Know Your Rights: Federal Workers’ Compensation Benefits Under FECA
Federal employees face risks on the job just like private workers. When a job-related injury, illness, or repeated exposure causes harm, the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) provides protection. This federal law offers medical care, wage-loss payments, and other compensation benefits to eligible workers. Understanding what is covered, how to file a claim, and what to expect can make the difference between delayed help and full support.
In this blog, you will learn what federal workers’ compensation benefits are available under FECA, who qualifies, how to file a claim, and why working with an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.
Understanding the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA)
Federal employees who suffer a work-related injury or occupational disease may be eligible for benefits under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA).
What Is FECA?
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act, or FECA, is a federal law that provides workers’ compensation benefits to eligible federal employees. It covers medical care, wage-loss compensation, and other assistance when an injury or illness is directly related to federal employment. The act is outlined in 5 U.S.C. § 8101 et seq. and is managed by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) under the U.S. Department of Labor.
Who Administers FECA?
The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) oversees all federal workers’ compensation claims under FECA. This office handles the review and approval process for each injury claim. OWCP also provides user guides, forms, and account access through the Employees’ Compensation Operations and Management Portal (ECOMP), where federal workers can file a claim or submit medical documentation.
What Does FECA Cover?
FECA provides compensation benefits for several types of job-related injury or illness. This includes traumatic injury caused by an external force in a single work day and occupational disease that develops from repeated exposure over time. It also includes benefits for an employee’s death if it results from a job-related injury or illness.
Why Is FECA Important for Federal Workers?
Federal workers do not fall under state workers’ compensation programs, including those in Georgia. Instead, FECA is the law that applies when federal employees in Atlanta or any other city suffer a work-related injury or illness. A workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure that the injured employee receives the full federal workers’ compensation benefits they are entitled to.
Who Is Covered by Federal Workers’ Compensation?
Federal workers’ compensation benefits under FECA apply only to specific categories of employees. It is important to know who qualifies before filing a claim.
Eligible Federal Employees
The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act covers most civilian employees of the United States government. This includes employees of agencies such as the U.S. Postal Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, and Transportation Security Administration. These employees are covered for injuries or illnesses that occur during the performance of duty.
Examples of Covered Workers
Covered workers include full-time and part-time federal employees, temporary workers, and some seasonal staff. For example, a mail carrier injured during a delivery or a TSA officer exposed to repeated radiation at a security checkpoint may be eligible for compensation benefits. Injured workers in these roles can file a claim for medical treatment, lost wages, or other assistance under FECA.
Who Is Not Covered
Not every worker performing services for a federal agency is covered under FECA. Military personnel on active duty are not eligible for federal workers’ compensation benefits under this law. Independent contractors, volunteers, and non-appropriated fund employees may also be excluded, depending on the specific terms of employment. It is important to confirm employment classification with an agency representative before filing an injury claim.
Role of the Employing Agency
The injured employee’s agency plays a key part in the process. The agency representative must confirm the worker’s employment status, the injury report, and provide supporting documents to the Office of Workers’ Compensation. Workers must report the incident within 30 days to protect their rights under FECA.
Types of Injuries and Conditions Covered
Federal workers’ compensation benefits under FECA apply to a wide range of job-related injuries, illnesses, and medical conditions.
Traumatic Injury
A traumatic injury is a condition caused by a single incident or event during one work day or shift. This may include falls, being struck by an object, or other physical harm from an external force. The injury must be linked directly to a specific time, place, and work activity. Workers must report the incident immediately and file Form CA-1 to begin the injury claim process.
Occupational Disease
An occupational disease results from repeated exposure or continued exposure to harmful elements in the work environment over a period longer than one day or shift. Common examples include respiratory issues from toxic fumes, hearing loss from loud machinery, or repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel. Workers file Form CA-2 to report these conditions. Supporting medical evidence must show a clear link between the illness and the employee’s duties.
Pre-Existing Conditions Worsened by Work
If a federal worker has a pre-existing condition that gets worse due to their job duties, they may still be entitled to compensation benefits. The worsening must be documented by a medical professional. The condition must be aggravated by specific job tasks or the work environment.
Mental Health Conditions
Job-related mental health conditions may also qualify under FECA. These can include anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from specific work incidents or prolonged job stress. The employee must provide strong medical documentation and show how the condition is directly tied to federal employment.
Fatal Injuries
If a federal employee dies due to a job-related injury or illness, FECA provides death benefits to eligible survivors. This includes payments to a spouse, children, or other dependents. The claim must show that the employee’s death resulted from injuries or exposure during federal employment.
Benefits Available Under Federal Workers’ Compensation
Federal employees covered under FECA may receive several types of workers’ compensation benefits depending on the nature and severity of the injury or illness.
Medical Treatment and Care
Federal workers are entitled to full coverage for medical treatment related to a job-related injury or occupational disease. This includes emergency medical treatment, diagnostic tests, surgery, physical therapy, and prescriptions. The care must be authorized and provided by a licensed medical professional. There are no deductibles or co-pays for approved services.
Wage-Loss Compensation
If an injured worker cannot perform their regular duties due to a work-related injury or illness, they may qualify for wage-loss compensation. The amount depends on the worker’s pay and whether they have dependents. Most receive 66 and two-thirds percent of regular pay, or 75 percent if they have dependents. Payments begin after a brief waiting period and continue as long as the medical condition prevents return to duty.
Schedule Awards
A federal employee who suffers permanent loss or loss of function in a body part may receive a schedule award. This is a fixed payment based on the body part affected and the degree of impairment. The award is separate from wage-loss compensation and does not depend on work status.
Vocational Rehabilitation
FECA offers vocational rehabilitation services to help injured workers return to suitable employment. Services may include job training, resume help, and placement support. These programs are voluntary but can help workers who cannot return to their previous position find new federal or private sector work.
Death Benefits
If an employee dies due to a job-related injury or illness, eligible family members may receive death benefits. These include regular compensation payments, funeral expense reimbursement, and coverage for dependent children. The claim must show the death was caused by or connected to employment duties.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Attorney ASAP!
If you are a federal employee facing a work-related injury, illness, or occupational disease, do not wait to get the support you need. The federal workers’ compensation process can be difficult to manage alone, especially when dealing with medical treatment, lost wages, and strict deadlines.
Contact us at 470-518-5026 for a free case review today!
