For decades, families in North St. Louis County and nearby areas have lived with the hidden consequences of radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project and Coldwater Creek. Now, there’s long-awaited news that could help.
In July 2025, the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was officially expanded to cover 21 Missouri ZIP codes impacted by that contamination. The updated law provides tax-free financial compensation for individuals diagnosed with certain cancers or other illnesses linked to radiation exposure.
While no dollar amount can undo the pain and loss so many have endured, this program can offer a measure of justice – or even serve as a way to honor loved ones by donating the payment to a cause that reflects their legacy.
Taking Action
Here’s how to get started if you think you – or someone you know – might qualify:
- Application available now: You can download and print a 24-page claim form and submit it by mail.
- Online filing coming soon: Beginning December 2025, an online portal will allow electronic submissions (no need to send certified or original documents).
- Important deadline: All claims must be filed by December 31, 2027.
- Payment amounts: Approved applicants can receive $50,000 or reimbursement of medical expenses – whichever is greater. If the original claimant has passed away, surviving family members may receive $25,000.
Who May Qualify
You could be eligible if you lived, worked, or attended school for at least two years after January 1, 1949, in one of these Missouri ZIP codes:
- 63031, 63033, 63034, 63042, 63045, 63074, 63114
- 63135, 63138, 63044, 63121, 63140, 63145, 63147
- 63102, 63304, 63134, 63043, 63341, 63368, 63367
and later developed one of the covered diseases, which include:
- Leukemia (with certain exposure or age requirements)
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Cancers of the thyroid, breast, esophagus, pancreas, colon, liver, lung, bladder, brain, ovary, bone, kidney, and other organs
What You’ll Need
Gathering documentation early can make the process smoother. You will need:
- Medical records confirming your diagnosis of a covered disease
- Proof of residence or employment in one of the eligible ZIP codes for at least two years after 1949 (such as old utility bills, school transcripts, tax filings, leases, or employment records)
- Identification documents, including your Social Security number
- If you’re filing on behalf of a deceased loved one, a death certificate and proof of relationship (for example, birth or marriage certificates)
Watch for Scams
Unfortunately, programs like this can attract bad actors. Remember:
- By law, attorney or filing fees cannot exceed 2% of any award.
- Be skeptical of anyone promising to “speed up” your claim or asking for large upfront payments or donation requests.
- Always verify that any assistance service or legal representative is legitimate.
Staying Informed
Because the program details and online system are still rolling out, it’s important to rely on official, trustworthy sources. These links provide accurate and updated information:
A Step Toward Recognition
For the many families who have long sought acknowledgment of the damage caused by Coldwater Creek and related sites, this expansion of RECA represents more than financial help – it’s a public recognition of what communities have lived through.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an illness linked to these exposures, consider reviewing the eligibility criteria and preparing your documentation now. Whether the payment helps cover expenses or fuels a charitable mission, it can serve as a lasting tribute to resilience and remembrance.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney for advice concerning any particular issue or problem. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship between True Estate Planning and the reader.
