Which Administers the Federal Workers' Compensation Program? Learn How OWCP and DFEC Handle FECA Claims, Benefits, and Appeals

Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

Key Takeaways

• The federal workers’ compensation program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), which oversees multiple benefit systems including FECA for federal employees.

• Within OWCP, the Division of Federal Employees’ Compensation (DFEC) adjudicates FECA claims and pays medical and wage-loss benefits.

• OWCP administers four major federal disability compensation programs serving different worker groups, not just federal civilians.

• Federal agencies employ Injury Compensation Program Administrators (ICPAs) who coordinate with OWCP, help employees file claims, and support safe return-to-work planning.

• Timely reporting, strong medical evidence, and clear documentation are critical for claim approval; if a claim is denied, a structured appeals process exists.

• Most private-sector workers use state workers’ comp systems; federal coverage applies mainly to federal employees and workers protected by specialized federal statutes.

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Who Administers the Federal Workers’ Compensation Program?

• OWCP Organization and Core Duties

• The Four Federal Disability Compensation Programs

• How Federal Agency ICPAs Help Injured Employees

• Filing a FECA Claim, Step by Step

• Benefits and Return-to-Work Under FECA

• Federal vs. State Workers’ Comp: Which System Applies?

• Deadlines, Documentation, and Proof

• When to Consider Legal Help

• Conclusion

• FAQ

Introduction

If you’re wondering which administers the federal workers' compensation program, you’re likely dealing with an injury, paperwork, or confusion about where to file a claim. The short answer is that the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) runs these benefits, including those for federal employees. In this guide, we explain how OWCP is structured, what benefits it pays, how federal agencies help their injured employees, and how to protect your rights with simple, practical steps.

We also clarify who is covered under federal law versus state workers’ compensation, what deadlines matter, and how to appeal if your claim is denied. If you’re in pain, off work, or facing bills, you deserve clear information you can act on today.

Who Administers the Federal Workers’ Compensation Program?

The federal workers’ compensation program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). Multiple federal sources confirm this: the Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual states that the Department of Labor’s OWCP administers benefits under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), the core program for injured federal civilian workers. You can see this directly in the State Department’s policy stating that the Department of Labor’s OWCP administers workers’ compensation benefits under FECA.

Other agencies echo the same point. The Treasury Office of Inspector General explains that FECA is administered by OWCP within the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Interior likewise notes that FECA is administered by DOL’s OWCP. At a high level, the Department of Labor confirms that its OWCP administers four major disability compensation programs that cover different groups of workers.

In short, OWCP is the federal hub for workers’ compensation benefits. It is the entity that processes federal claims, pays medical and wage-loss benefits in eligible cases, and maintains the regulations and guidance that agencies and employees must follow.

OWCP Organization and Core Duties

OWCP is led by a Director, with senior advisors and deputies who oversee program administration. The Department of Labor’s organizational chart shows how leadership and divisions are arranged to manage operations, policy, and program integrity across the country. For a snapshot, review the official OWCP organizational chart.

Within OWCP, the Division of Federal Employees’ Compensation (DFEC) handles FECA claims. DFEC adjudicates new claims, manages ongoing cases, and pays approved medical expenses and compensation benefits. The Department of Labor’s program page describes these core responsibilities: DFEC adjudicates claims and pays medical and compensation benefits. Understanding DFEC’s role matters, because that division will review your medical records, evaluate work-relatedness, decide on wage-loss eligibility, and coordinate payments.

Outside of FECA, other OWCP divisions administer benefits for longshore and harbor workers, energy employees exposed to certain hazards, and coal miners (and survivors) affected by black lung disease. All of these fall under the OWCP umbrella identified by the Department of Labor’s overview of its four major disability compensation programs.

The Four Federal Disability Compensation Programs

While many people associate “federal workers’ compensation” with federal civilian employees, OWCP actually administers four distinct benefit systems:

FECA for Federal Employees

The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) covers federal civilian employees who are injured on duty or develop occupational diseases. FECA provides medical care, wage-loss benefits, schedule awards for certain permanent impairments, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits for eligible survivors. Multiple agencies confirm FECA’s administration by OWCP, including the State Department policy that OWCP administers FECA benefits, the Treasury OIG page stating FECA is administered by OWCP, and the Interior Department noting FECA is administered by DOL’s OWCP. DFEC’s role in claim adjudication and benefit payments is outlined directly by the Department of Labor: DFEC adjudicates claims and pays medical and compensation benefits.

Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation

The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides benefits to certain maritime workers injured on navigable waters or adjoining areas. Although this program has specialized rules and procedures, it is part of OWCP’s portfolio of “four major disability compensation programs,” as the Department of Labor explains in its workers’ compensation overview. For many injured maritime workers, this federal system serves a role comparable to state workers’ comp.

Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation

The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act (EEOICPA) provides benefits to certain Department of Energy workers (and contractors) who developed specified illnesses due to exposure to radiation and other hazards. This program is also one of OWCP’s four major systems, highlighted in the Department of Labor’s overview of federal disability compensation programs.

Black Lung Benefits Program

The Black Lung Benefits Act provides monthly payments and medical treatment to coal miners totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis, and to eligible survivors. This federal program is likewise administered within OWCP, as part of the “four major” suite noted by the Department of Labor’s program overview.

Several legal and professional resources outside DOL reach the same conclusion: OWCP is the administrator of federal workers’ compensation systems. For example, a law firm’s plain-language explainer notes that if your workplace injury limits your work ability, you may be eligible for monetary benefits through OWCP’s programs, as outlined in their discussion of the four major federal workers’ compensation programs. Even provider-facing sources describe the same structure, explaining that the federal workers’ comp program is administered by OWCP at the Department of Labor.

How Federal Agency ICPAs Help Injured Employees

Agency Roles and Responsibilities

Federal agencies have their own internal processes and points of contact to help employees navigate OWCP claims. Departments spell out these roles in public guidance. For example, the Department of Health and Human Services details the authorities and responsibilities for administering and managing HHS’s Workers’ Compensation Program, which includes assisting employees with claim filing, coordinating medical documentation, and overseeing return-to-work efforts in alignment with OWCP rules.

The Department of the Interior likewise provides an overview of its program and reaffirms that while the agency supports employees, the FECA program itself is administered by DOL’s OWCP. The Treasury OIG orientation materials also guide staff on FECA basics, emphasizing that OWCP administers FECA and outlining expectations for reporting and claim follow-through.

Training and Credentialing for ICPAs

To better serve injured workers, some agencies credential Injury Compensation Program Administrators (ICPAs) through structured training programs. The Defense Department’s civilian personnel guidance explains that the credentialing program focuses on interpreting and applying statutes and regulations governing injury compensation for federal employees, enabling ICPAs to support staff effectively. See the DoD’s description of the Injury Compensation Program Administrator Credentialing Program for an example of this training emphasis.

Coordination With OWCP

Agency advisors and ICPAs coordinate directly with OWCP examiners to keep cases moving, obtain needed medical documentation, and support reemployment. The Defense Department’s policy page explains that Injury Compensation Management Advisors assist with all aspects of reemploying injured workers, including working with OWCP to obtain medical information and coordinate placements. This role is outlined in DoD’s discussion of Program Administrator responsibilities, which highlights close collaboration with OWCP on real-world case needs.

Filing a FECA Claim, Step by Step

Federal civilian employees file FECA claims through OWCP. While agencies can assist, OWCP is the decision-maker. Here’s what the process typically involves, with practical tips to reduce frustration and delays.

Immediate Reporting and Forms

• Report the injury or illness to your supervisor as soon as possible. For traumatic injuries (single event), employees generally use CA-1; for occupational diseases (develop over time), CA-2. Agencies may route these filings through electronic portals.

• Ask your agency’s ICPA or workers’ compensation coordinator to confirm the correct form, how to submit it, and what initial medical documents OWCP requires.

• Request and keep copies of everything you submit. Strong organization helps, especially if OWCP requests additional proof later. For practical strategies, see our guide on documenting a work injury.

If you are new to the overall process and want a broader overview of how workers’ compensation systems work, you may find our explainer on what workers’ compensation is and how it works helpful. Although that piece focuses on general concepts, many principles carry over.

Medical Evidence and Treatment

• Early medical care is essential. Tell the provider the injury is work-related and that you are a federal employee filing under FECA. Clear, contemporaneous treatment notes are often the most persuasive evidence in OWCP determinations.

• OWCP frequently requests objective findings (e.g., imaging, labs, specialized exams) and well-reasoned medical opinions linking your condition to work. A steady medical record builds credibility.

• DFEC is the branch that evaluates these records and pays approved medical bills and compensation. For DFEC’s role, see DOL’s overview of the Federal Employees’ Compensation program.

Wage-Loss, Schedule Awards, and Rehab

• If you miss work due to your accepted injury, you may qualify for wage-loss compensation at rates defined by FECA.

• For certain permanent impairments to specified body parts, FECA provides schedule awards.

• Vocational rehabilitation may be available to help you return to suitable work. Congress authorized vocational services under FECA decades ago; as the Congressional Research Service notes about historical amendments, FECA’s administrator can direct beneficiaries to vocational services where appropriate, reflected in the CRS discussion of FECA.

If your claim is denied or underpaid, learn the common reasons and steps to challenge the decision in our walkthrough on how to appeal a workers’ comp denial. While that article addresses state systems too, the discipline of evidence and timelines is similar.

Benefits and Return-to-Work Under FECA

Medical and Wage Benefits

FECA benefits are designed to cover reasonable and necessary medical care related to a work injury or occupational disease, along with compensation for wage loss when you cannot work or can only work under reduced earnings. The Department of Labor explains that DFEC both adjudicates new claims and pays medical expenses and compensation benefits. Agency points of contact can help you understand what documentation is required for wage-loss periods, work restrictions, and continuing treatment.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Reemployment

Returning to safe work is a core goal. In addition to OWCP’s rehabilitation services, agency-based advisors play a practical role in reemployment planning. The Defense Department describes how Injury Compensation Management Advisors assist with reemployment, including active coordination with OWCP for medical information and placements, as noted in the Program Administrator responsibilities guidance.

For a deeper dive on how work capacity, skills, and job demands are evaluated, you can review our plain-language article about the role of vocational experts in workers’ comp. While that guide covers broader systems, many concepts are relevant when you’re navigating return-to-work discussions under FECA.

Dispute Resolution and Appeals

Disagreements can arise over medical necessity, work-relatedness, disability duration, or job suitability. OWCP provides formal paths to seek reconsideration, request hearings, or appeal. During any dispute, maintain careful records of medical updates, job offers, and communications. If you need to escalate, our resource on appealing a denial outlines approaches that also apply to federal claims: punctual filings, targeted evidence, and clear linkage between your condition and workplace exposures or events.

Federal vs. State Workers’ Comp: Which System Applies?

Federal Employees and Special Industries

Federal civilian employees generally fall under FECA, administered by OWCP. In addition, certain workers in maritime, energy, and coal sectors are covered by specialized federal programs described by the Department of Labor as four major disability compensation programs. Agencies reaffirm FECA’s coverage and OWCP’s administration in their own guidance, including Interior’s program page and Treasury OIG’s orientation materials.

Private-Sector Workers and State Claims

If you’re not a federal employee and your job isn’t covered by one of the specialized federal statutes, your claim will likely be governed by your state’s workers’ compensation system. To get grounded on eligibility basics, see our guide to who qualifies for workers’ compensation, as well as our step-by-step on how to file a workers’ comp claim.

Some private employers are insured through the state fund or a commercial carrier; others are self-insured with a third-party administrator. If you’re navigating a non-federal claim and are unsure who handles your benefits, our explainer on self-insured employer workers’ comp clarifies how those claims differ from state-fund or insured employer cases.

Deadlines, Documentation, and Proof

Reporting and Claim Filing Timeframes

Act quickly. Prompt reporting to your supervisor and timely filing with OWCP reduce disputes about when and where the injury occurred. While state deadlines vary widely, the discipline of fast action helps in every system. If you’re managing a non-federal claim and want a quick overview of common state timeframes, review our guide to the time limits to file workers’ comp claims.

Building Strong Evidence

• Explain the job tasks or incident clearly in your initial report and in every medical visit.

• Ask your doctor to document objective findings and a work-related causation opinion.

• Keep a running log of symptoms, restrictions, and work impacts; save emails and supervisor notes. For practical organization tips, see our article on documenting a work injury.

OWCP claims rely heavily on the medical record. If OWCP requests more evidence, meet those deadlines and respond with the specific test results or specialist opinions requested by the claims examiner at DFEC, which, per DOL, adjudicates claims and pays benefits.

Communication Challenges With Claims Handlers

Sometimes communication stalls. Keep a dated log of calls and emails. If you’re facing repeated delays or silence in a non-federal claim, our checklist for when a workers’ comp adjuster isn’t responding can help you escalate appropriately and get your case moving.

When to Consider Legal Help

Legal guidance can be helpful if your claim is denied, your benefits are cut off, your employer disputes the injury, or OWCP requests evidence that’s hard to obtain. Attorneys who handle workers’ compensation understand how to frame medical causation, gather the right records, and prepare for hearings or reconsiderations. For a plain-language overview of what a workers’ comp lawyer does and when it makes sense to contact one, see our guide to working with a workers’ compensation lawyer and our companion article on choosing a workers’ compensation attorney.

If your key concern is returning to work safely, vocational experts and structured return-to-work plans can make a difference. For context on how vocational analysis supports benefit decisions and reemployment, explore our overview of the vocational expert’s role in workers’ comp and our practical tips for a safe return to work after injury.

Finally, knowledge of federal structure can help you navigate questions from HR or supervisors. The Office of Personnel Management hosts resources that point federal employees toward OWCP for workers’ comp matters, such as its OWCP resource page for common employee questions.

Conclusion

The federal workers’ compensation program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). Within OWCP, the DFEC unit reviews FECA claims and pays approved medical and wage-loss benefits. Other OWCP divisions run benefit systems for longshore and harbor workers, energy employees, and coal miners with black lung. Federal agencies support their employees through trained ICPAs and HR teams—but OWCP makes the decisions and issues payments.

If you’re hurt, focus on prompt reporting, clear medical evidence, and steady follow-up. If problems arise—such as a denial, stalled communication, or a complex return-to-work plan—consider legal guidance to protect your benefits. Federal sources across multiple departments are consistent: OWCP is the administrator, and understanding how it operates can help you get the care and compensation you need.

Need help now? Get a free and instant case evaluation by US Work Accident Lawyers. See if your case qualifies within 30-seconds at https://usworkaccidentlawyer.com.

FAQ

Who exactly administers federal workers’ comp benefits?

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers the federal workers’ compensation system. For federal civilian employees, the Division of Federal Employees’ Compensation (DFEC) adjudicates claims and pays approved medical and wage-loss benefits, as described on DOL’s FECA program page and in agency policies such as the State Department’s confirmation that OWCP administers FECA.

What are the four major OWCP programs?

According to the Department of Labor, OWCP oversees four major disability compensation programs: FECA (federal employees), Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation, Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation, and the Black Lung Benefits Program. See DOL’s overview of workers’ compensation programs for details.

Does my federal agency handle my claim, or OWCP?

Your agency’s ICPA or workers’ compensation coordinator will help you file and manage paperwork, but OWCP is the decision-maker. Agencies like HHS and Interior publish guidance explaining their support role while noting that HHS and Interior employees’ FECA claims are ultimately administered by OWCP.

How do I prove my FECA claim?

Report promptly, obtain early medical treatment, and ensure your doctor documents a clear, work-related causation opinion supported by objective evidence. DFEC reviews medical and factual evidence to adjudicate claims and pay benefits, per DOL’s FECA page. For practical tips on building a strong record, see our guides on documenting a work injury and the time limits to file.

What if my claim is denied?

OWCP has formal processes for reconsideration, hearings, and appeals. Focus on specific evidence that addresses the reason for denial, such as updated medical opinions or diagnostic results. For step-by-step strategies that translate well to federal claims, review our guide on appealing a workers’ comp denial. If your case involves return-to-work issues, a vocational expert assessment can also be helpful.

Who can answer general employee questions about OWCP?

Your agency ICPA or HR can assist with forms and procedures, and OWCP is the official source for claim decisions. The Office of Personnel Management also hosts resources that point employees to OWCP, such as its OWCP information page for employees, while professional explainers—like this law firm overview of federal programs—can help you understand the landscape.