How Long Can You Be on Federal Workers’ Compensation?

Under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), there’s no fixed time limit for federal workers’ compensation benefits—they can continue as long as your work-related injury or illness prevents you from earning your pre-injury wage, supported by current medical evidence, and you comply with OWCP regulations.

 

1. No Fixed Duration Under FECA

Unlike many state systems with explicit benefit durations, FECA benefits are paid for as long as your injury remains disabling. The Employees’ Compensation Fund is available without time limit to cover compensation and medical benefits for qualifying injuries.

 

2. Medical Evidence Drives Ongoing Eligibility

To maintain benefits, you must submit current, objective medical proof that you remain unable to perform your job duties. The OWCP requests ongoing documentation to verify the continued existence of an injury. FECA requires:

• Diagnosis and functional assessment from qualified physicians
• Regular updates of limitations and prognosis
• OWCP may call for second opinions or District Medical Advisor review

Without it, OWCP may terminate or reduce benefits.

 

3. OWCP Oversight & Compliance Requirements

OWCP monitors cases closely. Your responsibilities include:

• Reporting your injury or illness to your supervisor or HR department as soon as possible.

• Timely forms submission via ECOMP (e.g., CA‑1, CA‑2, CA‑7)
• Complying with medical exam requests
• Accepting valid modified or alternate jobs
• Engaging in vocational rehabilitation when applicable. You may upload correspondence to your file via ECOMP to communicate with OWCP regarding your claim. Always include your claim number on every page. To file a federal workers’ compensation claim, complete form CA-1 or CA-2 and provide medical documentation supporting any claimed disability periods.

Non-compliance can prompt reduced or terminated benefits. Failure to provide requested documentation on time may result in benefits being withdrawn.

 

4. Return to Work Terminates or Adjusts Benefits

If medical evidence shows you’re fit for:

• Your original position – wage-loss benefits end.
• A different federal job at equal pay – wage-loss may cease; vocational rehab may begin. Benefits cease when the worker fully recovers from the injury or illness.
• Your original position – wage-loss benefits end.
• A different federal job at equal pay – wage-loss may cease; vocational rehab may begin.

 

5. Lifetime Benefits for Permanent Disability

If you’re deemed totally and permanently disabled, OWCP may award lifetime compensation—again contingent on medical evidence and OWCP oversight. Those who are partially disabled may receive reduced benefits for the rest of their lives.

 

6. Benefit Milestones & Time Limits

Continuation of Pay (COP): Up to 45 days of full pay after a traumatic injury begins, during which federal workers receive 100 percent of their regular wages. Federal workers receive their full regular wages for the first 45 days after a claim is approved.

Post‑COP payments: Typically 2/3 of your wage, rising to 3/4 if you have dependents. After the initial 45-day period, payments are reduced to two-thirds of the employee’s regular wage.

Filing deadlines:

• Notice of injury: within 30 days
• Formal claim: within 3 years of injury or awareness

Timeliness is crucial, with some exceptions for delayed awareness or exceptional circumstances.

 

7. Who Is Covered?

FECA covers nearly all federal civilian workers, including most federal employees regardless of their years of service or the nature of their job. Federal workers’ compensation is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).

• Permanent, part‑time, temporary, probationary staff
• Postal Service, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, jurors, Civil Air Patrol, Job Corps enrollees. Federal employees receive benefits for injuries sustained while performing job-related duties. However, injuries sustained while under the influence of non-prescription drugs or alcohol are ineligible for FECA benefits.

Claims for workers’ compensation can be denied if the injury occurred while the employee was engaged in willful misconduct or was intoxicated. Private contractors working for the federal government are not eligible for FECA benefits. Family members and dependents of federal employees may receive benefits if the employee dies due to work-related activities.

 

 

Additional FECA Insights

• Retirement & Compensation: You can choose FECA benefits instead of an annuity, and may switch back later; coordination with OPM matters for survivors and pension rights.
• COP details: COP is fully paid for up to 45 days; afterward, compensation shifts to OWCP disbursements.

 

Resources & Links

• DOL OWCP FECA FAQ: forms, timelines, medical evidence guidance
• eCFR FECA regulations: COP limit, filing timelines, notice procedures

 

Why Choose Scher, Bassett & Hames?

With deep experience representing federal workers under FECA, our firm ensures:

• Medical evidence is comprehensive and OWCP‑compliant
• All claims and appeals are filed accurately and on time
• Vocational rehab and return‑to‑work offers are strategically managed
• You receive aggressive defense against benefit termination
• Clients often secure lifetime awards for total disability

 

Ready to Secure Your Benefits?

If your claim faces scrutiny, your benefits are threatened, or you received an OWCP notice, don’t wait. Contact Scher, Bassett & Hames at 408-739-5300 for a free case evaluation today: Federal workers’ compensation lawyers can assist in navigating the claims process and may help with appeals if claims are denied.

• Veteran FECA claim guidance
• Deadline management
• Medical and vocational strategy
• Lifelong benefits protection

Visit our Federal Workers’ Compensation page or call now to safeguard your rights.

 

Further Reading:

• What Disqualifies You From Workers’ Compensation Benefits in California?
• Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in California?
• What Is the 90 Day Rule for Workers’ Comp in California?
• Steps to Take if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied in California
• How Much Are California Workers’ Compensation Settlements?