Filing a White Card claim through the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) can feel overwhelming. The process involves detailed paperwork, medical documentation, employment verification, and months of waiting, often while you or a loved one is already dealing with serious health concerns.
The good news? You don’t have to do this alone.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the EEOICPA claim process, what to expect at each step, and how Trusted Ally guides you through the process from start to finish.
The EEOICPA White Card Program provides benefits to Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons and uranium industry workers, contractors and subcontractors who develop illnesses linked to their employment at approved facilities. This also includes DOE contractors who performed environmental remediation efforts. EEOICPA has two parts: Part B and Part E.
Read more about the EEOICPA White Card Program:
The White Card is issued when your claim under EEOICPA is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Once approved, you may qualify for:
To receive a White Card, your claim must be reviewed and approved through the Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation (DEEOIC).
This is where everything begins.
You have two options to file your claim.
An Authorized Representative (AR) is a person or entity who acts on your behalf and may be entitled to between 2% and 12% of your total compensation. While you are not required to work with an AR, many of our clients find the process overwhelming. Much like a tax professional or personal injury attorney, ARs are experts in the EEOICPA claims process. They typically make the process flow more smoothly and often discover more opportunities to increase your compensation. Additionally, should the Department of Labor (DOL) deny your claim, your AR will represent you in a case hearing and fight for your benefits. Trusted Ally works with multiple independent ARs and can pair you with someone who has the most experience dealing with your particular illness.
Read more about working with an Authorized Representative:
You or your Authorized Representative will submit:
This step requires details about:
How Trusted Ally helps
Whether filing on your own or working with an AR, Trusted Ally will:
After filing, you’ll be contacted by a DOL Resource Center to complete an Occupational History Questionnaire. This interview is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours long and will verify:
The information is forwarded to a Claims Examiner (CE).
How Trusted Ally helps
Trusted Ally will:
Many denials happen simply because paperwork and details fall through the cracks. We help you prevent that mistake.
If additional information is needed to support the claim, the Claims Examiner may request:
How Trusted Ally helps
Trusted Ally will:
To be approved, your condition must be linked to your workplace exposure. This requires a medical causation letter and professional documentation.
During this stage, Trusted Ally does not act as your legal representative. Either you or your independent Authorized Representative will act as your legal representative to obtain any required documentation.
Why this matters
Some home healthcare companies use “in-house” ARs. Because AR’s are paid representatives, this causes a conflict of interest according to the DOL and could result in your claim being denied. Trusted Ally instead connects you with an independent Authorized Representative.
Your independent AR will:
How Trusted Ally helps
We don’t just refer you to an AR and disappear. Trusted Ally will:
Once your Claims Examiner has all the information required, they issue a Recommended Decision (RD):
If denied, you or your Authorized Representative can object and request a hearing through the Final Adjudication Branch (FAB). Trusted Ally does not make the final decision and has no influence over the results. We do, however, get you set up with the best support and resources to increase your chances at approval.
How Trusted Ally helps
If there’s a recommended denial, Trusted Ally will:
After review by the Final Adjudication Branch, a Final Decision is issued. If approved:
This process can take 8–12 months or longer, and that waiting period is often the hardest part. That’s why it is so important to get your White Card claim started early, even if you’re not ready for home healthcare. This ensures that when the time comes that you are in need of home healthcare, you can begin receiving care much more quickly with your approved White Card instead of waiting on the government to act.
Many people:
Trusted Ally assists by working diligently to reduce friction from the process in order for claimants to move forward, even when they feel unsure or discouraged.
The White Card process is long, emotional and confusing.
But it is also life changing. Due to home healthcare, our clients are able to stay in their homes and live as fully and independently as possible instead of moving into assisted living. Due to financial compensation, some of our clients have been able to save their homes or set up funds for their children and grandchildren.
Trusted Ally doesn’t just help support you in filing your claim. We also walk alongside you the entire client journey, aim to reduce the burdens placed on you and your family, and make sure to provide the best support and care that you deserve. You fought for our country, let us fight for you.
Read more about our Client Journey:
Yes, and as of March 2026, over $27 billion has been paid in total settlements and medical bills paid.
Official source
U.S. Department of Labor (OWCP) — EEOICPA Program Statistics
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.
A: The EEOICPA claim process typically involves several key stages: initial claim filing, DOL review and development, evidence gathering and submission, causation determination, recommended decision, final decision, and payment or appeals. Throughout this process, the Department of Labor evaluates your employment history, medical evidence, and the connection between your illness and covered workplace exposure.
A: To start an EEOICPA claim, you need to file Form EE-1 (for the employee) or Form EE-2 (for survivors) with the Department of Labor. You'll need to provide documentation of your employment at a covered DOE or AWE facility, medical records showing your diagnosis, and information about your condition. Trusted Ally can help you gather the necessary documentation and file your claim correctly the first time.
A: After filing, the Department of Labor will review your claim and verify your covered employment. They will then request additional documentation, which may include detailed medical records, employment verification, exposure assessments, and potentially a physician's report establishing causation between your illness and workplace exposure. This is called the development stage.
A: The EEOICPA claim timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of your case, the completeness of your initial filing, how quickly evidence can be gathered, and whether any additional medical evaluations are needed. Simple claims with clear documentation may be processed in several months, while complex claims requiring extensive evidence gathering can take a year or longer. Working with Trusted Ally can help expedite the process by ensuring all necessary documentation is submitted properly from the start.
A: The development stage is when the Department of Labor actively works to gather all necessary evidence to make a decision on your claim. During this stage, DOL will request employment records from covered facilities, obtain your complete medical records, may request an independent medical examination, and work to establish the causal connection between your illness and workplace exposure. You may be asked to provide additional documentation or clarification during this stage.
A: Causation refers to establishing a medical and scientific link between your diagnosed illness and the toxic or radiological exposures you experienced at a covered DOE or AWE facility. The Department of Labor evaluates whether your workplace exposure was at least as likely as not (50% or more probability) the cause of your illness. This often requires detailed medical evidence, exposure history, and sometimes expert medical opinions.
A: A recommended decision is an initial determination made by a DOL claims examiner after reviewing all evidence in your case. The recommended decision will state whether your claim is recommended for approval or denial, provide the reasoning behind the recommendation, specify any compensation amounts if applicable, and give you the opportunity to provide additional evidence or objections before a final decision is made.
A: If your claim receives a recommended denial, you have the right to object and submit additional evidence. You will receive written notification explaining why the claim was recommended for denial, and you typically have 60 days to respond with objections or new evidence. This is a critical stage where working with Trusted Ally can make a significant difference, as we can help identify what additional evidence is needed and work with your physicians to strengthen your claim.
A: A final decision is the Department of Labor's conclusive determination on your claim after considering the recommended decision and any objections or additional evidence you provided. The final decision will state whether your claim is approved or denied, specify compensation amounts and medical benefits if approved, and explain your appeal rights if the claim is denied. Final decisions are issued by a district office director.
A: Yes. If your EEOICPA claim receives a final denial, you have the right to appeal. You can request reconsideration by the DOL district office, file an appeal with the Final Adjudication Branch, or request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You may also file a new claim with additional evidence. Trusted Ally can guide you through the appeals process and help identify what additional evidence may strengthen your case.
A: You typically have 60 days from the date of the final decision to file an appeal or request reconsideration. It's important to act quickly if you receive a denial, as missing the deadline can limit your options. Trusted Ally can help you understand your appeal rights and take timely action to protect your claim.
A: Essential documentation for an EEOICPA claim includes proof of employment at a covered facility (pay stubs, W-2 forms, badges, employment verification letters), complete medical records documenting your diagnosis and treatment, a physician's opinion linking your illness to workplace exposure, Social Security records, and any previous exposure or dosimetry records if available. Trusted Ally helps you gather and organize all necessary documentation.
A: Yes. Trusted Ally provides comprehensive support throughout the entire EEOICPA claim process including helping you file your initial claim correctly, gathering employment and medical documentation, coordinating with your physicians for causation opinions, communicating with the Department of Labor, responding to requests for additional evidence, helping you understand recommended and final decisions, assisting with appeals if necessary, and guiding you to access medical benefits and home healthcare once approved.
A: Once your EEOICPA claim is approved, you will receive a final decision letter outlining your compensation amount and medical benefits. Compensation payments are typically issued within 30 days of the final decision. You will also receive an Authorization for Medical Services and Benefits card (White Card) that provides access to free home healthcare services including skilled nursing, home health aides, family health aides, and case management for your covered condition. Trusted Ally helps you maximize these medical benefits.
A: No, you do not need an attorney to file an EEOICPA claim. Many claimants successfully file and pursue claims on their own or with the help of organizations like Trusted Ally that specialize in EEOICPA benefits guidance. But the process is overwhelming and frustrating. We highly recommend working with an independent Authorized Representative. If you decide to file on your own, Trusted Ally provides expert support through the claims process at no cost to you, helping you understand eligibility, gather documentation, communicate with DOL, and access medical benefits once approved.
A: Trusted Ally guides you through every stage of the EEOICPA claim process with expert support including reviewing your work history to determine eligibility, helping you complete and file claim forms accurately, gathering employment verification and medical records, coordinating with physicians for causation documentation, tracking your claim status with the Department of Labor, responding to DOL requests for additional information, explaining recommended and final decisions, assisting with appeals if necessary, and helping you access home healthcare benefits once approved. Our support is provided at no cost to eligible workers and families.
A: Yes! Working with Trusted Ally before filing your EEOICPA claim is highly beneficial. We can help you determine if you're eligible, identify which covered facilities you worked at, gather the necessary employment and medical documentation before filing, ensure your initial claim is complete and accurate, and understand what evidence will strengthen your case. Starting with proper guidance can help avoid delays and increase the likelihood of approval.