Step-by-Step Filing Guide
The OWCP Filing Guide for Federal Workers
The Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) protects you. Filing properly protects your benefits. This is the playbook — written by OWCP credentialed doctors who file claims every day.
What Is OWCP / FECA?
The Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA), enacted in 1916, protects federal workers injured on the job. The Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the program, paying medical bills and lost wages for accepted claims. The Division of Federal Employees' Compensation (DFEC) handles non-postal claims; OWCP also covers USPS, longshore, and energy worker programs through separate divisions.
The 6-Step Filing Process
- 1
Report Your Injury Immediately
Notify your supervisor in writing the day of injury (or the day you first connect symptoms to work). Verbal reports get lost. Email or written form protects you. Late reporting is the single most common reason claims get challenged.
- 2
Get Medical Care from an OWCP Credentialed Doctor
Under FECA, you have the right to choose your own doctor — you do NOT have to see your agency's preferred provider. Choose someone credentialed to bill OWCP and experienced with federal claims. The first medical report sets the tone for the entire case.
- 3
File the Right Form: CA-1, CA-2, CA-7, or CA-17
CA-1 is for traumatic injury (a single event). CA-2 is for occupational disease (cumulative or repeated exposure). CA-7 is the claim for compensation (lost wages). CA-17 is the duty status report your doctor completes. Filing the wrong form delays your claim — we help you pick the right one.
- 4
Build the Evidence File
Medical reports, imaging, witness statements, accident reports, hours-worked records, and prior medical history all matter. Your treating doctor's first written report should clearly establish (1) the diagnosis, (2) the work-related cause, and (3) any duty restrictions. We write reports OWCP examiners accept.
- 5
Follow Up — Don't Go Quiet
OWCP cases stall when claimants stop following up. Track every form, every deadline, every adjuster contact. We follow up on your behalf and keep your file moving forward.
- 6
If Denied — Appeal Promptly
FECA gives you 30 days to request reconsideration on most denials and 90 days for some other appeal types. Don't miss the window. We help build the additional evidence package and submit on time.
The Single Biggest Mistake
Using sick leave or personal leave instead of FECA. If your injury is work-related, FECA covers your time off — you should not be burning your own leave balance. We see this every week.
Go Deeper
- OWCP Forms (CA-1 → CA-20) — every form, who files it, when, and the common mistakes.
- OWCP Appeals & ECAB — what to do if your claim was denied: reconsideration, BHR hearing, ECAB.
- Schedule Award — lump-sum payment for permanent impairment, AMA Guides 6th Edition.
- OWCP FAQ — answers to the questions injured federal workers ask us most.