How to Protect Your Federal Workman Compensation Benefits

The United States Department of Labor has oversight for the Federal Office of Worker's Compensation Programs (OWCP). According to the Department of Labor's website, the four major programs include the Division of Federal Employees' Compensation, the Division of Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation, the Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation and the Division of Coal Mine Workers' Compensation. The programs' mission is to protect eligible employees, employers and the government. Areas covered under workman's compensation benefits include medical treatment, rehabilitation and wage benefits related to work-related injuries.

Instructions

Adhere to the Laws and Keep your Benefits

1. Adhere to federal and company policies and procedures. Practice sobriety at work. Stay away from consuming intoxicants such as alcohol and illegal drugs while on the job. Avoid self-inflicted injuries including engaging in fights, as proof of self-inflicted injuries or intoxication may cause your claim to be denied.

2. Notify your supervisor as soon as you are injured. Call and email your supervisor if you work in a different physical location than your supervisor works in. Visit your supervisor in person if you work in the same location and you are physically able to go to your supervisor's office.

3. Seek medical assistance. Call 911 if you require urgent medical assistance. Check with your Human Resources department to get the name, address and telephone number of the medical facility you need to visit to be examined. Ask your Human Resources representative if there are company forms you need to complete. Keep in mind that different employers use different claims processors and require different notification forms to be completed.

4. File your claim on time. Follow-up with the medical facility to get the final determination of your examination and whether the facility believes a claim should be filed. Keep in mind that if it is determined that a claim needs to be filed, some medical facilities will file the claim on your behalf.

   Complete and file a claim as soon as possible if your state requires you to complete and return the form yourself. For example, the state of California requires that the District Claims Coordinator mail California employees the worker's compensation claim form (Form DWC-1) and that the employee and their supervisor complete and return the form.

5. Contact an attorney to review your claim if you live or work in a state where you are required to file the claim yourself. Make suggested changes before you file your claim.

Resources

• Federal Worker's Compensation
• Office of Worker's Compensation Programs
• California Claim Form