Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do OWCP Injury Claims Typically Slow Down in December? OWCP (Office of Workers' Compensation Programs) injury claims can experience a slowdown during the holiday season for several interconnected reasons: Administrative and Staffing Issues: During the holiday period, many government and administrative offices operate with reduced hours or are closed for several days. This reduction in operational time means fewer staff members are available to process claims. Even when offices are open, the staff might be working with skeleton crews due to vacations or holiday leave, leading [...]

Applying for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as a postal worker involves a series of steps. Here's a general outline of the process: 1. Determine Eligibility - To be eligible for FMLA, you must meet the following criteria: Have worked for the Postal Service for at least 12 months. Have worked at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months. 2. Understand Qualifying Reasons FMLA can be used for various reasons, including: Birth and care of a newborn child. Placement with the employee of a [...]

Shoulder Surgeries for Injured Federal WorkersGetting shoulder surgery approved under the Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (DOL-OWCP) involves several detailed steps. Here’s a guide to help you through the process:1. Report the InjuryImmediate Notification: Inform your employer about the shoulder injury as soon as possible.Form CA-1 or CA-2: Depending on the nature of the injury, fill out and submit either Form CA-1 (Federal Employee's Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation) or Form CA-2 (Notice of Occupational Disease and Claim for Compensation).2. [...]

The Importance of Getting Injured Federal Workers Back to Work Getting injured federal workers back to work safely and appropriately is important for several reasons: Benefits for the Employee: Financial Security: Injured workers can maintain their income and financial security through continued wages instead of relying solely on federal workers' compensation benefits, which typically cover only a portion of their salary. Mental and Physical Well-being: Returning to work can provide a sense of normalcy, purpose, and social interaction, which can aid in the recovery process. Benefits for [...]

Tips for Properly Completing Your CA-2 Completing the OWCP Form CA-2 accurately and thoroughly can be crucial for a smooth claims process. Here are some tips to help you with your OWCP claims: Before you start: Ensure eligibility: Confirm that your condition qualifies as an occupational disease and not a traumatic injury (requiring Form CA-1). Gather information: Collect documents like medical records, employment details, witness statements, and any evidence supporting your claim. Understand the form: Read the official instructions carefully and familiarize yourself with each section. Completing [...]

Changes in FECA The Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) has undergone several changes throughout its history, with the most notable ones occurring in: 1974: Increased compensation: This reform allowed injured federal workers to receive their full salary (minus a small amount) while on leave due to a work-related injury or illness. This significantly improved benefits compared to the previous system, which only provided a portion of lost wages. Presumption of work-relatedness: For certain diseases and injuries, it became easier for federal workers to claim compensation by making [...]