Federal employees who suffer a job-related injury or illness in the workplace aren’t covered under the state-specific workers’ compensation system. Workers’ compensation for federal employees is often simpler than it appears. Federal workers fall under a separate program called the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), a no-fault compensation law that applies to civilian federal workers across the United States. FECA provides workplace injury compensation and federal employee protection through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), which handles medical, wage replacement, and disability benefits for qualifying employees.
Let’s break down how workers’ compensation for federal workers works under FECA, who qualifies, what injuries are covered, and how to begin the OWCP claim process.
What Is Workers’ Compensation for Federal Employees?
Workers’ compensation for federal workers is a no-fault insurance system that provides broad coverage of health and disability insurance benefits to civilian employees injured while performing their official duties.
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) is the law that governs this system, and the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the workers’ comp claims under the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The purpose of the federal compensation is to ensure that federal employees receive timely medical care, wage replacement, and rehabilitation support after a verified work-related injury or occupational illness.
Who Qualifies for Federal Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Federal workers’ comp benefits are available to most civilian employees of the US government. Under the FECA, the program covers a wide range of roles across agencies, departments, and branches of public service.
Here’s a list of eligible federal employees who can file an OWCP claim:
- All civilian employees working for a federal agency
- Special groups, such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers, Federal jurors, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets
- Specific employees from agencies like the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Veterans Affairs (VA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
These eligible workers include all full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal civilian employees.
Who Are Excluded from Receiving Federal Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Not every federal worker is covered under the FECA. Some categories of employees fall under separate compensation statutes that address their specific job environments and risks.
- Military Contractors: Coverage is under the Defense Base Act.
- Railroad Workers: Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) allows compensation for injuries and requires proving employer negligence.
- Seamen and Maritime Employees: May qualify for benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act or the Jones Act.
These laws operate independently from FECA, ensuring that each workforce group has access to an appropriate workers’ compensation framework suited to their employment conditions.
What Injuries and Illnesses Does FECA Cover?
The federal employees’ comp covers a wide range of occupational injuries and illnesses that occur on duty. This includes both sudden injuries and conditions that develop over time due to work-related exposure or repetitive tasks.
Covered medical conditions include:
- Traumatic Injuries: Single-event injuries such as sprains, fractures, or concussions resulting from falls or accidents.
- Occupational Diseases: Conditions that develop over time, like carpal tunnel syndrome or respiratory illnesses caused by long-term exposure.
- Mental Health Conditions: Stress-related disorders, including PTSD or anxiety, when there is a clear link to job responsibilities.
- Toxic Exposures: Harm caused by contact with hazardous chemicals, radiation, or contaminated environments.
- Infectious Diseases: Illnesses contracted during job performance, such as needlestick infections common in healthcare.
But not everything is covered. If the injury was caused by intoxication, willful misconduct, or an intentional act, FECA won’t apply. This is written clearly into the law under §8102(a).
How to File a Federal Compensation Claim Through the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP)
Filing a federal workers’ comp claim is different than California’s state filing. Claims go through the Department of Labor’s OWCP, and the process is more documentation-heavy. The good news? It’s all online now, and once you know what to expect, you can avoid the most common mistakes that cause delays or denials.
Step-by-Step Claim Filing Process for California-Based Employees
If you’re a federal employee in California and you’ve been injured on the job, here’s how to begin your OWCP claim:
- Step 1: Report the injury or illness to your supervisor immediately.
- Step 2: Complete the correct OWCP claim form.
- Step 3: File your claim through Employees’ Compensation Operations and Management Portal (ECOMP). Create an account and submit the form digitally.
- Step 4: Attach your medical documentation. This includes diagnosis, treatment plans, and physician notes tying the condition to your job duties.
- Step 5: Track your claim status using the Case Query System (CQS). This lets you check progress, see any requests for more information, and comply with deadlines.
Next, the DOL will assign a claims examiner to review your case, and communication will continue through ECOMP and official correspondence.
Required OWCP Forms (CA-1, CA-2, CA-7, CA-16)
You begin your legal claim by submitting a specific OWCP form depending on whether your injury or illness is a traumatic injury or an occupational disease.
Here’s a quick breakdown of relevant forms and what each one does:
| Form | Purpose | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| CA-1 | Report of Traumatic Injury | For a one-time event or incident causing injury (e.g., slip, fall, cut) |
| CA-2 | Notice of Occupational Disease | For injuries or illnesses that develop over time due to work exposure |
| CA-7 | Claim for Compensation | Used to request wage loss compensation after leave is exhausted |
| CA-16 | Authorization for Examination and/or Treatment | Issued by the agency to authorize medical care within 7 days of the injury |
Mistakes on these forms or using the wrong one are the most common reasons OWCP claims get delayed. Make sure you’re choosing based on how the injury occurred, not just the severity.
Statute of Limitations Under Title 5 of the United States Code, §8122
Title 5 of the US Code, §8122, gives injured federal employees 3 years to file a workers’ compensation claim from the date of the injury. For traumatic injuries, the 3-year deadline begins the day of the incident. For occupational diseases, the time limit starts when you first become aware of the link between the condition and your work.
However, there are a few exceptions where the deadline may pause or extend:
- Discovery Rule: If the injury is not immediately obvious or discovered late
- Fraudulent Concealment: In cases involving fraud or withheld information by the employer
- Minority or Legal Incapacity: If a beneficiary is a minor or is legally incapacitated due to a mental disability
The safest option is to report and file as early as possible. Waiting too long is a common reason claims get denied, even if the injury is severe and valid.
What Benefits Are Available Under Federal Workers’ Compensation?
While both federal and state workers’ comp programs share the same goal of providing support for work-related injuries, FECA’s benefits are often more comprehensive and stable.
Federal employees’ compensation benefits include:
Medical and Hospital Benefits
Beyond immediate hospital fees coverage, OWCP medical benefits cover the full spectrum of medical costs. That includes expenses already incurred, current care, and future medical needs tied to the injury.
- Doctor visits and specialist consultations
- Hospital stays and surgical procedures
- Diagnostic tests and lab work
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medical supplies and transportation costs
To be eligible, you must receive all treatment from an OWCP-authorized provider, as required under FECA. If your doctor isn’t already in the system, you’ll need to switch.
Wage Replacement: Continuation of Pay (COP) and Disability Compensation
When your injury prevents you from working, FECA provides income support in two ways:
| Benefit Type | Condition | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Continuation of Pay (COP) | If you filed a CA-1 for a traumatic injury and reported it on time. | 100% of your regular salary |
| Disability Compensation | If you’re out of work for more than 45 days or are not eligible for COP | A percentage of pre-injury wages: • ⅔ without dependents • ¾ with dependents |
Back pay may be available if there’s a delay in claim processing or if personal leave was used while waiting for approval.
Schedule Awards for Permanent Impairment
If your injury results in a lasting physical loss, even if you’re still employed, you may qualify for a Schedule Award under §8107. These OWCP schedule awards are based on a doctor’s impairment rating and apply to specific body parts.
Common examples include:
- Schedule award for knee injuries
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Permanent damage to arms, hands, feet, or fingers
You don’t have to be out of work to receive this benefit. It’s a separate award meant to compensate for the permanent loss of physical function, not income.
Death Benefits for Dependents
In case the job-related injury or illness results in the fatality of the federal employee, surviving dependents may claim death benefits under FECA, listed in §8133.
Benefits typically include:
- 45% of the employee’s wage is paid to the surviving spouse
- An additional 15% per child, up to a family maximum
- Burial expenses and transportation costs, including returning the body to the family
Eligible dependents may include the surviving spouse, children, dependent parents, siblings, or grandparents.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Services
If your injury prevents you from going back to your original job role or professional position, OWCP offers services like:
- Vocational assessments to determine what work you can still do
- Retraining or education programs
- Job placement and return-to-work support
For injured workers in California, these services are often underutilized, but they can be key to rebuilding your career after a serious injury.
Why Do Federal Workers’ Comp Claims Get Denied and How to Respond?
Even when the injury is real and job-related, claims examiners frequently deny federal workplace injury claims, usually because of reasons related to incorrect forms, missed deadlines, or lack of medical proof.
In our experience handling OWCP cases across California, these are the most frequent reasons federal claims get denied:
Common Federal Workers’ Comp Claim Denial Reasons
- Missing or Vague Medical Documentation
- Inconsistent Employment and Wage Evidence
- Submitting the Wrong Form or Filing Late
- Lack of Causal Injury-Work Connection
- Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Reconsideration, Hearings, and ECAB Appeals Process
When faced with denials, begin by reviewing your denial letter. Understand the reason for rejection and what type of appeal is allowed, and then choose your appeal option.
You usually have 3 options to challenge the denial decision:
| Appeal Option | What It Is | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Reconsideration | Submit new evidence or medical clarification | Within 1 year of the denial |
| Hearing Request | Request an oral hearing (for new testimony) | Within 30 days of denial |
| ECAB Appeal | Formal written appeal to higher authority | Within 180 days of final OWCP decision |
Each stage has strict requirements, and submitting the wrong information or repeating arguments already denied can waste valuable time.
Importance of Legal Support in Complex Cases
While you can file a federal work injury compensation claim without legal assistance, complex denial situations and the appeals process can be challenging to handle on your own.
Situations where hiring a seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer often makes the difference:
- When your medical evidence is disputed
- If the injury involves pre-existing conditions
- When the agency is delaying or refusing to file your forms
- If you’re appealing through the ECAB process, where the rules are strict and formal
Can a Federal Employee File a Lawsuit for a Workplace Injury?
In most cases, federal employees cannot sue their employer for a work-related injury. The FECA is considered the exclusive remedy for injuries sustained while performing federal job duties. That means once you file a FECA claim, you generally give up the right to file a separate lawsuit against the federal government.
However, there are limited exceptions that may justify a lawsuit:
- Third-Party Liability: If your injury was caused by a defective product, a negligent contractor, or a private individual not employed by the government.
- Intentional Harm by a Non-Federal Actor: If someone outside the federal workplace intentionally caused your injury.
The Role of the Department of Labor (DOL) and OWCP in Federal Claims
The OWCP is the branch of the Department of Labor (DOL) that handles injury claims for federal employees. If you’re hurt on the job, OWCP is the office that reviews your paperwork, checks your medical records, and decides whether you qualify for benefits under FECA.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how a claim moves through the system:
| Entity | Function | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Labor (DOL) | Policy & Oversight |
- Sets the legal and procedural framework for FECA claims - Ensures fairness and legal compliance across the system - Manages the funds used for benefit payments |
| Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) | Claims Administration |
- Reviews and adjudicates all federal injury claims - Decides whether to approve or deny benefits - Operates ECOMP |
Key Differences Between Federal and State Workers’ Compensation Systems in CA
While both systems follow the “no-fault standard” and aim to support injured workers, federal and state workers’ compensation programs are completely separate, each with its own laws, forms, and processes. If you’re a federal employee in California, it’s important not to confuse FECA with California’s state workers’ compensation system.
This side-by-side comparison outlines how the two systems differ:
| Aspect | Federal (FECA / OWCP) | California State (DWC/WCAB) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) | California Labor Code |
| Administering Agency | OWCP under the U.S. Department of Labor | California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) |
| Covered Employees | Federal civilian employees | Private-sector workers and most state/local government employees |
| Claim Filing System | Electronic (ECOMP) via OWCP | Filed with employer and DWC (often paper-based or via attorneys) |
| Appeals Body | Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB) | Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) |
For more details, see our full guide on Federal vs. State Workers’ Compensation.
What Are the Most Common Federal Work Injuries Reported in California?
Federal workers in California face job hazards that vary widely by agency, job role, and work environment. Some injuries are sudden, while others develop over time through repetitive stress or long-term exposure.
Some of the most common federal work injuries and case examples frequently reported are:
Injury Trends Among United States Postal Service (USPS) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Employees
The USPS and TSA employees make up a large share of workplace injury claims in California. This is especially true in high-volume regions where these agencies have dense staffing and physically demanding job roles.
| Common Injury Types Among USPS Workers | Common Injury Types Among TSA Workers |
|---|---|
|
|
Case Examples from Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospitals and Federal Courthouses
Clinical and administrative environments pose different injury risks and generate frequent OWCP claims in California. Here are anonymized examples based on real case patterns:
| Common Injury Types in VA Hospitals | Common Injury Types in Federal Courthouses and Offices |
|---|---|
|
|
Even in desk jobs, federal employees face legitimate job-related injuries that qualify for FECA benefits if properly documented and timely reported.
California-based Federal Job Hazards by Department
Different federal departments expose workers to different types of risks. Here’s a breakdown of common hazards seen in claims from major agencies operating across California:
- Department of Justice (DOJ): Physical confrontations, inmate transport injuries, or exposure to violence in federal detention centers
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Vehicle collisions, heat-related illness during patrols, and physical strain from searches
Social Security - Administration (SSA): Sedentary strain injuries, stress-related mental health issues, ergonomic problems from prolonged desk work
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Patient handling injuries, infectious disease exposure, sharps injuries, and emotional burnout in high-volume clinics
How Does OWCP Handle Claims Filed in California?
Here’s how OWCP typically handles a federal employee’s compensation claim filed in California:
- Claim Submission Via Ecomp: You file Form CA-1 or CA-2 and upload supporting medical documents through OWCP’s online portal.
- District Office Assignment: Your claim is routed to a regional OWCP office, usually in San Francisco or Long Beach.
- Case Examiner Review: A claims examiner checks your forms, medical reports, and agency statements for completeness.
- Medical Evidence Evaluation: OWCP may approve your doctor’s report or schedule a second opinion with an authorized physician.
- Decision Issued: OWCP sends a written decision approving, denying, or requesting more information about your claim.
- Ongoing Claim Management: If approved, OWCP oversees treatment, wage compensation, and may assign a nurse case manager for long-term cases.
Tip: Always track your case in ECOMP and keep copies of everything, since even minor delays can affect your benefits timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Workers' Compensation
Are part-time federal workers in California covered by FECA?
Yes, part-time federal workers in California are covered by FECA for workplace injuries or illnesses. FECA is a federal law and overrides California’s state workers’ compensation.
Can I see my own doctor after a federal workplace injury?
Yes, you can see your own doctor as long as your doctor is enrolled and authorized by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). FECA requires treatment to be provided by OWCP-approved medical providers to qualify for coverage.
What if my employer refuses to submit my CA-1 or CA-2 form?
If your employer refuses to submit your forms, you can still file directly through ECOMP. Document the refusal in writing and notify OWCP immediately.
What medical documentation is required for a federal workers' comp claim?
For a federal workers’ comp claim, you require a physician’s report linking your diagnosis to your work duties. You must submit detailed, objective findings, such as test results, imaging, and narrative explanations, that clearly support causation.
How long does a federal compensation claim take to get approved?
It varies based on the nature of each case, but initial decisions usually take 30 to 90 days. Delays are common if documentation is missing or OWCP requests a second opinion.
Can I reopen a closed federal workers’ compensation claim?
Yes, you can reopen a closed federal workers’ comp claim, but only if you provide new medical evidence showing your condition has worsened or recurred. File a request for reconsideration with updated records and supporting documentation.
Do I need a lawyer for a federal workers' comp claim?
You do not always need a lawyer for federal workers’ comp, but if OWCP denies your claim or it becomes complicated due to a lack of evidence or pre-existing conditions, we strongly recommend legal help.
Has anyone won a stress case on workers' compensation in California?
Yes, people have won stress-related workers’ compensation claims in California, particularly in cases involving trauma or workplace incidents. However, these claims are challenging to win and require strong medical evidence to prove that the stress was directly caused by specific job-related events.
What Every California-Based Federal Employee Should Know Before Filing a Claim?
Filing a workers’ compensation as a federal employee isn’t just about filling out forms. Claim success depends on understanding how FECA works and what steps to take to avoid missteps.
If you’re a federal worker injured on the job, report it early, choose an OWCP-authorized doctor, and track your case through ECOMP. Missing a deadline can delay or cost you benefits, but getting it right can mean access to entitled medical care, lost wages, and long-term protection.
If your OWCP claim is denied or becomes complicated due to insufficient evidence or pre-existing conditions, seeking legal assistance is crucial. Contact the Law Office of Roy Yang for trusted representation and expert guidance.
