How Long Can You Stay on Federal Workers’ Compensation?
If you’re a federal employee injured on the job, you may be wondering: How long can I stay on federal workers’ compensation? The answer depends on your medical condition, the severity of your injury, and how it affects your ability to return to work. Fortunately, the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) offers long-term benefits for those who qualify—and Dr. Kari Hawkins and her expert team of DOL-OWCP providers in Los Angeles are here to help you through every step.
Understanding Federal Workers’ Compensation Under FECA
The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), under the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), administers FECA benefits for injured federal workers. These benefits can include:
- Medical treatment for accepted work-related conditions
- Wage replacement (compensation) for time lost from work
- Vocational rehabilitation if you can no longer perform your previous job
- Schedule awards for permanent impairment
But how long can you receive these benefits?
Duration of Federal Workers’ Compensation Benefits
There is no fixed time limit on how long you can stay on federal workers’ compensation, as long as your condition is medically justified and OWCP-approved. Here’s a breakdown of the most common timeframes and conditions:
1. Wage Loss Compensation (Total Disability)
You may receive wage replacement compensation as long as you are unable to work due to your accepted condition. This can continue indefinitely—even for life—if a qualified medical provider regularly documents that your disability is ongoing and directly related to your work injury.
2. Schedule Awards
If you suffer permanent impairment to a body part covered by FECA, you may qualify for a schedule award. This benefit is time-limited based on the body part and degree of impairment (e.g., 312 weeks for total arm loss).
3. Medical Treatment Benefits
You are entitled to lifetime medical care for your accepted injury or illness. As long as the treatment is related to your federal work injury and approved by OWCP, it can continue indefinitely.
4. Vocational Rehabilitation
If you’re unable to return to your previous position, OWCP may provide vocational rehab services. These are time-limited, but benefits may still continue if your work injury prevents gainful employment.
How Dr. Kari Hawkins and Her Team Can Help
Navigating the OWCP system can be overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Dr. Kari Hawkins and her skilled team of DOL-credentialed physicians in Los Angeles specialize in treating injured federal employees and managing OWCP claims. Their clinic provides:
- Thorough medical documentation to support long-term disability claims
- Timely submission of CA-17 duty status reports and CA-20 medical narratives
- Coordination with your employing agency to protect your job status
- Support with schedule award assessments and ongoing medical care
Whether you’re newly injured or have been on OWCP benefits for years, Dr. Hawkins’ team offers unmatched support to help you maximize your benefits and protect your rights as a federal employee.
Final Thoughts: No Time Limit, Just Medical Justification
There is no arbitrary time cap on how long you can stay on federal workers’ compensation. As long as your condition is well-documented and you have a knowledgeable DOL doctor like Dr. Kari Hawkins in Los Angeles, you can continue receiving benefits for as long as medically necessary.
If you’re a federal employee in the Los Angeles area seeking OWCP care, call Dr. Kari Hawkins today to schedule your consultation. Get the expert help you need to stay protected and supported.