Articles · Survivors

The worker never filed. The family can still be owed six figures.

When a Nevada Test Site or DOE worker dies of a covered illness, the family may be owed compensation of their own — even if the worker never started a claim, was denied, or passed decades ago.

Reviewed by Alara’s Director of Nursing, RN · July 2026

Who can file, in order.

  1. The surviving spouse, first.
  2. Children, if there is no surviving spouse (and in some cases alongside one under Part E).
  3. Parents, grandchildren, then grandparents, under Part B, when there is no spouse or child.

What it pays.

  • $150,000 — Part B survivors, when the worker died of a covered Part B illness, divided among eligible survivors.
  • Up to $125,000 — Part E survivors, for a death tied to toxic exposure, with more possible based on the worker’s wage loss before death.

The worker does not need to have filed. What matters is the work and the illness — not whether a form was ever submitted while they lived.

How to start.

Survivor claims are filed with the Department of Labor (Form EE-2, with employment documented on Form EE-3). Free help exists: the Las Vegas Resource Center, (702) 697-0841, assists survivors at no charge, and you never pay anyone a percentage of the award. The full walkthrough: Survivor benefits, explained →

Common questions.

My father was denied while alive. Can I still file?

Yes. A denial during the worker’s lifetime does not bar a survivor claim — and the program’s rules may have expanded since.

Is there also a RECA survivor path?

For radiation and uranium deaths, possibly — RECA has its own survivor provisions and a December 31, 2027 filing deadline. RECA and the deadline →

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, DEEOIC. The Department of Labor determines survivor eligibility and amounts.

Not sure if your family qualifies?

Start a case review. A nurse reads your family member’s work and illness and tells you what may be owed.

Start a case review Or call (702) 814-9630
Alara helps you understand and reach benefits you may already be entitled to. It does not replace the Department of Labor, your Resource Center, your physician, or any federal agency. Nothing here is legal advice or a coverage or eligibility determination.