Learn the steps to file a claim and get compensation after getting injured as a federal worker in Atlanta
In Georgia, most workers are covered under the state’s workers’ compensation system. But if you’re a federal employee, your claim may fall under the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, often called OWCP.
OWCP operates under a federal law known as the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act, or FECA. Because it is a separate federal system, the rules, benefits, and filing steps can be different from a typical Georgia workers’ compensation claim.
In this article, we will explain the difference between OWCP and Georgia workers’ compensation, what benefits you may qualify for after an injury at work, and how to file a claim to get benefits for medical care and lost income while you recover.
If you are unsure about your rights to compensation after suffering a work-related injury or occupational disease in Georgia, reach out to the experienced Atlanta WC attorneys at Gerber & Elkins for a free consultation.
What is FECA, and what does it do?
FECA stands for the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act. It is the federal law that protects people who work for the federal government if they get hurt or sick because of their job.
If you’re a federal employee and you get injured at work, FECA is the law that says you may be entitled to medical care, wage replacement, and other benefits. It lays out who qualifies, what types of injuries are covered, and what you have to do to receive benefits.
What does the OWCP stand for?
OWCP stands for the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. It is the federal agency within the U.S. Department of Labor that handles claims for injured federal workers.
If you file a claim as a federal employee, OWCP is the office that reviews your paperwork, decides whether your claim is approved, and manages your benefits. They process medical bills, evaluate wage-loss claims, and determine whether you qualify for ongoing compensation.
Think of OWCP as the agency that puts FECA into action.
Is OWCP the same as workers’ comp?
Not exactly.
Most workers in Georgia are covered under the state workers’ compensation system. That system applies to private employers and most non-federal jobs. OWCP, on the other hand, operates under federal law and applies to certain federal employees like prison guards, longshoremen, and some coal workers.
The two systems are similar in that both provide medical care and income benefits after a work injury. But the paperwork, deadlines, and rules are different.
If you are a federal employee, you do not file a Georgia workers’ compensation claim. You file a claim through OWCP instead.
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How does OWCP pay you?
If you are covered under FECA, OWCP can pay several different types of benefits depending on your situation, including:
- Medical treatment. OWCP covers all reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury. That includes doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescriptions, physical therapy, and medical equipment. There are no deductibles or co-pays for approved treatment.
- Wage replacement. If you cannot work because of your injury, OWCP may pay a portion of your lost wages. The amount depends on whether you have dependents.
- You can receive 66% of your average pay if you have no dependents.
- You can receive 75% of your average pay if you have at least one dependent.
These payments are based on your pay at the time of injury and are meant to help replace the income you are losing while you recover.
- Schedule awards. If your injury causes permanent damage to certain body parts (e.g., amputation, hearing loss, or blindness), you may qualify for a schedule award. This is additional compensation paid for permanent impairment, even if you return to work.
- Vocational rehabilitation. If you cannot return to your old job, OWCP may provide help with retraining or job placement so you can move into different work.
- Death benefits. If a federal employee dies due to a work-related injury or illness, OWCP may provide funeral expenses and ongoing monthly payments to eligible dependents, such as a surviving spouse or children.
Every case is different. The amount you receive depends on your wages, the seriousness of your injury, and how long you are unable to work.
Is federal workers’ comp considered income?
In most cases, OWCP wage-loss benefits are not taxable income at the federal level. That means you generally do not pay federal income tax on the compensation you receive for lost wages under FECA.
However, there are situations where benefits can affect other payments you receive. For example, OWCP benefits may reduce or interact with your Social Security benefits.
Because these issues can impact your long-term finances, consider discussing your case with an Atlanta work injury lawyer before accepting a settlement, especially if you suffered a serious or catastrophic injury.
How long can you be on federal workers’ compensation?
There is no set time limit like there is in some state workers’ compensation systems. Under FECA, you can continue receiving wage-loss benefits for as long as you remain medically unable to work because of your job-related injury.
That said, OWCP does not just approve benefits and forget about your case. You will be required to provide ongoing medical updates from your doctor showing that you are still disabled and unable to work.
If your condition improves and you are cleared to return to work, your wage-loss payments will likely stop.
What should a federal employee do when injured at work?
If you are hurt on the job as a federal employee, you’ll need to take the following steps to file a claim and get benefits:
- Report the injury right away. Tell your supervisor as soon as possible. Do not wait days or weeks. Even if the injury seems minor at first, report it.
- Get medical treatment. Seek care from a qualified medical provider and make sure you explain that the injury happened at work. Your doctor’s report will be critical to your claim. In most cases, you should be allowed to choose your own doctor for treatment.
- Create an ECOMP account. The Employees’ Compensation Operations and Management Portal (ECOMP) is the U.S. Department of Labor’s online system for filing and managing OWCP claims. You can register for a free account, submit your claim forms electronically, upload medical records, and track the status of your case. Setting up your account early makes the process faster and helps you stay organized.
- Complete the correct claim form. For a traumatic injury (e.g., broken bone, spinal cord injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.), you will typically complete Form CA-1. For an illness or condition that developed over time, you may need Form CA-2. These forms start your official claim under OWCP.
- Follow up and keep records. Save copies of everything you submit, and respond promptly if OWCP asks for additional information.
If your OWCP claim is denied, it isn’t necessarily the end of the road. Under FECA, federal employees have several options to challenge a decision. A local Georgia work injury lawyer can help you understand which appeal option makes the most sense for your situation.
Looking for an experienced work injury lawyer in Atlanta?
If you’re dealing with a federal work injury claim, you already know the process is not simple. The paperwork is detailed. The medical evidence has to be precise. And one mistake can delay or reduce the benefits you depend on.
Fortunately, you do not have to handle it alone.
Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys is a local Atlanta work injury law firm with decades of experience helping injured workers protect their rights. Our team understands both Georgia workers’ compensation claims and federal OWCP cases under FECA.
We know how to build strong claims, respond to benefit denials, and fight to help workers recover the full compensation they’re entitled to after a work-related injury, illness, or occupational disease.
When your health and income are on the line, local experience matters.
If you have questions about your OWCP claim or need help getting the benefits you deserve, contact Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today for a free consultation.
