How Long Can I Be on OWCP? Understanding Your Federal Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you’re a federal employee injured on the job, you may be wondering, “How long can I receive benefits under the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP)?” The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury, your ability to work, and whether you qualify for long-term benefits.
To navigate this complex process, seeking guidance from a knowledgeable Federal Workers’ Compensation attorney like Carlos Zaldivar at Zaldivar Law can make all the difference.
Understanding OWCP Benefits and Their Duration
The OWCP, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides medical treatment, wage loss compensation, and vocational rehabilitation for injured federal workers. Here’s how long you can remain on these benefits:
- 1. Continuation of Pay (COP) – Up to 45 Days
If you suffer a traumatic injury, you may be eligible for Continuation of Pay (COP) for up to 45 days while your claim is processed.
COP only applies to traumatic injuries, not occupational diseases (e.g., repetitive stress injuries). - 2. Wage Loss Compensation – Temporary Benefits
If you cannot return to work after the initial 45 days, you may qualify for wage loss compensation under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA).
Duration: These benefits continue as long as medical evidence supports that your injury prevents you from working.
Rate: You may receive 66 2/3% of your salary (or 75% if you have dependents). - 3. Schedule Awards – For Permanent Injuries
If your injury results in permanent impairment to certain body parts, you may receive a Schedule Award—a lump sum or ongoing payments for a set number of weeks. The duration depends on the severity of your impairment and the affected body part. - 4. Long-Term Wage Loss Compensation
If your injury prevents you from ever returning to work, you may continue receiving wage loss compensation indefinitely.
You must undergo regular medical evaluations to confirm ongoing disability. - 5. Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – Lifetime Benefits
If your injury is severe enough to prevent any future employment, you may be entitled to lifetime compensation.
These cases require substantial medical documentation and often benefit from legal representation by experienced attorneys like Carlos Zaldivar.
How an OWCP Attorney Can Help
The OWCP claims process can be frustrating, with denied claims, requests for more medical evidence, and delays. This is why working with a skilled Federal Workers’ Compensation attorney like Carlos Zaldivar at Zaldivar Law is invaluable.
Carlos Zaldivar Can Help You With:
✅ Filing and Appealing OWCP Claims – Ensuring your case is properly documented to avoid denials.
✅ Maximizing Benefits – Helping you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.
✅ Navigating Schedule Awards – Ensuring you receive the highest possible award for permanent injuries.
✅ Long-Term Disability Claims – Protecting your rights if you are unable to return to work.
Final Thoughts
So, how long can you be on OWCP? The answer varies based on your injury and medical evidence. Some workers recover quickly, while others receive benefits for years—or even a lifetime if their disability is permanent.
If you’re struggling with an OWCP claim or worried about your benefits, consulting an expert like Carlos Zaldivar at Zaldivar Law can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
💼 Need Help with Your OWCP Claim? Contact Zaldivar Law today for a consultation!
