$100,000, tax-free
A one-time federal payment for people who lived in Idaho during nuclear testing and later developed one of 19 covered cancers.
Idaho RECA Help
If you lived in Idaho between 1951 and 1962, your family may be owed $100,000 by the federal government.
Congress reopened the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act in July 2025. For the first time, all of Idaho qualifies. The deadline to file is December 31, 2027.
This check is free. Filing a claim is free. You never need to pay anyone to apply.
What this program is
Family can file for loved ones who passed
Spouses, children, and grandchildren can file on behalf of a deceased parent or grandparent.
Deadline: December 31, 2027
Claims must be filed with the U.S. Department of Justice by this date.
Eligibility check
A few short questions. Takes about two minutes.
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Who are you checking for?
This is an informational screening tool, not legal advice. Only the U.S. Department of Justice can determine eligibility.
Get help from a real person
Leave your information and someone on our team — not a call center — will reach out within 2 business days.
Straight talk about cost and safety
Filing is free
You can do it yourself — we'll even show you how. The Department of Justice does not charge to submit a RECA claim.
Attorney fees are capped by law
By federal law, attorney fees on these claims are capped at 2% of the award (10% for refiling a denied claim), and are only owed if the claim succeeds.
Watch out for scams
Beware of anyone charging upfront fees or more than the legal cap — report scams to the Idaho Attorney General.
Common questions
›What is RECA?
RECA stands for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. It's a federal law that pays $100,000 to people who lived in certain areas during U.S. atomic weapons testing in the 1950s and 60s and later developed one of 19 covered cancers. Congress reopened and expanded the program in July 2025.
›Who counts as a downwinder?
A downwinder is someone who lived, worked, or went to school in an affected area during the years of open-air nuclear testing. Under the new law, all of Idaho — every county — is now included for the period between January 21, 1951 and November 6, 1962.
›What if my parent already passed away?
You can file on their behalf. Spouses, children, and grandchildren of a deceased eligible person may submit a claim. The $100,000 payment goes to the surviving family.
›What documents prove residency from the 1950s?
The Department of Justice accepts many kinds of records: school enrollment or yearbooks, church or baptism records, county records like deeds or tax rolls, utility bills, census records, family Bibles, and sworn statements from neighbors or relatives. You do not need every one — a combination works.
›What cancers are covered?
19 cancers are covered, including leukemia (except chronic lymphocytic leukemia), multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and cancers of the thyroid, breast, lung, colon, stomach, brain, esophagus, pancreas, ovary, liver, bladder, small intestine, gall bladder, bile ducts, salivary gland, and pharynx.
›What if a claim was denied years ago?
A prior denial does not shut you out. The 2025 law changed who qualifies and what evidence counts, so a claim that was denied under the old rules may now succeed. The Department of Justice allows previously denied claims to be resubmitted. If you or a family member were denied in the past, mention it when you apply.
›Is the payment taxable?
No. RECA payments are tax-free under federal law.
›Does it affect Social Security?
Generally no. RECA payments do not reduce Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Income-based state programs (like Medicaid or SNAP) may treat the payment differently, so talk to a benefits counselor before you spend it.