OWCP for Federal Employees | Everything You Need to Know
What Federal Employees Need to Know About OWCP
As a federal employee, it's important to understand how the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) works and what you need to do to ensure your claims are successful. OWCP provides benefits to federal workers who suffer injuries or illnesses related to their job. These benefits include medical care, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation.
Here’s what every federal employee should know about OWCP:
1. The Basics of OWCP
OWCP is a division of the U.S. Department of Labor that administers workers’ compensation benefits for federal employees. Whether you’ve been injured in a single incident (traumatic injury) or have developed an illness over time due to your work conditions, OWCP provides a pathway to receiving the compensation and care you need.
2. Filing an OWCP Claim
There are two primary forms used to file an OWCP claim:
CA-1: For traumatic injuries that occur due to a specific incident, such as a fall or accident.
CA-2: For occupational illnesses that develop over time, such as repetitive strain injuries.
It’s important to complete these forms accurately and submit them as soon as possible after your injury. We can assist you with filling out these forms to ensure that all necessary medical documentation is included.
3. Your Rights as a Federal Employee
Under OWCP, you have the right to:
Choose your own doctor, as long as they are DOL-credentialed.
Receive medical treatment at no cost to you, provided it is related to your work injury or illness.
Be compensated for wages lost due to your inability to work because of your injury.
Appeal a denied claim if your initial filing is unsuccessful.
4. Why Medical Documentation Matters
Your OWCP claim hinges on having complete and accurate medical documentation that connects your injury or illness directly to your work. Our team of OWCP-experienced doctors ensures that your medical records, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans are thoroughly documented and clearly show the work-related nature of your injury.
How Federal Injury Centers of Utah Can Help
Navigating OWCP can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with a serious injury. At Federal Injury Centers of Utah, we help federal employees understand their rights and guide them through every step of the claims process. From filing your initial claim to handling appeals, our team of doctors and claims experts is here to provide the support you need.
Contact us today to get started, or fill out the form below to learn more about how we can assist with your OWCP claim.
