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Workers’ compensation is a critical safety net for employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses.
For federal employees, the governing of these benefits is handled differently than by state workers’ compensation systems.
Below, we’ll take a look at federal workers’ compensation laws and regulations, including key aspects, eligibility, the claims process, and the available benefits.
Understanding these regulations is crucial for federal employees who seek to navigate the system successfully.
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act
The cornerstone of federal workers’ compensation is the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA).
Enacted in 1916, FECA provides compensation benefits to civilian employees of the federal government who suffer injuries or illnesses as a result of their employment. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers FECA, ensuring that federal employees receive the necessary support and benefits.
Scope of Coverage
FECA covers a wide range of impairments and illnesses, including traumatic injuries, occupational diseases, and conditions aggravated by employment.
This range of coverage helps ensure that federal employees can get compensation for various work-related health issues, from physical injuries to long-term occupational illnesses.
Eligibility
To qualify for FECA benefits, federal employees must meet specific eligibility criteria as follows:
- They must be civilian employees of the federal government or certain other designated groups, such as Peace Corps volunteers
- The injury or illness must have occurred while the claimant was performing official duties
- They must provide medical documentation supporting the claim
Key Provisions of FECA
FECA contains several key provisions outlining the rights and benefits afforded to injured federal employees.
Understanding these provisions helps participants understand what to expect and how to best utilize the benefits available to them.
Medical Benefits
FECA provides medical benefits to cover all necessary medical treatments, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services. Qualified employees are allowed to pick their own medical providers (OWCP may require a second opinion in some cases.)
Wage Replacement
Injured workers may qualify for wage replacement benefits if they can’t work due to their injury or illness.
FECA offers two methods of wage replacement benefits: continuation of pay (COP) and compensation for wage loss. COP provides the worker’s full salary up to 45 days following their injury, while compensation for wage loss covers a percentage (currently 66 2/3%) of the employee’s salary once the COP period ends.
Disability Benefits
Federal workers’ compensation laws and regulations like FECA also provide disability benefits for employees who suffer temporary or permanent disabilities caused by a work-related injury. These temporary disability benefits cover workers who are expected to make a full recovery and return to their previous work. Permanent disability benefits, on the other hand, are for workers with lasting impairments.
The amount of these benefits, and how long they’re received depend on the severity of the disability and how it impacts the employee’s ability to work.
Vocational Rehabilitation
FECA includes vocational rehabilitation services to help injured employees return to work by providing job training, education, and other assistance in finding a new job if they can’t return to their previous employment role.
The goal of vocational rehabilitation is to ensure that injured workers can continue to have gainful employment and contribute to the workforce despite their injuries.
Death Benefits
In the event of a work-related death, FECA provides death benefits to the dependents of deceased workers to cover funeral expenses and provide ongoing financial support to the family. Dependents eligible for workers’ comp death benefits typically include the spouse, children, and other relatives as long as they were financially dependent on the deceased worker.
Filing a FECA Claim
The process of filing a FECA claim involves several steps. As a federal employee, you should follow these steps carefully to ensure your claim is processed smoothly and efficiently.
- Report the Injury
- Complete the Claim Form
- Medical Documentation
- OWCP Review
- Approval or Denial
The Appeals Process
If your FECA workers’ comp claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. Understanding the appeals process and knowing the available options can help you navigate this challenging situation.
Typically, the steps for the appeal process include:
- Reconsideration
- Hearing
- Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB) Review
Special Considerations for Specific Federal Employees
Some groups of federal employees, such as postal workers, transportation security officers, and law enforcement officers, will often have additional FECA benefit considerations. If you’re one of these workers, you should be aware of any special provisions or regulations that apply to these specific roles.
- Postal Workers: Postal workers are eligible for the same FECA benefits as other federal employees. However, the U.S. Postal Service has its own specific procedures and regulations for reporting and managing a workers’ compensation claim. Postal workers should familiarize themselves with these procedures to ensure their claims are processed efficiently.
- Transportation Security Officers: Transportation security officers (TSOs) face unique risks due to their roles in airport security. TSO injuries are more often related to physical confrontations, repetitive stress disorders, and exposure to hazardous materials. By understanding the specific provisions and regulations under FECA for TSOs, these workers can navigate the claims process more effectively.
- Federal Law Enforcement Officers: Federal law enforcement officers like those working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Secret Service, or as border patrol agents also face high-risk situations that can lead to severe injuries on the job. FECA provides specific provisions for these employees, as well, including enhanced benefits for injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Understanding Your Right to Federal Workers’ Comp Benefits
Federal workers’ compensation laws and regulations outline the much-needed benefits and protections available to governmental employees who are injured or fall ill in a job-related incident.
It’s important that all federal workers understand the scope of their coverage, eligibility criteria, and the claims process if they seek to navigate the system effectively.
By staying informed, following the necessary steps, and seeking legal assistance when needed, federal employees can get the support they need for themselves and their families to recover and continue their vital work for the government.