Does a government shutdown affect my EEOICPA benefits?

What to know about your EEOICPA benefits and a government shutdown

The compensation and medical benefits provided to those who qualify for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) will not be affected by a government shutdown. These benefits are established by law and supported through mandatory funding, so they are treated differently from many other federal programs during a government shutdown.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EEOICPA will continue to operate even during a lapse in federal appropriations.

Why does it continue?

• Statutory obligation: Benefits are guaranteed by law. This means the government has a legal duty to keep payments and medical coverage flowing to eligible claimants.
• Mandatory funding source: Unlike programs that rely on year-to-year appropriations from Congress, EEOICPA draws from funding streams that are not automatically cut off during a shutdown.
• Public health mission: The program directly supports individuals with serious illnesses such as cancers and chronic conditions. Disrupting treatment or compensation would pose risks to health and well-being, which reinforces its designation as a protected, continuing activity.

What stays active?

• Compensation payments (lump sums and wage loss benefits)
• Medical coverage for approved illnesses
• Claims adjudication (processing and decisions), though staffing may be leaner and timelines could still slow a bit
• Survivor benefits for families

What might feel different?

Even though the program continues, some support services could operate with reduced capacity during a shutdown, for example:

• Customer service lines might take longer to respond.
• Website updates or general outreach may be paused.
• Some non-essential administrative functions may temporarily slow.

Bottom line

If you are an EEOICPA beneficiary, your benefits will not stop during a shutdown. If you are applying, you may see minor delays in claim review or communications, but the program itself remains in place and operational. This reflects the federal government’s recognition that workers who risked their health in the nuclear weapons program deserve uninterrupted access to the benefits promised by law.

If you or a loved one worked in the nuclear or uranium industries and became sick, you may be entitled to compensation of up to $400,000 plus free medical care in the comfort of your own home.

Your pathway to care starts with Trusted Ally Home Care. Get started today and let us guide you through the process of receiving the care you or a loved one deserves.