Expanded downwinder benefits take effect in Utah

Federal changes to the Radiation Exposure Com­pensation Act, known as RECA, are now moving from legislation to imple­mentation, as Utah health officials and advocates work to connect residents with newly expanded benefits.

Southern Utah desert landscape near St. George. Residents across Utah are now eligible for expanded downwinder compensation under the renewed Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.

Congress reauthorized and expanded the long-standing compensation program in 2025 after it lapsed the previous year. The renewed law extends the program through June 2028, broadens eligibility to include all of Utah and increases the compensa­tion amount for qualifying claims.

Under the revised law, individuals who lived in Utah for at least 12 months between 1951 and 1962 and later developed certain radiation-linked illnesses may be eligible for a one-time lump-sum payment of up to $100,000. Previ­ous payments were capped at $50,000. Survivors of deceased individuals may also qualify under specific provisions.

In early 2026, outreach efforts began ramping up across the state. The In­termountain Downwinders Clinic at St. George Re­gional Hospital has hosted a series of free public infor­mational meetings in Salt Lake City, Richfield, Provo and St. George to explain the updated eligibility rules and assist residents with applications. Clinic staff are providing claim forms, reviewing documentation and answering questions at no cost.

Organizers say interest has surged since the state­wide expansion took effect. Many residents who previ­ously did not qualify under earlier geographic restrictions are now seeking information and screenings.

Clinic officials em­phasize that the pro­gram does not provide automatic payments. Applicants must docu­ment residency during the nuclear testing era and provide proof of a qualifying diagno­sis. They also caution residents to be wary of third-party services charging high fees, noting that assistance through the clinic is free and that attorney fees are capped under federal guidelines.

The application dead­line for new claims is December 31, 2027.

Residents interest­ed in learning more or starting a claim can contact the Inter­mountain Downwind­ers Clinic at 435-251- 4760.

Winders 01: Southern Utah desert landscape near St. George. Residents across Utah are now eligible for expanded federal downwinder compensation under the renewed Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.