Legal Solutions so you can Rest and Relax
Radiation Exposure Compensation • Utah Downwinders
Utah RECA Attorney — Downwinder & Radiation Exposure Claims
Were you or a deceased family member living in Utah during the nuclear testing era and later diagnosed with a covered cancer? The expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) may provide a one-time $100,000 payment for qualifying Utah downwinders.
Current DOJ filing deadline: December 31, 2027. Eligibility is determined by federal law, not simply by having lived in Utah or received a cancer diagnosis.
Request a RECA Claim Consultation801-899-6064What Changed for Utah Downwinders?
Congress reauthorized and expanded RECA on July 4, 2025, through Public Law 119-21. The expanded downwinder geographic coverage now includes the entire state of Utah, not only the southern Utah counties included under the earlier program. That means people who lived in Utah County, Salt Lake County, and other parts of Utah during the qualifying dates may now be able to apply if they meet the other requirements.
RECA is an administrative federal compensation program administered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The program does not require an eligible claimant to prove through an individual lawsuit that a particular nuclear test caused the illness. Instead, applicants must document statutory eligibility.
Official DOJ RECA program and current eligibility requirements.
Who Qualifies for a Utah RECA Downwinder Claim?
1. Qualifying Presence in Utah
Generally, physical presence in Utah for at least one year between January 21, 1951, and November 6, 1962, OR throughout June 30, 1962, to July 31, 1962. A separate earlier window applies to New Mexico.
2. A Covered Diagnosis
The person must have developed a cancer or hematologic disease listed in RECA after qualifying exposure, with any applicable onset requirements. Not every cancer diagnosis qualifies.
3. Supporting Evidence
Documents may need to establish residence or physical presence, diagnosis, identity, and, where applicable, the relationship and status of eligible surviving family members.
4. Timely Application
The DOJ currently identifies December 31, 2027, as the claim filing deadline. Allow time to gather historical and medical records.
Which Cancers Are Covered by RECA?
The DOJ lists several specified cancers and related illnesses under the downwinder provisions. Examples include:
- Primary cancers of the lung, breast, thyroid, colon, stomach, pancreas, esophagus, brain, bladder, and ovary
- Certain primary cancers of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, salivary gland, pharynx, and small intestine
- Multiple myeloma and certain lymphomas
- Qualifying leukemia (excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia)
These examples are not a substitute for the statutory list. Specific exclusions, primary-cancer rules, and disease-onset requirements matter. Review the official DOJ list before assuming eligibility.
Can a Spouse or Family Member File if the Downwinder Has Died?
Yes, in qualifying cases. RECA permits eligible survivors to seek the single $100,000 downwinder payment after the exposed person has died. The identity of eligible survivors and allocation of the payment depend on the statute and DOJ’s claim requirements. Families should preserve death certificates, relationship records, historical addresses, and medical records where available.
We can discuss whether the supporting information appears sufficient to evaluate a potential survivor claim and what additional documents may be necessary.
Other Utah Radiation Exposure Claim Categories
The 2025 expansion also affects certain uranium workers, including miners, millers, core drillers, ore transporters and remediation workers meeting applicable employment, location, duration and disease criteria. RECA also includes qualifying onsite nuclear-test participants and a separate Manhattan Project waste category in designated locations outside Utah.
Not every applicant fits the downwinder category. The correct DOJ form depends on the claimant’s circumstances. The official RECA page provides claim forms for each category.
RECA Downwinder Claim Form — DOJ Form and OMB No. 1105-0052
People searching for the 2025 RECA Downwinder Claim Form, Radiation Exposure Compensation Program application, or Utah downwinder claim forms should use the current official U.S. Department of Justice form, rather than older pre-2025 versions. The form is titled Radiation Exposure Compensation Program — Downwinder Claim Form, identifies OMB Approval No. 1105-0052, and was revised in July 2025.
Download Official 2025 RECA Downwinder Claim Form (PDF) DOJ Electronic Filing Portal
Part 8 — Exposure
Identify the location and dates of presence in Utah or another affected area. For Utah downwinders, the form recognizes qualifying presence during the 1951–1962 period, or throughout the separate June 30–July 31, 1962 window.
Part 9 — Proof of Presence
The DOJ form identifies tax records, school and employment records, birth and marriage records, voting records, personal letters, church or religious records, and diaries as possible evidence of the person’s presence in an affected area.
Survivor Claim Sections
Parts 3–7 distinguish self-filers, a surviving spouse, surviving children, and certain other relatives. The applicable sections call for relationship records, death certificates, and other supporting documents.
Medical Records and Claim Number
Collect records establishing the exact compensable diagnosis. DOJ assigns an acknowledgement and RECA Claim Number after submission; use that number for later communications and document submissions.
RECA Statute, 2025 Expansion & Federal Regulations
The governing legislation is the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), 42 U.S.C. § 2210 note, as amended on July 4, 2025 by Public Law 119-21. The implementing regulations are published at 28 C.F.R. Part 79. As of November 2026, DOJ states that it is working on revised regulations and is using existing regulations where possible while adjudicating claims under the expanded statute.
Because some pre-expansion regulatory provisions may not reflect the revised geographic or claimant categories, applicants should consult the DOJ’s current eligibility guidance and the 2025 form, not rely on older county lists or prior $50,000 downwinder amounts.
Read 28 C.F.R. Part 79 · Public Law 119-21 (2025) · Current DOJ RECA notices
RECA Eligibility in Utah County and Northern Utah
The expanded law includes all Utah counties, including Utah County, Salt Lake County, Davis County, Weber County, and Washington County. People searching for RECA compensation in Provo, Utah County downwinder benefits, Salt Lake City downwinder claims, or Pleasant Grove radiation exposure compensation may be eligible if they meet the qualifying presence, illness, survivor-status, and filing requirements.
For historical residency, school records, employment documents, tax records, and other contemporary evidence may be more useful than relying solely on personal recollection. The current DOJ Downwinder Claim Form explains documentation requirements.
How to Apply for RECA Compensation
DOJ currently permits electronic claims through its official portal or mailed applications using the appropriate category form. Applicants should generally:
- Identify the correct claimant category and check the statute’s geographic, time, and disease rules.
- Gather proof of historical presence, such as school, employment, census, property, or other residence records where appropriate.
- Collect medical evidence of the specific qualifying diagnosis and applicable dates.
- Document survivor eligibility if applying for someone who died.
- File with the DOJ by the applicable deadline and retain copies and claim acknowledgement information.
Official DOJ RECA Online Claim Portal Downwinder Claim Form
Why Speak With Rogers & Russell About a RECA Claim?
Historical residency and medical documentation can be difficult to assemble, especially when a parent or grandparent died years ago. Rogers & Russell can discuss the eligibility requirements, the potential evidentiary issues and the process for presenting a qualifying claim. Any representation would be subject to a conflicts check and a written engagement addressing the work and permitted fees.
Our Pleasant Grove office serves clients throughout Utah County, including American Fork, Lindon, Lehi, Orem, Provo, and nearby communities. We also assist with other personal injury and compensation matters.
No lawyer is required to submit a RECA claim to DOJ, and payment is not guaranteed simply because an application is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the new RECA law cover all of Utah?
Yes. The 2025 amendments extended the downwinder geographic coverage to the entire state of Utah, but applicants must also satisfy presence, disease, documentation, and other statutory requirements.
How much can qualifying Utah downwinders receive?
The DOJ identifies a one-time lump sum of $100,000 for qualifying downwinders, including the applicable single payment for eligible survivors.
What is the RECA deadline?
The DOJ’s current program page gives December 31, 2027, as the deadline to file claims. Check the DOJ program for any subsequent changes.
Do I have to prove radiation caused my cancer?
RECA uses statutory presumptions and eligibility standards rather than requiring individualized litigation proof of causation. You still must prove the qualifying time, place, disease, and claimant status.
Can I file RECA without an attorney?
Yes. DOJ accepts direct applications through its official portal and by mail. Attorney assistance is optional.
My family member died years ago. Can survivors apply?
Potentially. Surviving family members may qualify under RECA. Eligibility, proof of relationship, medical records and any prior compensation must be reviewed.
Questions About a Utah RECA Claim?
If you believe you or a loved one may qualify under the expanded downwinder provisions, contact Rogers & Russell to discuss eligibility and next steps.
Request a ConsultationCall 801-899-6064Rogers & Russell, PLLC • Pleasant Grove, Utah
Information current as of November 12, 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Eligibility, application requirements, fees and compensation are governed by the federal RECA program and current law. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Official source: U.S. Department of Justice — Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.