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Workers' Compensation Summary - U.S. FECA

The Division of Federal Employees' Compensation (DFEC) of the U.S. Department of Labor is responsible for the administration of the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). The following brief summary is intended to provide a general overview of Workers' Compensation coverage and benefits available under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA). See the separate topic for help with acronyms. For further information contact your district Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), U.S. Department of Labor office. This information is based on data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, and is believed current as of July 2008.

Compensation rates are adjusted when the basic pay for the General Schedule (GS) is changed. The most recent change in the GS took place in January 2008.

The new maximum compensation rate payable is based on 75% of the scheduled salary of a GS-15, Step 10, which is now $124,010 per annum. The basis for the minimum compensation rate is 66 2/3 of the salary of $19,165 per annum (GS-2, Step 1).

Type of Law and Insurance Requirements

For employers covered by FECA, workers' compensation is compulsory, and no waivers are permitted. There is an exclusive federal fund. Employers may not insure through private carriers or through groups of employers, but may self-insure. There is no exemption for employers with small numbers of employees.

Coverage of Agricultural Workers

Agricultural workers are covered the same as all other employees.

Coverage of Domestic Employees

Employers are permitted to provide voluntary coverage.

Medical Benefits

Full medical benefits are provided with no time or monetary limitations.

Benefits for Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

The percentage of worker's wage paid is 66 2/3 or 75. Benefits are calculated at 75% of worker's wage when there are one or more dependents. For weekly payments, the minimum is $245.71 or actual wage if less, and the maximum is $1,788.61. The minimum and maximum weekly benefit is based on the pay of a specific grade level in the Federal Civil Service. Currently, the minimum is based on GS-2, Step 1, and the maximum is based on GS-15, Step 10. The maximum period of payments is the duration of disability.

Benefits for Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

The percentage of worker's wage paid is 66 2/3 or 75. Benefits are calculated at 75% of worker's wage when there are one or more dependents. For weekly payments, the minimum is $245.71 or actual wage if less, and the maximum is $1,788.61. The minimum and maximum weekly benefit is based on the pay of a specific grade level in the Federal Civil Service. Currently, the minimum is based on GS-2, Step 1, and the maximum is based on GS-15, Step 10. The maximum period of payments is the duration of disability.

Benefits for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

The percentage of worker's wage paid is 66 2/3 or 75. Benefits are calculated at 75% of worker's wage when there are one or more dependents. For weekly payments, the minimum is $245.71 or actual wage if less, and the maximum is $1,788.61. The minimum and maximum weekly benefit is based on the pay of a specific grade level in the Federal Civil Service. Currently, the minimum is based on GS-2, Step 1, and the maximum is based on GS-15, Step 10. For non-scheduled injuries, the maximum period of payments is the duration of disability, and there is no maximum total payable amount.

Disfigurement Benefits

FECA covers disfigurement that is "Serious of the face, head, or neck likely to handicap employment". Benefits are 66-2/3 percent of employee's monthly wage; in addition, proper and equitable benefits not to exceed $3,500.

Contact Information

National Operations Office
800 North Capitol Street NW, Room 800
Washington, D.C. 20211

Phone: (202) 513-6816

Internet: http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/fecacont.htm

OWCP now has a toll-free automated system that provides a variety of information regarding specific claims. By calling 1-866-OWCP-IVR (1-866-692-7487), injured workers and their representatives may access information regarding case status, compensation payments, reimbursement of treatment and travel expenses, and authorization of medical treatment such as physical therapy and diagnostic testing. Medical service providers may also access case status and treatment authorization through 1-866-OWCP-IVR, as well as information regarding bill payments. Injured workers should have their 9-digit case file or claim number and social security number when calling. Medical providers should have the 9-digit case file or claim number and their tax identification number.

Additional Information

Information about the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, including all Regulations and complete text of the Act, is available online at:
http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/ca_feca.htm

Information about changes in the General Schedule (GS) and benefit rates can be found in FECA Bulletins, available online at:
http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/INDEXofResources.htm

Information about changes in the General Schedule (GS) and historic tables is available from the Office of Personnel Management, available online at:
http://www.opm.gov/oca/INDEX.asp

Other State's Summaries

Curious about the Workers' Compensation program in another state? Want to see a summary like this one? Click here to select another state's summary.

Source

Information for this page was drawn from pages of the DFEC website at:
http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/fecacont.htm

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