If you’re a colorectal cancer survivor—or you lost someone to it—there’s a federal program that may owe your family money. It’s called RECA (the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act), and many people who qualify have never heard of it.
Here’s the short version:
- The government pays $50,000 to $100,000 to people who got certain cancers after being exposed to radiation from U.S. nuclear weapons work.
- Colon cancer is on the list. (More on colon vs. rectal cancer below—this part matters.)
- You don’t have to prove radiation caused your cancer. You just have to show you had a covered cancer and lived or worked in the right place at the right time.
- It’s free to apply, and families of people who have passed away can still file. For more info, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/civil/reca
- The deadline is December 31, 2027.
Let’s walk through whether you qualify.
First: Does Your Diagnosis Count?
This is the most important question, so let’s be clear and honest about it.
Colon cancer IS covered. If you were diagnosed with colon cancer, your diagnosis is on RECA’s list of covered diseases (for the categories described below).
About rectal cancer: RECA’s official list names “colon” cancer. It does not separately list “rectal” cancer. “Colorectal cancer” is an umbrella term that includes both colon and rectal cancers—but the DOJ program language specifically says colon.
What this means for you: If your diagnosis was colon cancer, you’re on solid ground. If your diagnosis was rectal cancer specifically, it’s not clearly named on the list—but it’s still worth calling the RECA Program (1-800-729-7327) to ask about your exact diagnosis before assuming you don’t qualify. Bring your medical records, which will state the precise diagnosis. Don’t rule yourself out based on this blog alone.
Second: Did You Live or Work in a Covered Area?
If you had colon cancer, the next question is where you lived, worked, or went to school—and when. There are two situations most likely to apply to colorectal cancer survivors.
Situation A: You lived near nuclear test fallout (“Downwinders”)
You may qualify if you were physically present in one of these areas during a qualifying time:
The areas: the states of Idaho, New Mexico, and Utah, plus these counties:
- Arizona: Coconino, Yavapai, Navajo, Apache, Gila, and Mohave
- Nevada: White Pine, Nye, Lander, Lincoln, Eureka, and parts of Clark County
The timing (you need one of these):
- Lived in New Mexico for 1 year between September 24, 1944, and November 6, 1962
- Lived in any affected area for 1 year between January 21, 1951, and November 6, 1962
- Lived in any affected area for the whole period of June 30 – July 31, 1962
If you qualify: a one-time payment of $100,000. If the person has passed away, their survivors can share the payment.
Situation B: You lived near Manhattan Project radioactive waste (new in 2025)
This category was added in July 2025 and is especially important for people in the St. Louis, Missouri area. You may qualify if you lived, worked, or went to school in a covered ZIP code for at least 2 years after January 1, 1949.
Covered Missouri ZIP codes (St. Louis area):
63031, 63033, 63034, 63042, 63045, 63074, 63114, 63135, 63138, 63044, 63121, 63140, 63145, 63147, 63102, 63304, 63134, 63043, 63341, 63368, 63367
(The program also covers certain ZIP codes in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alaska—see the DOJ site for those.)
If you qualify:
- If you’re living when you file: the greater of $50,000, or your documented out-of-pocket medical costs from the illness that insurance didn’t cover.
- If the person has passed away: $25,000 to their surviving spouse (or split among their children if there’s no spouse).
How Much Could You Get?
| Your situation | Payment |
| Had colon cancer + lived in a fallout area (Downwinder) | $100,000 |
| Had colon cancer + lived near St. Louis-area waste, living when you file | $50,000 or your unpaid medical bills (whichever is greater) |
| Had colon cancer + lived near St. Louis-area waste, but the person has passed away | $25,000 to spouse or children |
How to Apply (Two Easy Ways)
You can apply online or by mail. It’s free. You cannot apply by email.
The easy way: Apply online
Go to the official portal and follow the steps: RECA Claim Portal — reca.justice.gov
You can upload photos or scans of your documents to speed things up.
Or apply by mail
Step 1 — Download the form that matches your situation:
- Downwinder Claim Form (fallout areas)
- Manhattan Project Waste Claim Form (St. Louis-area waste)
Step 2 — Gather your documents. You’ll need:
- Proof you lived or worked there during the right time (old leases, utility bills, school records, tax records, employment records, etc.)
- Medical records showing your colon cancer diagnosis
- A photo ID or other identification listed on the form
For mailed claims, send original or certified copies.
Step 3 — Mail it to:
Keep a copy of everything you send.
Questions Colorectal Cancer Survivors Ask
I had colon cancer. Does that really count?
Yes—colon cancer is on RECA’s list of covered diseases for the categories above. You’ll still need to show you lived or worked in a covered area during a qualifying period.
My diagnosis was rectal cancer, not colon. Do I qualify?
RECA’s official list names “colon” cancer and doesn’t separately list rectal cancer. That doesn’t automatically mean no—but it’s not clearly listed either. Call the RECA Program at 1-800-729-7327 and ask about your specific diagnosis before deciding. Have your pathology report handy.
Do I have to prove radiation gave me cancer?
No. That’s the whole point of RECA—you don’t have to prove what caused your cancer. You only show that you had a covered cancer and lived or worked in a covered area during the right time.
My mom/dad/spouse had colon cancer but passed away. Can I still file?
Yes. Surviving family members can file. The amount depends on the category (see the table above).
How much does it cost to apply?
Nothing. Filing directly with the DOJ is free. Be careful of companies that charge big fees to file for you—you can do it yourself at no cost, and the RECA staff will help you over the phone.
How long does it take to hear back?
You’ll get an acknowledgment letter after you file. Because so many people are applying, it may take a while. Once you get your RECA Claim Number, use it in any future calls or letters.
What if I’m not sure whether I qualify?
Call the free RECA helpline: 1-800-729-7327, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Eastern. It’s better to ask than to assume you don’t qualify.
Is there a deadline?
Yes—December 31, 2027. All claims must be filed by then.
Where to Get Help
- Official DOJ RECA website: justice.gov/civil/reca
- Apply online: reca.justice.gov
- Free RECA helpline: 1-800-729-7327 (Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET)
- Email the RECA Program: Civil.RECA@usdoj.gov (include your name and claim number)
- Free medical screening (RESEP clinics): hrsa.gov radiation exposure
Missouri residents — local help
If you’re in Missouri, the office of U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has a RECA point of contact who can help answer questions about the program:
The Bottom Line
If you had colon cancer and lived, worked, or went to school in a covered area—especially the St. Louis region or a nuclear fallout state—it costs nothing to find out if you’re owed $50,000 to $100,000. Families of those who have passed away can file too.
The deadline is December 31, 2027. Start at the official DOJ RECA website or call 1-800-729-7327 today.
This article is provided for education by Fight CRC and is not legal or medical advice. Only the U.S. Department of Justice decides who qualifies. Details are current as of the DOJ RECA page dated August 24, 2026, and may change—always confirm on the official DOJ website before filing.