What does the Federal Black Lung Benefits Act provide compensation for?

The Federal Black Lung Benefits Act is designed to provide compensation specifically for coal miners who have become totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis, which is a lung disease commonly caused by inhaling coal dust. This compensation also extends to the surviving dependents of miners who have died from the disease. Thus, by addressing the health impacts of hazardous conditions in coal mining, the act ensures that affected individuals and their families receive financial support due to the debilitating effects of the illness.

The focus of the act is on severe health conditions resulting from chronic exposure to coal dust, rather than on other issues such as job loss, minor disabilities, or conditions unrelated to coal dust exposure, which sets it apart from the other options presented.