseases include:

  • Leukemia
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Lymphomas (except Hodgkin’s disease)
  • Cancers of the thyroid, breast, esophagus, stomach, pharynx
  • Cancers of the small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, gall bladder
  • Cancers of the salivary gland, urinary bladder, brain, colon, ovary
  • Liver cancer (with certain conditions)
  • Lung cancer

How to apply

You can apply in several ways, and our team is here to help you choose the best option. All RECA claims must be filed by December 31, 2027.

Apply online

Complete the Department of Justice application online.

Apply by mail

Download a PDF form. Mail completed forms to the Department of Justice.

Request an application by mail

Email us your name and mailing address, and we will mail you an application form.

Please identify our clinic on your application

When completing your RECA application, please let the Department of Justice know you received assistance from our clinic. This does not affect your claim, eligibility, or compensation. It simply helps demonstrate the impact of the program and supports ongoing funding so we can continue providing free assistance to others.

If you are submitting a paper application:

  1. Go to page 10 of the claim form.
  2. Find the question asking if you received help from a Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP).
  3. Check "Yes" and enter: Southwestern Utah RESEP Clinic – St. George, UT.

If you are submitting an online application:

  1. Locate the question: "Did you get your application from a Radiation Exposure Screening and Education (RESEP) clinic?"
  2. Select "Yes" if prompted.
  3. From the drop-down list, choose "Southwestern RESEP Clinic."

Thank you for taking this extra step. Reporting our clinic's assistance helps document how many people benefit from the program and supports continued funding for free application support services.

Learn about RECA and get application support

Join us for a free RECA information meeting to learn about eligibility, recent program updates, and the compensation application process. Our team will answer questions, explain who may qualify, and provide information to help you get started. No registration is required.

Upcoming public meetings

St. George – Thursday, July 30, 2026, 4–5 p.m.
Cancer Center, Building 7, Classrooms A, B & C
600 South Medical Center Drive

Provo/Orem – Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 2–3 p.m.
Utah Valley Hospital, Sorenson Tower, Building 4
2nd Floor, Classrooms 1, 2 & 3
395 Cougar Boulevard

Salt Lake City – Tuesday, August 4, 2026, 6–7 p.m.
Intermountain Medical Center, Doty Family Education Center
Building 6, West Auditorium
5121 S. Cottonwood Street

Logan – Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 1–2 p.m.
Logan Public Library
285 N. Main Street

Ogden – Friday, August 7, 2026, 12–1 p.m.
McKay-Dee Hospital, Thomas Dee Auditorium
4401 Harrison Boulevard

Need help reviewing your application?

Application review appointments are available for individuals who are ready to submit their RECA application and would like assistance checking their materials before mailing. Appointments are required.

  • St. George: Friday, July 31, 2026, 1–5 p.m.
  • Salt Lake City (Intermountain Medical Center): Thursday, August 6, 2026, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Ogden (McKay-Dee Hospital): Friday, August 7, 2026, 2–6 p.m.

To schedule an application review appointment, call 435-251-4760.

Downwinders program FAQs

Answers to common questions about RECA eligibility and compensation.

If you qualify, you may receive up to $100,000 in compensation. This payment is intended to recognize harm caused by radiation exposure and help with medical and life impacts. Compensation does not replace medical care or affect other benefits.
No. You do not need to receive care from Intermountain Health to apply. The program is open to anyone who meets federal eligibility requirements, regardless of where they receive care.

Several cancers are included under the program, including leukemia, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and others. If you are unsure, contact us—we can help determine if your diagnosis may qualify.

The compensable diseases are:

  • Leukemia
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Lymphomas (other than Hodgkin's disease)
  • Primary cancer of the thyroid
  • Primary cancer of the male or female breast
  • Primary cancer of the esophagus
  • Primary cancer of the stomach
  • Primary cancer of the pharynx
  • Primary cancer of the small intestine
  • Primary cancer of the pancreas
  • Primary cancer of the bile ducts
  • Primary cancer of the gall bladder
  • Primary cancer of the salivary gland
  • Primary cancer of the urinary bladder
  • Primary cancer of the brain
  • Primary cancer of the colon
  • Primary cancer of the ovary
  • Primary cancer of the liver (except if cirrhosis or hepatitis B is indicated)
  • Primary cancer of the lung
Eligibility includes people who lived or worked in areas of Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico during specific time periods tied to nuclear testing. Even temporary residence during qualifying periods may count. Affected areas include:
  • Utah, Idaho, or New Mexico
  • Counties in Arizona: Coconino, Yavapai, Navajo, Apache, Gila, Mohave
  • Counties in Nevada: White Pine, Nye, Lander, Lincoln, Eureka, and portions of Clark County (townships 13–16, ranges 63–71)
All claims must be submitted by December 31, 2027. Starting early can help ensure you have enough time to gather documentation and complete your application.

Contact us

Get free, personalized help with your RECA application. Our team will guide you step by step and help make the process simpler and less overwhelming.

Call us: 435-251-4760
Email us