Eligibility criteria
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be or have been a coal miner, who now suffers from an injury or illness caused by Pneumoconiosis (Black Lung Disease), or you must be a widow or widower whose spouse died due to a work-related injury or illness caused by Pneumoconiosis.

Description
The Black Lung Benefits Act provides monthly cash benefits and medical benefits to coal miners who have become totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis, and monthly cash benefits to widows and other surviving dependents of miners who have died from the disease.

Managing organization
Employment Standards Administration (ESA) http://www.dol.gov/

Program contact information & web resources
A listing of addresses and toll-free telephone numbers for each of the nine district offices and the geographical area covered by each office can be found at:
http://www.dol.gov/esa/contacts/owcp/blcontac.htm

For more information on the Coal Mine Workers' Compensation Program, visit:
http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/bltable.htm

To view commonly asked questions and answers about the Coal Mine Workers' Compensation Program, visit:
http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/blq&a/bl-q&a.htm

You may apply for benefits at one of the U.S. Department of Labor's nine district offices or at any Social Security office.