‘Do you have to be dead?’: US coalminers plead for benefits as black-lung disease cases surge
Summary
Many retired coal miners in the United States are struggling to get black lung disease benefits due to long delays and repeated appeals by coal companies. Black lung disease, caused by breathing coal dust, is increasing, but the federal benefits program meant to help miners is difficult to access.Key Facts
- Black lung disease damages miners’ lungs from long-term coal dust exposure and is irreversible.
- The federal black lung benefits program started in 1969 to provide money and medical help to miners with the disease.
- Cases of black lung disease have risen to the highest level in nearly 50 years.
- In 2024, about 7,700 miners were receiving black lung benefits, with around 22,500 people total including survivors and dependents.
- Around 40% of approved benefit claims from 2013 to 2024 were challenged by coal companies.
- Appeals and waiting times for benefits can take several years, with some cases lasting over 10 years.
- Miners often need to pay for medical tests and hire lawyers to fight for benefits.
- Coal miners and their families say coal companies delay or deny benefits, sometimes appealing even after benefits are initially approved.
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