The Department of Labor announced today that its Federal Black Lung Program will host outreach events for current and former coal miners suffering from disabilities related to black lung disease, as well as their families and survivors. The events are scheduled for May 21 in Indiana and May 22 in Illinois.
The program, administered by the department’s Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation, currently provides benefits to approximately 200 people in Indiana and 300 in Illinois. The program organizes outreach events nationwide to ensure eligible individuals can claim and receive benefits promptly.
"The Department of Labor encourages current and former coal miners and their survivors to attend an outreach event to learn more about their benefits eligibility under the Black Lung Benefits Act," said Mike Chance, Director of the Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation. He added that attendees could get help with filing or refiling claims and gain information on eligibility and the adjudication process.
These events are open to the public without any requirement for pre-registration. The details are as follows:
- On May 21 at Knox County Public Library, 521 North 6th St., Vincennes, Indiana from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
- On May 22 at Pinckneyville Public Library, 312 S. Walnut St., Pinckneyville, Illinois from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
For further information or assistance regarding submission of bills for black lung-related medical treatment, services, or medical supplies, contact the Federal Black Lung Program at 1-800-347-2502.
