Fallout emitted during the U.S. Government's atmospheric nuclear testing in Nevada during the 1950's and during a brief period in 1962 exposed some individuals to doses of radiation that put their health at risk. In addition, some individuals employed in uranium mines during the period January 1, 1942 to December 31, 1971 were exposed to large doses of radiation. Public Law 101-426 created the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund (RECTF) and authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make compensation payments to individuals (or their survivors) that were found to have contracted certain diseases after the exposure. The payments will be made as a one-time lump sum. Generally, the exposure occurred in parts of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, South Dakota, Washington, Utah, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, and Texas.

Use documents in the individual's possession to verify that the payment is from the RECTF. Obtain the individual's statement either signed or recorded on a Report of Contact page of the amount and date of receipt if it is not evident from the documents. See GN 00301.285 through GN 00301.289.

If the individual has no documents or there is reason to question the source of the payments, obtain verification from:

Use the individual's name and Social Security number (SSN) as identifying information when writing to the DOJ. When writing on behalf of a survivor, also include the survivor's name and SSN.

Exclusion of Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund payments from resources, SI 01130.680