Radiation exposure compensation (RECA) support for Downwinders
Get free help applying for federal compensation tied to radiation exposure from historic nuclear testing.
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.
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:
- Go to page 10 of the claim form.
- Find the question asking if you received help from a Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP).
- Check "Yes" and enter: Southwestern Utah RESEP Clinic – St. George, UT.
If you are submitting an online application:
- Locate the question: "Did you get your application from a Radiation Exposure Screening and Education (RESEP) clinic?"
- Select "Yes" if prompted.
- 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
Information sessions
Join a free information session to learn about eligibility, recent program updates, and how to apply for compensation. Our team will answer questions, explain the application process, and help you understand your next steps. No registration is required.
- October 10 - Cedar City Hospital Health Fair, 1303 N. Main Street, Cedar City; 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon; RECA applications and information will be available. Application reviews will not be offered at this event.
- October 14 - Price, UT. Active Re-Entry Independent Living,10 S. Fairgrounds Rd, 1:00-2:00 P.M
- October 15 - Moab, UT. Grand Center, 182 N. 500 W., 4:00-5:30 P.M (with Heal Utah)
- October 22 - Ogden, UT. McKay-Dee Hospital, Dee Auditorium, 4401 Harrison Blvd, 12:00-1:00 P.M
- October 22 - Salt Lake City, UT. Intermountain Medical Center, The Doty Family Education Ctr, Bldg 6, East & West Auditoriums, 5121 S. Cottonwood St, 5:00-6:00 P.M
Application review appointments
Need help before submitting your RECA application? Schedule an application review appointment to have your materials checked before mailing. To avoid delays, we recommend submitting your claim now by mail or through the online portal. This starts the review process, and additional documents can be provided later if needed. Current claim processing times are approximately 7 to 12 months.
Scheduled reviews
Appointments are required. Call 435-251-4760. to schedule a review.
- October 13 - St George Cancer Center, Downwinder’s office.
Walk-in events
A limited number of application reviews are available. Visitors will be assisted in the order they arrive, so please plan to arrive early.
- October 14 - Price, UT. Active Re-Entry Independent Living, 10 S. Fairgrounds Rd, 2:00 - 5:00 P.M
- October 20 - Murray, UT. Intermountain Medical Center, Transformation Center, 5026 S. State Street, Room 131, 10 A.M. - 5 P.M
- October 21 - Murray, UT. Intermountain Medical Center, Transformation Center, 5026 S. State Street, Board Room 103, 10 A.M. - 5 P.M
Downwinders program FAQs
Answers to common questions about RECA eligibility and compensation.
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
- 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)
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.