Unlike employees working for private enterprises, Federal workers are also covered by the workers’ comp system under Federal rule. They don’t come under the coverage of the state worker’s comp system of the state they live in, however, by the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA). According to Charles Spinelli, those who are federal workers and sustain an injury or suffer from any occupation-related ailment might be eligible for benefits like medical expenses, occupational rehabilitation, and compensation against lost wages among others. To explore more on this subject, keep reading
Who Comes Under the Coverage of Federal Workers’ Comp?
FECA provides insurance cover to all civilian federal employees, including Border Patrol agents, TSA agents, postal workers, and all other civil employees or officers employed under the U.S. government. Noteworthy, federal workers who do not get coverage by FECA include marine workers, railroad employees, as well as all U.S. military personnel (those who are associated with services) who are covered by special laws and getting compensated for injury or illness.
Benefits Available Under Federal Workers’ Comp
The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) under the US Department of Labor administers FECA. Therefore whether injured or sick workers will be entitled to a worker’s comp claim depends on the approval of OWCP. The types of benefits allowed by the federal Workers’ comp. act, include
Medical expenses– injured or sick workers on the job are entitled to receive medical bills, including fees of doctors, hospital expenses, medications, as well as transportation for visiting doctors/hospitals and medical check-ups.
Lost wages– Workers who are injured are entitled to compensation for their wage loss at 2/3 of their daily wages as long as they don’t have any dependents while 3/4 of their wages are paid to those who have dependents.
Occupational rehabilitation – For those who are partially disabled and are unfit to join their workplace, occupational rehabilitation is available. The rehab services include counseling, vocational testing, customized rehabilitation, and other supports.
Survivor’s benefits – Dependents of a work-related insured federal employee who expires are also allowed to death benefits alongside funeral expenses.
Which and When Injuries Are Compensated under Federal Workers’ Comp?
All work-related injuries and ailments including diseases sustained for a prolonged period due to explore to toxins and traumatic injuries due to an accident at work are covered by Federal workers’ comp.
It is worth noting that injured workers are entitled to all benefits under FECA provided it takes place while performing the job duties. Not necessarily the injury should occur at the job site for instance, a delivery man experiences a traumatic injury caused by a vehicle while on an outdoor workplace job. According to Charles Spinelli, workers will not be offered benefits if it is found the accident is caused purposefully, due to any misconduct, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
How One Needs to Apply for Benefits under the Act
After being injured on the job, a worker needs to place a claim for the benefits under FECA workers’ comp. for this, the workers need to fill out a form with the employers. The type of form to be filled and filed depends on the type of injury or ailment sustained. It is the sole responsibility of the employer to assist the injured worker in getting access to the needed form. If there is a denial of benefits by the employer or insurance company, the injured workers have the right to place a petition within 180 days of such denial.
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