Which Workers Are Covered by the Federal Employees Compensation Act

Who the Federal Employees Compensation Act Covers

The Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) covers civilian federal employees who suffer a personal injury or occupational disease arising out of and in the course of employment. This includes full-time, part-time, and intermittent employees of executive branch agencies, as well as employees of the U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Regulatory Commission.

Types of Federal Workers Eligible

Eligible workers include employees hired directly by federal agencies, seasonal and temporary appointees who meet duration requirements, and certain uniformed services members on active duty for training purposes when injured while performing duties. Congressional employees, federal judges, and some political appointees also fall under FECA when they meet the employment criteria.

Workers Typically Excluded

The following workers are generally not covered by FECA:

• Independent contractors and consultants
• Employees of state or local governments, even if working on federal projects
• Private-sector employees on federal property under a separate contract
• Federal prisoners and volunteer inmates
• Certain long-term temporary employees who do not meet service requirements

How Coverage Is Determined

Coverage depends on the employment relationship, not the location of the injury. A worker injured on a federal military base may or may not be covered depending on their employer of record. The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) evaluates each claim to confirm the individual is a federal employee as defined by statute before granting benefits for medical treatment, wage loss, and rehabilitation.