The 1962 Opportunity
Many individuals born in 1962 assume they missed the nuclear testing window. They are wrong. 1962 saw the most intense atmospheric testing in U.S. history (Operation Dominic). Because of this intensity, the law provides a unique "shortcut" for residency.
The 32-Day Rule
While most years require a 12-month stay, if you were present in a covered area from June 30, 1962, to July 31, 1962, you meet the residency requirement. This includes exposure in the womb (28 C.F.R. ยง 79.13).
The Expanded 2025 Map
Eligible Downwinder regions based on the 2025 RECA Expansion.
Before the 2025 expansion, RECA was limited to specific counties. Today, the "Affected Area" includes:
- ALL of Idaho (Previously almost entirely excluded)
- ALL of Utah (Previously only the southern half)
- ALL of New Mexico (Previously not covered for downwinders)
- Expanded Arizona: Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai counties.
- Expanded Nevada: Eureka, Lander, Lincoln, Nye, White Pine, and parts of Clark.
Consultancy FAQ
Does a fetus count for the 32-day window?
Yes. If your mother lived in a covered area while pregnant from June 30 to July 31 in 1962, you satisfy the physical presence requirement for a claim.
What if my family moved out of the area in August 1962?
It doesn't matter. If you were there for that specific 32-day window in the summer of '62, you are eligible even if you left immediately after.
Don't let your eligibility expire.
The current RECA expansion is set to sunset in December 2028.