
Is the new Trump administration expected to change the OWCP injury claims process for federal workers?
As of the information available up to February 3, 2025, there have been no explicit reports or announcements indicating that the Trump administration has made or plans to make specific changes to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) injury claims process for federal workers. However, several related actions by the Trump administration could indirectly affect this process:
Reclassification of Federal Workers:
The Trump administration has moved to reinstate policies that allow for the reclassification of federal workers, which was initially attempted with the “Schedule F” executive order in 2020. This reclassification could potentially impact job security and how federal employees handle claims, including OWCP claims. However, there’s no direct mention of changes to the OWCP process itself in relation to this policy (Reuters, 2025-01-29).
Reduction of Federal Workforce:
There have been efforts by the Trump administration to reduce the size of the federal workforce, offering buyouts to federal workers and aiming to streamline government operations. Such actions could lead to changes in how claims are processed due to fewer staff or altered priorities, though no specific changes to OWCP procedures have been outlined (Reuters, 2025-01-28, OPB, 2025-01-28).
Executive Orders and Legal Challenges:
President Trump signed executive orders affecting federal workers, but these mainly focus on broader employment terms rather than specifically on OWCP claims. Legal challenges have arisen concerning these orders, which could have implications for how federal workers’ rights, including compensation claims, are managed (Gibson Dunn, 2025-01-27).
General Policy Direction:
There’s a push towards reducing government size and bureaucracy, which might implicitly affect the administrative operations of OWCP. However, direct changes to the claims process, such as altering eligibility, benefits, or procedures, have not been detailed in available reports.
Given this context, while there hasn’t been a direct overhaul announced for the OWCP claims process, the broader changes in federal employment policy could indirectly influence how these claims are managed, processed, or adjudicated. Federal workers and agencies should keep an eye on official announcements and legal outcomes related to these broader administrative changes for any specific impacts on OWCP claims.
For the most accurate and current information, federal workers should consult official channels like the U.S. Department of Labor’s OWCP or legal advisors specializing in federal employment law.