ESA/OWCP: Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation
The Department of Labor's part of the Federal Black Lung Program provides
just under $460 million annually in monetary and medical benefits to former coal mine
workers totally disabled by pneumoconiosis (Black Lung), a crippling respiratory
condition, and their survivors. Prompt claims decisions, timely benefit
payments and level of program service are the program's basic goals. For most
Black Lung recipients, Black Lung benefits constitute a substantial component of
their support.
The Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation in the U.S. Department of
Labor administers the Black Lung benefits program. It accepts, reviews and
makes eligibility determinations on benefit claims. Benefits are paid to both
eligible miners and former miners and their eligible survivors, with
supplementary allowances for dependents. Former miners are also entitled to
receive medical treatment for their employment- related respiratory condition.
PROMPT DECISIONS
The program considers prompt claims decisions a top priority and decides, on
average, 98% of claims received within 180 days.
RELIABLE MONETARY BENEFITS
The Black Lung program will oversee benefit payments to appoximately 81,000
claimants across the country in FY 1999. These benefits form a substantial
income component for most recipients. The annual cost-of living adjustment
assists in the ongoing fight to keep pace with inflation.
Benefit payments occur monthly. The program is proud of its historical
track record when it comes to regularity in benefits delivery. Recipients can
count on receiving their payments in the middle of each month, with few
exceptions. This brings a sense of security and regularity to their lives and
allows them to effectively manage their finances on a fixed income.
ACCESS TO MEDICAL TREATMENT
The program provides medical treatment for respiratory conditions related to
former employment in the nation's coal mines. In FY 1998, approximately 550,000 medical
treatment bills were processed. Ongoing and reliable medical service is
critical to many recipients, who would not survive without the consistent and
high quality medical treatment that the program makes accessible.
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