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As a general rule, three years is the outside limit for
initially filling a claim for OWCP benefits. However, it
is to your advantage to file a claim as soon as possible
after you have knowledge of medical condition that was
caused by work.
OWCP, not the USPS, makes the decision as to whether you
have a compensable injury and what benefits you are
entitled to under FECA. If your claim is approved by
OWCP they will notify you in writing of their acceptance
of a specific medical condition. When your medical
condition is accepted OWCP should then tell you how to
claim the benefits to which you are entitled.
• MEDICAL CARE is provided, and you may initially
selected a local physician of your choice (within 25
miles). The term “physician” includes surgeons,
osteopathic practitioners, podiatrists, dentists,
clinical psychologists, optometrists and chiropractors
within the scope of their practice as defined by state
law. Payment for chiropractic services is limited to
treatment considering of manual manipulation of the
spine to correct a subluxation as demonstrated by X-ray
to exist.
• CONTINUATION OF PAY (COP) is payable for traumatic
injuries for up to 45 calendars of medically supported
disability. It is paid by the USPS and is the same as
your regular check.
• WAGE LOSS COMPENSATION (not COP) is paid by OWCP,
Department of Labor after a 3 day waiting period.
However, the waiting period doesn’t apply if the
disability is permanent, or if the period of the wage
loss exceeds 14 days. The check comes from OWCP, not the
USPS.
TOTAL DISABILITY wages loss is paid when you have no
capacity to earn wages because you are unable to perform
any work due to your accepted workplace injury. It is
paid at a rate of two-third (2/3) of your earnings at
the time of injury or three fourth (3/4) if there are
one or more dependents. It is tax free.
PARTIAL DISABILITY wage loss is paid at a reduced rate
because you are able to perform some work and only have
a partial loss of wage earning capacity.
• SCHEDULE AWARDS are paid if after maximum medical
improvement there is a permanent impairment of the
injured part or function of the body such as loss of use
of an eye, arm, or removal of lung. A schedule award can
also be paid for serious disfigurement of the head,
face, or neck. The law does not permit payment of
schedule awards for back, neck, or brain injuries unless
such an injury physically impairs another element of the
body. Claim for a schedule award may be filed using Form
CA-7. You cannot receive a schedule award and total
wages loss compensation at the same time.
• COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES (COLA) are provided on a
yearly basis to injured workers who have been receiving
wages loss compensation for the preceding year.
• DEATH Benefits may be paid to the survivors if the
death was a direct result of the work environment or
previous work injury. Form CA-5 or 5b is the appropriate
form to file. |
