March 18, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Federal Black Lung Program will host three outreach events in West Virginia on March 19-21 for current and former coal miners disabled by black lung disease, and their families, to file or refile claims for benefits.

There are currently 4,200 people receiving program benefits in West Virginia. The three-day program is the first hosted by the department in West Virginia in several years. The department held similar events in Illinois and Indiana in 2022, and in Arizona, New Mexico, and Wyoming in 2023.

“The U.S. Department of Labor encourages current and former coal miners, and survivors in these areas to attend one of these events to learn more about eligibility for benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act,” said Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation Director Mike Chance. “Attendees can get assistance with filing or refiling claims and get information on eligibility and the adjudication process.”

Open to the public, the events do not require pre-registration to attend.

Events will be held as follows:

March 20

Boone Madison Public Library

375 Main St., Madison

11 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.

March 21

Boone Madison Public Library

375 Main St., Madison

9 a.m.- 4:45 p.m.

For more information and assistance on submitting any bills for black lung related medical treatment, services, or medical supplies, contact the Federal Black Lung Program at (800) 347-2502.