$100,000, tax-free
A one-time federal payment for Idaho downwinders — people who lived in the state 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 qualify for $100,000.
A free guide for Idaho downwinders and their families.
You or an eligible surviving family member may qualify for a $100,000 federal RECA payment. Every Idaho county is now a covered geographic area for the period between January 21, 1951 and November 6, 1962. All claims must be filed by December 31, 2027.
Filing on behalf of an aging parent, or a grandparent who has passed away? You're in the right place — the check works for you too.
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 a member of our team — not a call center — will reach out within 2 business days.
About
A plain-language guide to a program most Idaho families haven't heard of.
Idaho was added to the federal Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, and most eligible families still don't know it. This site exists to make the program easier to understand and easier to act on.
We are not affiliated with the government. Filing a RECA claim is always free through the Department of Justice, and we point you there directly. If it makes sense or you'd like help, we are happy to discuss how we can assist you with filing on your behalf as your attorney.
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 is 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 a covered cancer.
›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. Every Idaho county is now a covered geographic area for the period between January 21, 1951 and November 6, 1962.
›What if my parent or grandparent already passed away?
If the person has died, an eligible survivor may file. Priority runs: a qualifying spouse first (generally married to the person for at least one year immediately before their death), then children, then parents, then grandchildren, then grandparents. The single $100,000 payment is divided equally among eligible members of the highest qualifying group. One relative can begin the process, but the Department of Justice may require information and signatures from the other living members of that group.
›How long does it take to get paid?
Processing times vary, and the program is currently handling a high volume of claims. Filing sooner puts you earlier in line. Once approved, payment is issued as a single lump sum.
›What happens if the person filing dies before the payment arrives?
The claim does not end with the applicant. If an eligible person passes away after filing — or after being approved but before payment — the $100,000 passes to their surviving family in the same survivor order (qualifying spouse, then children, then parents, then grandchildren, then grandparents). Notify the DOJ of the death.
›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. A combination works.
›What cancers are covered?
Covered cancers include 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?
Some claims denied under the old rules may now be eligible for resubmission. 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.