The November issue of AARP Bulletin (hitting homes today!) shares important information on a search conducted by the National Association of Atomic Veterans; they’re looking for the approximately 195,000 vets who were exposed to radiation from atmospheric nuclear tests between 1945 and 1962.

These men and women could receive a one-time $75,000 benefit from the U.S. government under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990 or a monthly disability payment of up to $2,673 from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Few veterans have applied for these benefits. Their widows and children are eligible too if their family member died before receiving a benefit.