UT · NV · AZ · NM · ID · Reviewed 2026-05-27

RECA Downwinder Eligibility

Document tracking

This is the full list of record types that commonly appear in RECA downwinder claims. Mark each document as you locate it. For a checklist specific to your situation, complete the eligibility questions first.

Document gathering progress: 0 of 27 gathered.

Identity

Records that show who the claimant is. Common examples: a driver license or passport, a Social Security card, and name-change records if a name has changed.

  1. Photo ID Driver license or passport.
  2. Social Security card or proof of SSN W-2 or 1099 from the residence years also works.
  3. Survivor's Social Security card Required on the claim form.
  4. Name-change records (if applicable) Marriage certificates, court orders linking past/current name.

Presence

Records commonly used to show where the affected person lived during the years that matter. Common examples: school transcripts, LDS Church records, and county property or tax records. Two records less than three years apart can support the time between them.

  1. LDS Church membership/baptism records familysearch.org or the local ward — usually free; covers most 1950s Utah residents.
  2. School transcripts for the residence years Request through the district records office; FERPA-compliant.
  3. School transcripts for the residence years Idaho State Archives or the school district directly.
  4. School transcripts for the residence years Arizona State Archives or the school district directly.
  5. School transcripts for the residence years Nevada State Library, Archives & Public Records, or the district directly.
  6. County assessor records (deed transfers, property tax) Two anchors less than 3 years apart establish presence between them (RECA presumption).
  7. Additional anchor docs for each residence episode One pair (primary + secondary) per episode strengthens the presumption chain.
  8. Additional anchor docs for each of the deceased's residences Strengthens the presumption chain across episodes.

Medical

Records that document the diagnosis. Common examples: a pathology report, a bone-marrow biopsy for leukemia, or an oncology summary or treatment record.

  1. Bone-marrow biopsy report identifying the leukemia subtype The DOJ list excludes CLL; the subtype call matters.
  2. Diagnosis pathology report Single most-likely-required medical doc per the DOJ claim-form appendix.
  3. Documentation identifying primary site of cancer Required when the DOJ list calls for primary cancers of a specific organ.
  4. Multiple myeloma staging report Confirms diagnosis criteria per the DOJ-recognized standard.
  5. Lymphoma subtype documentation Hodgkin lymphoma is excluded; the subtype call matters.
  6. Oncology summary or treatment record Provides clinical context if a pathology report is incomplete.

Relationship & heirship

Records used when someone files on behalf of a person who has died — showing the death and the family relationship. Common examples: a death certificate, a marriage or birth certificate, or lineage records across generations.

  1. Death certificate of the affected person Establishes the survivor filer status; universally required.
  2. Marriage certificate Establishes the spousal relationship to the affected person.
  3. Claimant's birth certificate Naming the deceased as parent.
  4. Deceased's birth certificate Naming the claimant as parent.
  5. Three-generation lineage docs Birth certificates linking claimant → parent → deceased grandparent.
  6. Three-generation lineage docs Birth certificates linking deceased → parent → claimant.
  7. Relationship documentation Records establishing relationship to the affected person.
  8. Deceased spouse's death certificate (if applicable) Documents that the higher-priority spouse tier no longer applies.
  9. Co-heir acknowledgement form Signed by each living co-equal heir indicating they consent to or share in filing.
Still to get: 27. You have: 0.

Still to get

  1. Photo ID Driver license or passport.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Your state Department of Motor Vehicles issues driver licenses and state ID cards; the U.S. Department of State issues passports (travel.state.gov). The DOJ claim form commonly asks for a government-issued photo ID to confirm the claimant’s identity.
    Typical cost
    A state ID or driver license is usually $10–$40; a U.S. passport book runs higher (often around $130 plus a processing fee). Verify the current fee with the issuing office.
    Typical turnaround
    State IDs are often issued same day or within 1–2 weeks by mail; passports typically take several weeks by routine service. Times vary by office and season.
    Source
    DOJ RECA claim form (identity verification); 28 C.F.R. Part 79.
  2. Social Security card or proof of SSN W-2 or 1099 from the residence years also works.
    How to request this record
    Where
    The Social Security Administration (ssa.gov) issues replacement Social Security cards at no charge. An existing W-2, 1099, or tax document from the residence years also commonly satisfies the claim form’s proof-of-SSN request.
    Typical cost
    A replacement Social Security card from the SSA is free; using a tax document you already have costs nothing. Verify current SSA policy.
    Typical turnaround
    A replacement card from the SSA typically arrives within about two weeks; documents already in hand are immediate.
    Source
    DOJ RECA claim form (Social Security number); Social Security Administration (ssa.gov).
  3. Survivor's Social Security card Required on the claim form.
    How to request this record
    Where
    The survivor filing the claim obtains their own Social Security card from the Social Security Administration (ssa.gov), which issues replacements at no charge. The DOJ claim form commonly asks for the filing survivor’s Social Security number.
    Typical cost
    Free from the SSA. Verify current SSA policy.
    Typical turnaround
    A replacement card typically arrives within about two weeks.
    Source
    DOJ RECA claim form (survivor Social Security number); Social Security Administration (ssa.gov).
  4. Name-change records (if applicable) Marriage certificates, court orders linking past/current name.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Where a name has changed, the linking record is usually a marriage certificate (from the vital-records office of the state of marriage) or a court order (from the clerk of the court that granted it).
    Typical cost
    Certified copies are typically $10–$30 each; court-order copies vary by court. Verify the current fee with the issuing office.
    Typical turnaround
    Often a few days to a few weeks by mail; sometimes same day in person. Times vary by office.
    Source
    DOJ RECA claim form (identity / name continuity); 28 C.F.R. Part 79.
  5. LDS Church membership/baptism records familysearch.org or the local ward — usually free; covers most 1950s Utah residents.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Where you request a primary presence anchor depends on the affected person’s state and county during the qualifying years. The per-state presence-anchor playbook in your results names the specific archives and offices — for example, familysearch.org and the Utah State Archives for Utah, or the state archives and county clerks for New Mexico, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada.
    Typical cost
    Many primary anchors are free or low cost (familysearch.org is free; archive record copies are often $0–$30). Verify the current fee with the holding office.
    Typical turnaround
    Online indexes can return results within hours; mailed archive and district requests typically take 2–4 weeks. Times vary by office.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (presence); see the per-state presence-anchor playbook in your results.
  6. School transcripts for the residence years Request through the district records office; FERPA-compliant.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Where you request a primary presence anchor depends on the affected person’s state and county during the qualifying years. The per-state presence-anchor playbook in your results names the specific archives and offices — for example, familysearch.org and the Utah State Archives for Utah, or the state archives and county clerks for New Mexico, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada.
    Typical cost
    Many primary anchors are free or low cost (familysearch.org is free; archive record copies are often $0–$30). Verify the current fee with the holding office.
    Typical turnaround
    Online indexes can return results within hours; mailed archive and district requests typically take 2–4 weeks. Times vary by office.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (presence); see the per-state presence-anchor playbook in your results.
  7. School transcripts for the residence years Idaho State Archives or the school district directly.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Where you request a primary presence anchor depends on the affected person’s state and county during the qualifying years. The per-state presence-anchor playbook in your results names the specific archives and offices — for example, familysearch.org and the Utah State Archives for Utah, or the state archives and county clerks for New Mexico, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada.
    Typical cost
    Many primary anchors are free or low cost (familysearch.org is free; archive record copies are often $0–$30). Verify the current fee with the holding office.
    Typical turnaround
    Online indexes can return results within hours; mailed archive and district requests typically take 2–4 weeks. Times vary by office.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (presence); see the per-state presence-anchor playbook in your results.
  8. School transcripts for the residence years Arizona State Archives or the school district directly.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Where you request a primary presence anchor depends on the affected person’s state and county during the qualifying years. The per-state presence-anchor playbook in your results names the specific archives and offices — for example, familysearch.org and the Utah State Archives for Utah, or the state archives and county clerks for New Mexico, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada.
    Typical cost
    Many primary anchors are free or low cost (familysearch.org is free; archive record copies are often $0–$30). Verify the current fee with the holding office.
    Typical turnaround
    Online indexes can return results within hours; mailed archive and district requests typically take 2–4 weeks. Times vary by office.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (presence); see the per-state presence-anchor playbook in your results.
  9. School transcripts for the residence years Nevada State Library, Archives & Public Records, or the district directly.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Where you request a primary presence anchor depends on the affected person’s state and county during the qualifying years. The per-state presence-anchor playbook in your results names the specific archives and offices — for example, familysearch.org and the Utah State Archives for Utah, or the state archives and county clerks for New Mexico, Idaho, Arizona, and Nevada.
    Typical cost
    Many primary anchors are free or low cost (familysearch.org is free; archive record copies are often $0–$30). Verify the current fee with the holding office.
    Typical turnaround
    Online indexes can return results within hours; mailed archive and district requests typically take 2–4 weeks. Times vary by office.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (presence); see the per-state presence-anchor playbook in your results.
  10. County assessor records (deed transfers, property tax) Two anchors less than 3 years apart establish presence between them (RECA presumption).
    How to request this record
    Where
    Secondary anchors most often come from county offices — the county assessor or recorder for property and tax records, or the district records office for school transcripts — in the county where the affected person lived.
    Typical cost
    County record copies are typically $0–$30; some assessor records are available free online. Verify the current fee with the county office.
    Typical turnaround
    Typically 2–4 weeks by mail; sometimes immediate online. Times vary by county.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (presence; 3-year-presumption); see the per-state presence-anchor playbook.
  11. Additional anchor docs for each residence episode One pair (primary + secondary) per episode strengthens the presumption chain.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Additional anchors come from the same offices as your primary and secondary anchors — archives, county assessor or recorder offices, and school districts — repeated for each separate residence during the qualifying window.
    Typical cost
    Same bands as primary and secondary anchors: often $0–$30 per record copy. Verify current fees with each holding office.
    Typical turnaround
    Same bands: hours for online indexes, 2–4 weeks for mailed requests.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (presence; 3-year-presumption); see the per-state presence-anchor playbook.
  12. Additional anchor docs for each of the deceased's residences Strengthens the presumption chain across episodes.
    How to request this record
    Where
    A survivor gathers additional anchors for each of the deceased’s residences from the same offices — archives, county assessor or recorder offices, and school districts — in the counties where the affected person lived.
    Typical cost
    Same bands: often $0–$30 per record copy. Verify current fees with each holding office.
    Typical turnaround
    Same bands: hours for online indexes, 2–4 weeks for mailed requests.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (presence; 3-year-presumption); see the per-state presence-anchor playbook.
  13. Bone-marrow biopsy report identifying the leukemia subtype The DOJ list excludes CLL; the subtype call matters.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Request the bone-marrow biopsy and pathology report from the medical-records (health-information management) department of the hospital or pathology lab that performed the biopsy, using your HIPAA right of access.
    Typical cost
    Records are often free or a low per-page copy fee under the HIPAA right of access. Verify the current fee with the facility.
    Typical turnaround
    Generally within about 30 days under the HIPAA right of access; often faster. Times vary by facility.
    Source
    45 C.F.R. § 164.524 (HIPAA right of access); DOJ RECA claim-form medical documentation.
  14. Diagnosis pathology report Single most-likely-required medical doc per the DOJ claim-form appendix.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Request the diagnosis pathology report from the medical-records (health-information management) department of the hospital or lab that diagnosed the condition, using your HIPAA right of access. It is one of the documents the DOJ claim form most commonly requests.
    Typical cost
    Often free or a low per-page copy fee under the HIPAA right of access. Verify the current fee with the facility.
    Typical turnaround
    Generally within about 30 days under the HIPAA right of access; often faster.
    Source
    45 C.F.R. § 164.524 (HIPAA right of access); DOJ RECA claim-form medical appendix.
  15. Documentation identifying primary site of cancer Required when the DOJ list calls for primary cancers of a specific organ.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Documentation of the cancer’s primary site comes from the treating oncologist or the hospital’s medical-records (health-information management) department, requested under your HIPAA right of access.
    Typical cost
    Often free or a low per-page copy fee under the HIPAA right of access. Verify the current fee with the facility.
    Typical turnaround
    Generally within about 30 days under the HIPAA right of access; often faster.
    Source
    45 C.F.R. § 164.524 (HIPAA right of access); DOJ RECA claim-form medical documentation.
  16. Multiple myeloma staging report Confirms diagnosis criteria per the DOJ-recognized standard.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Request the multiple-myeloma staging report from the treating oncologist or the hospital’s medical-records (health-information management) department, using your HIPAA right of access.
    Typical cost
    Often free or a low per-page copy fee under the HIPAA right of access. Verify the current fee with the facility.
    Typical turnaround
    Generally within about 30 days under the HIPAA right of access; often faster.
    Source
    45 C.F.R. § 164.524 (HIPAA right of access); DOJ RECA claim-form medical documentation.
  17. Lymphoma subtype documentation Hodgkin lymphoma is excluded; the subtype call matters.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Request lymphoma subtype documentation from the diagnosing pathology lab or the hospital’s medical-records (health-information management) department, using your HIPAA right of access.
    Typical cost
    Often free or a low per-page copy fee under the HIPAA right of access. Verify the current fee with the facility.
    Typical turnaround
    Generally within about 30 days under the HIPAA right of access; often faster.
    Source
    45 C.F.R. § 164.524 (HIPAA right of access); DOJ RECA claim-form medical documentation.
  18. Oncology summary or treatment record Provides clinical context if a pathology report is incomplete.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Request an oncology summary or treatment record from the treating oncologist’s office or the hospital’s medical-records (health-information management) department, using your HIPAA right of access.
    Typical cost
    Often free or a low per-page copy fee under the HIPAA right of access. Verify the current fee with the facility.
    Typical turnaround
    Generally within about 30 days under the HIPAA right of access; often faster.
    Source
    45 C.F.R. § 164.524 (HIPAA right of access); DOJ RECA claim-form medical documentation.
  19. Death certificate of the affected person Establishes the survivor filer status; universally required.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Request a certified death certificate from the vital-records (vital-statistics) office of the state where the affected person died; many states also fulfill orders through VitalChek.
    Typical cost
    Certified copies are typically $10–$25 each. Verify the current fee with the issuing state.
    Typical turnaround
    Often a few days to a few weeks by mail; sometimes same day in person. Times vary by state.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (survivor eligibility / heirship); DOJ RECA claim form.
  20. Marriage certificate Establishes the spousal relationship to the affected person.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Request a certified marriage certificate from the vital-records office of the state where the marriage occurred (in some states the county clerk holds it); many states use VitalChek.
    Typical cost
    Certified copies are typically $10–$25 each. Verify the current fee with the issuing office.
    Typical turnaround
    Often a few days to a few weeks by mail; sometimes same day in person. Times vary by state.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (heirship); DOJ RECA claim form.
  21. Claimant's birth certificate Naming the deceased as parent.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Request the claimant’s certified birth certificate from the vital-records office of their state of birth; many states use VitalChek.
    Typical cost
    Certified copies are typically $10–$25 each. Verify the current fee with the issuing state.
    Typical turnaround
    Often a few days to a few weeks by mail; sometimes same day in person. Times vary by state.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (heirship); DOJ RECA claim form.
  22. Deceased's birth certificate Naming the claimant as parent.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Request the affected person’s certified birth certificate from the vital-records office of their state of birth; older records may be held by the state archives.
    Typical cost
    Certified copies are typically $10–$25 each. Verify the current fee with the issuing state.
    Typical turnaround
    Often a few days to a few weeks by mail; sometimes same day in person. Times vary by state.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (heirship); DOJ RECA claim form.
  23. Three-generation lineage docs Birth certificates linking claimant → parent → deceased grandparent.
    How to request this record
    Where
    A three-generation lineage is built from a chain of certified birth (and sometimes marriage or death) certificates linking claimant to parent to grandparent, each requested from the vital-records office of the relevant state.
    Typical cost
    $10–$25 per certified copy, so the full chain adds up across several records. Verify current fees with each state.
    Typical turnaround
    A few days to a few weeks per record; allow extra time to assemble the full chain.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (heirship); DOJ RECA claim form.
  24. Three-generation lineage docs Birth certificates linking deceased → parent → claimant.
    How to request this record
    Where
    A three-generation lineage is built from a chain of certified birth (and sometimes marriage or death) certificates linking the affected person to parent to claimant, each requested from the vital-records office of the relevant state.
    Typical cost
    $10–$25 per certified copy, so the full chain adds up across several records. Verify current fees with each state.
    Typical turnaround
    A few days to a few weeks per record; allow extra time to assemble the full chain.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (heirship); DOJ RECA claim form.
  25. Relationship documentation Records establishing relationship to the affected person.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Relationship records most often come from the state vital-records office (birth, marriage, and death certificates); some relationships are documented through court records held by the clerk of court.
    Typical cost
    Vital-records copies are typically $10–$25 each; court-record fees vary. Verify current fees with the issuing office.
    Typical turnaround
    Often a few days to a few weeks by mail; sometimes same day in person. Times vary by office.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (heirship); DOJ RECA claim form.
  26. Deceased spouse's death certificate (if applicable) Documents that the higher-priority spouse tier no longer applies.
    How to request this record
    Where
    Request the certified death certificate of the prior spouse from the vital-records office of the state where that spouse died; many states use VitalChek.
    Typical cost
    Certified copies are typically $10–$25 each. Verify the current fee with the issuing state.
    Typical turnaround
    Often a few days to a few weeks by mail; sometimes same day in person. Times vary by state.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (survivor tier / heirship); DOJ RECA claim form.
  27. Co-heir acknowledgement form Signed by each living co-equal heir indicating they consent to or share in filing.
    How to request this record
    Where
    A co-heir acknowledgement is completed and signed by each living co-equal heir. Confirm with the DOJ claim-form instructions or a downwinder clinic whether a current official form is provided; if none is, it may be self-prepared. (Whether an official form exists is an open item pending confirmation.)
    Typical cost
    Usually no records-office fee; notarization, if needed, is typically a few dollars per signature. Verify whether the current DOJ process requires a specific form.
    Typical turnaround
    Depends on coordinating signatures among the heirs rather than on any records office.
    Source
    28 C.F.R. Part 79 (heirship among co-equal survivors); DOJ RECA claim-form instructions (confirm whether an official form exists).

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