EEOICPA Part B vs. Part E: Understanding Both Compensation Programs
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act includes two distinct parts. Understanding the differences can help you determine which benefits you or your family may be eligible for.
Nuclear Advocates is a private advocacy and claims-support service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, or any federal agency. Eligibility and benefit decisions are made by the appropriate federal program.
Nuclear Advocates is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Our services are focused on claim guidance, document support, eligibility review, and advocacy assistance. If legal advice is needed, claimants should consult a licensed attorney.
We cannot guarantee approval, compensation, medical benefits, White Card approval, survivor benefits, or any specific claim outcome. What we can promise is clear guidance, careful review, and dedicated support throughout the process. Submitting a form or contacting us does not create a representative relationship — any paid services require a written agreement.
What Is the EEOICPA?
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) was enacted in 2000 to provide compensation and medical benefits to workers who became ill as a result of their employment at facilities involved in the nation's nuclear weapons program. The program recognizes that many workers were exposed to hazardous substances — including radiation, beryllium, silica, and other toxic chemicals — often without adequate protection or knowledge of the risks involved.
EEOICPA is divided into two main parts: Part B and Part E. Each part covers different groups of workers, different types of illnesses, and different forms of compensation. Some claimants may be eligible under both parts depending on their employment history and medical conditions. Understanding the distinctions between these two programs is an important first step for anyone considering whether to file a claim or seek assistance with an existing one.
Both Part B and Part E are administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation (DEEOIC). Claims are filed with the local district office, and decisions are made based on verified employment, qualifying diagnosis, and supporting documentation. Nuclear Advocates LLC helps claimants understand these requirements, organize their records, and navigate the claim process as an authorized representative.
Part B and Part E at a Glance
Part B
- Covers employees of the Department of Energy (DOE), its contractors, and subcontractors
- Generally provides a $150,000 lump-sum payment to an eligible covered employee or eligible survivor
- A separate $50,000 Part B payment applies to qualifying RECA-linked uranium workers or survivors
- Medical benefits for accepted covered conditions
- Includes radiation-related cancers, beryllium disease, and chronic silicosis
- Administered directly by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
- Eligibility is based on verified employment and qualifying diagnosis
Part E
- Covers DOE contractor and subcontractor employees and their survivors
- Eligible covered employees may receive compensation up to a $250,000 statutory maximum, based on qualifying wage loss and/or impairment
- Medical benefits for accepted covered conditions are separate from the compensation cap where federal rules provide
- Covers illnesses caused by exposure to toxic substances at DOE facilities
- Includes consequential conditions linked to a covered illness
- Eligible survivors may receive a $125,000 basic payment, with additional compensation of $25,000 or $50,000 based on qualifying wage-loss history — up to $175,000 subject to federal aggregate limits
Key Differences Between Part B and Part E
| Category | Part B | Part E |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | DOE employees, contractors, subcontractors, Atomic Weapons Employer employees, beryllium vendor employees, and qualifying RECA Section 5 recipients | DOE contractor and subcontractor employees, and qualifying RECA Section 5 uranium workers (not direct federal employees) |
| Compensation | Generally $150,000 for an eligible covered employee or survivor; a separate $50,000 Part B payment applies to qualifying RECA-linked uranium workers or survivors | Up to a $250,000 statutory maximum for eligible employees, based on qualifying wage loss and/or impairment; survivor compensation up to $175,000 subject to aggregate limits |
| Conditions Covered | Radiogenic cancers, chronic beryllium disease, beryllium sensitization, chronic silicosis | Illnesses caused by toxic substance exposure at DOE facilities (may include radiation, beryllium, silica, chemicals, solvents, and other hazardous substances) |
| Medical Benefits | Medical benefits for accepted covered conditions | Medical benefits for accepted covered conditions |
| Survivor Benefits | Generally $150,000 to eligible survivors; $50,000 for qualifying RECA-linked uranium-worker survivors | A $125,000 basic survivor payment when death-causation requirements are met, with additional $25,000 or $50,000 based on qualifying wage-loss history — up to $175,000 |
Can You File Under Both Part B and Part E?
In some cases, yes. If you are a DOE contractor or subcontractor employee, you may qualify for benefits under both Part B and Part E — particularly if you have a condition covered by Part B (such as a radiation-related cancer) and additional toxic exposure illnesses covered under Part E. The two parts are not mutually exclusive, and filing under one does not prevent you from applying under the other.
However, the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and compensation structures differ significantly between the two programs. A careful review of your employment history, medical records, and exposure documentation is essential to determine the best path forward for your specific situation.
How the Claim Support Process Works
Every situation is different, but this is how we typically help claimants and families get started.
Free Eligibility Review
We review your work history, facility or exposure location, diagnosis, survivor status, and whether a claim has already been filed.
Document Checklist
We identify the employment, medical, survivor, exposure, or claim documents that may be needed.
Claim Preparation Support
We help organize information, forms, and supporting documentation so the claim is easier to understand and submit.
Ongoing Claim Guidance
We help review claim communications, respond to document requests, and understand next steps if a claim is delayed or denied.
Important: Nuclear Advocates LLC does not guarantee claim approval, compensation amounts, or medical benefit coverage under either Part B or Part E. Each claim is evaluated individually by the U.S. Department of Labor. We are a private advocacy service — not a government agency or law firm. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.
Last reviewed: June 27, 2026
What You Can Expect
Not Sure Which Program Applies to You?
Contact Nuclear Advocates to start a free review. We will help you understand your options under Part B, Part E, or both.