What
OWCP benefits are available
As a general rule, three years is the
outside limit for initially filling a
claim for OWCP benefits. However, it is
to your advantage to file a claim as
soon as possible after you have
knowledge of medical condition that was
caused by work.
OWCP, not the USPS, makes the decision
as to whether you have a compensable
injury and what benefits you are
entitled to under FECA. If your claim is
approved by OWCP they will notify you in
writing of their acceptance of a
specific medical condition. When your
medical condition is accepted OWCP
should then tell you how to claim the
benefits to which you are entitled.
• MEDICAL CARE is provided, and you may
initially selected a local physician of
your choice (within 25 miles). The term
“physician” includes surgeons,
osteopathic practitioners, podiatrists,
dentists, clinical psychologists,
optometrists and chiropractors within
the scope of their practice as defined
by state law. Payment for chiropractic
services is limited to treatment
considering of manual manipulation of
the spine to correct a subluxation as
demonstrated by X-ray to exist.
• CONTINUATION OF PAY (COP) is payable
for traumatic injuries for up to 45
calendars of medically supported
disability. It is paid by the USPS and
is the same as your regular check.
• WAGE LOSS COMPENSATION (not COP) is
paid by OWCP, Department of Labor after
a 3 day waiting period. However, the
waiting period doesn’t apply if the
disability is permanent, or if the
period of the wage loss exceeds 14 days.
The check comes from OWCP, not the USPS.
TOTAL DISABILITY wages loss is paid when
you have no capacity to earn wages
because you are unable to perform any
work due to your accepted workplace
injury. It is paid at a rate of
two-third (2/3) of your earnings at the
time of injury or three fourth (3/4) if
there are one or more dependents. It is
tax free.
PARTIAL DISABILITY wage loss is paid at
a reduced rate because you are able to
perform some work and only have a
partial loss of wage earning capacity.
• SCHEDULE AWARDS are paid if after
maximum medical improvement there is a
permanent impairment of the injured part
or function of the body such as loss of
use of an eye, arm, or removal of lung.
A schedule award can also be paid for
serious disfigurement of the head, face,
or neck. The law does not permit payment
of schedule awards for back, neck, or
brain injuries unless such an injury
physically impairs another element of
the body. Claim for a schedule award may
be filed using Form CA-7. You cannot
receive a schedule award and total wages
loss compensation at the same time.
• COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES (COLA) are
provided on a yearly basis to injured
workers who have been receiving wages
loss compensation for the preceding
year.
• DEATH Benefits may be paid to the
survivors if the death was a direct
result of the work environment or
previous work injury. Form CA-5 or 5b is
the appropriate form to file.
