I want to inform you of another visit to the Bay Area by the Traveling Resource Center associated with the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA).

SLAC and DOE wish to notify you that you may be eligible for this important Federal benefits program and how you can apply or get more information.

As a reminder of this program, during the Cold War workers employed in the nation’s atomic weapons program or other programs may have been exposed to radioactive and toxic substances. In 2000, Congress passed The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act to provide assistance to those workers who have become ill as a result of employment at atomic weapon facilities or other facilities.

Individuals, or their eligible survivors, who were an employee, contractor or subcontractor at a Department of Energy (DOE) facility, such as SLAC, may be eligible for benefits under this Program.

The federal portion of the EEOICPA, administered by the Department of Labor (DOL), was enacted to provide compensation to workers with cancer, beryllium disease or silicosis. Employees, or their survivors, whose claims are approved may receive a lump-sum payment of $150,000 and medical benefits for the covered illness.

DOE has established independent physician panels of occupational medicine doctors to review whether workplace toxic exposures may have caused or contributed to DOE workers’ occupational illnesses. If there is an affirmative finding, DOE will assist the worker in filing a claim with the state workers’ compensation program.

Toxic-related illnesses could include: asbestosis, liver disease, nervous system disorders, non-cancerous respiratory or kidney disease, heavy metal poisoning, certain reproductive disorders or other diseases.

The Departments of Labor and Energy are sponsoring a Traveling Resource Center to help current, retired, or former workers file applications or get more information about the EEOICPA program:

You may drop in or make an appointment by calling toll free (866) 697-0841 between the hours of 8:30 and 5:00 p.m. PST. You can also get more information or file a claim through this number as well.