OWCP is the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, part of the U.S. Department of Labor. It runs four federal programs that cover federal employees, longshore and harbor workers, coal miners with black lung disease, and certain nuclear weapons workers. If you were hurt in one of these jobs, your claim typically goes through a federal office, not your state. This guide explains what OWCP does, what it pays, which forms to use, and the deadlines that matter most.
Who the Owcp Covers
The agency runs four separate divisions. Each one serves a different group of workers. For example, a mail carrier who hurts their back files with a different division than a crane operator at a shipyard. However, all four divisions sit under the same federal office at the U.S. Department of Labor.
The biggest program is the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). It covers about 2.6 million civilian federal workers, including postal workers. The Longshore Act covers maritime workers on navigable waters and nearby docks and shipyards. The Black Lung program covers coal miners disabled by pneumoconiosis, and their survivors. The Energy Employees program (EEOICPA) covers workers made sick by radiation or toxic exposure at Department of Energy sites.
| Program | Who is covered | Main benefits | Filing deadline | Key forms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FECA (Division of Federal Employees’ Compensation) | Civilian federal employees, including USPS | Medical care; 66 2/3% of pay (75% with dependents); schedule awards; death benefits | Notice within 30 days for continuation of pay; claim within 3 years | CA-1, CA-2, CA-2a, CA-7, CA-5, CA-5b |
| Longshore Act (DLHWC) | Dock, harbor, and shipyard workers; Defense Base Act contractors | Medical care; 66 2/3% of average weekly wage; max $2,082.70/week (Oct 1, 2025 to Sept 30, 2026) | Notice to employer within 30 days; claim within 1 year | LS-201, LS-202, LS-203, LS-262 |
| Black Lung (DCMWC) | Coal miners and eligible survivors | Monthly benefit of $793.60 (2026, miner alone, Part C); up to $1,587.10 with 3+ dependents; medical care | 3 years after a doctor tells the miner they are totally disabled | CM-911, CM-912 |
| EEOICPA (DEEOIC) | Nuclear weapons, uranium, and DOE contractor workers | Part B lump sum of $150,000; Part E up to $250,000 plus medical care | No filing deadline | EE-1, EE-2 |
The figures above come from the Department of Labor. A new Longshore maximum took effect October 1, 2026. As a result, always confirm the current rate for your injury date with the Longshore rates page before you rely on it.
What the Owcp Pays
Every OWCP program pays for medical care tied to the work injury or illness. Beyond that, the cash benefits differ. Under FECA, an injured federal worker typically gets 66 2/3% of their pay if they have no dependents. With a spouse or dependent, the rate rises to 75%. FECA payments are tax-free. If a traumatic injury causes lost work, your agency usually keeps paying your full salary for up to 45 days. This is called continuation of pay.
FECA also pays schedule awards for permanent loss of use of a body part. For example, the law lists 312 weeks for total loss of an arm and 288 weeks for a leg. Partial loss pays a share of those weeks. Death benefits go to a surviving spouse and children. A spouse with no children typically receives 50% of the worker’s pay. With children, the family may receive up to 75%.
The Longshore Act also pays 66 2/3% of the average weekly wage, up to a federal cap. Black Lung pays a set monthly amount based on the number of dependents. EEOICPA pays lump sums instead of weekly checks. However, any award from another program may reduce your Black Lung check. Every case is different, so confirm your figures with OWCP and a licensed attorney.
How to File and the Deadlines
Federal employees start a FECA claim through their agency. Use Form CA-1 for a traumatic injury, such as a fall. Use Form CA-2 for an occupational disease, such as carpal tunnel. Use Form CA-2a for a recurrence. To claim lost wages after continuation of pay ends, file Form CA-7. Most federal claims are filed online through the OWCP FECA program using the ECOMP system.
Longshore workers notify their employer on Form LS-201. The employer then reports the injury on Form LS-202. To claim benefits yourself, file Form LS-203 with the district office. Coal miners file Form CM-911, and survivors file Form CM-912. Energy workers file Form EE-1, and survivors file Form EE-2.
Missing a deadline can hurt your claim. However, the law does allow some exceptions. For example, a late FECA claim may still go forward if your supervisor knew about the injury within 30 days. Typically, filing early is the safest choice.
How It Differs From State Workers Comp
State workers’ comp is run by each state’s board or commission. Private insurers usually pay those claims. By contrast, OWCP handles federal claims itself or oversees private carriers under federal law. The rules come from federal statutes and the federal regulations in 20 CFR Chapter I. As a result, your state’s benefit caps, forms, and deadlines do not apply.
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Appeals work differently too. FECA claimants can ask for a hearing, request reconsideration, or appeal to the Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board. Longshore and Black Lung disputes go to an administrative law judge, then to the Benefits Review Board. In most cases, federal benefits are steadier than many state systems. However, the process can feel slow, so keep copies of everything you send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own doctor in an OWCP claim?
In most cases, yes. FECA and Longshore claimants can typically choose their initial treating doctor. However, OWCP may send you for a second-opinion exam, and you generally must attend.
Do I need a lawyer to file with OWCP?
No. Many workers file on their own using the online systems. Still, a licensed attorney can help if your claim is denied or the medical facts are complex. Under FECA and Longshore, fees must be approved by the agency or judge.
Can I sue my federal employer instead?
Typically, no. FECA is the exclusive remedy for federal employees hurt on the job. However, you may be able to bring a claim against a third party, such as a negligent driver. Confirm your options with a licensed attorney.
Owcp: Quick Recap
If you remember one thing about owcp, make it this: the rule is set by the state (or the federal program), not by the insurer, and the official source is linked above. Every figure on this page about owcp should be confirmed with the agency before you act on it.
Questions about owcp that this page does not answer are usually answered for free by the state workers’ comp agency’s information line — and, for a disputed claim, by a licensed attorney in a first consultation.
See your state’s exact numbers
What you are owed depends on your state’s benefit caps and deadlines. Start with your state’s settlement and claim guides for the exact figures.
Sources & How to Verify
The figures on this page come from official government and industry sources. Workers’ comp benefit caps, deadlines, and rules change, so always confirm the exact figure with your state’s workers’ comp board or a licensed attorney before acting. Settlement estimates are illustrative, and every case is different.
- Your state workers’ comp board, division, or commission: the official source for your state’s exact caps, deadlines, and forms — search “[your state] workers compensation board”
- U.S. Department of Labor (OWCP): dol.gov — federal workers’ compensation overview
- NCCI: ncci.com — workers’ comp rating and benefit data
- Social Security Administration: ssa.gov — benefit-cap and SSDI offset data
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org — neutral workers’ comp background
Content last reviewed October 2026. If you notice an outdated figure, please contact us.
Related Guides
- Workers Comp Settlements by State (All 50)
- Workers Comp Claims by State (All 50)
- More in This Category
- Settlements by Injury
- Benefits Explained
- Workers Comp Glossary
Informational only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers Comp Explained is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, insurer, or medical or financial advisor, and this page does not provide legal, medical, or financial advice. Workers’ compensation benefits, deadlines, and rules vary by state and change over time, and settlement estimates are illustrative only. Always confirm the exact figure and any deadline with your state’s workers’ compensation board and a licensed attorney before you act.