The Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). This office processes claims, provides medical care, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation for federal workers injured or made ill by their job duties.
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Key Responsibilities of the OWCP
The OWCP oversees several core functions:
- Claims intake and adjudication
- Medical treatment authorization
- Payment of wage‑loss benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation services
- Appeals and dispute resolution
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for FECA benefits, a worker must be a federal employee (including civilian and certain military personnel) who suffers a work‑related injury or occupational disease. The injury must arise out of and in the scope of official duties.
Related Federal Programs
Other agencies handle similar benefits for specific groups: the Veterans Administration for veterans, and the Social Security Administration for disability benefits unrelated to federal employment.
Reference Table
| Agency | Program | Primary Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Department of Labor – OWCP | Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) | Federal civilian employees |
| Veterans Administration | VA Disability Compensation | Veterans |
| Social Security Administration | Social Security Disability Insurance | All workers with qualifying disabilities |