Federal Workers' Compensation

While states are responsible for creating their own rules and regulations concerning workers’ compensation, the federal government, through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) administers four (4) major disability compensation programs for specific occupations.

These programs are designed to support eligible workers and their dependents when confronted with a work-related injury or occupational disease. Have an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer help you with your rights.

Division of Federal Employees’ Compensation (DFEC)
The Federal Employee’s Compensation Act protects 3 million federal employees throughout the world in the event of work-related injuries or occupational diseases.

Benefits provided in the DFEC include:

• Wage replacement
• Payment for medical care
• Medical and vocational rehabilitation assistance in returning to work

In 2006, the DFEC helped 264,000 workers who received approximately $2.4 billion in benefits as a result of their claims.

Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation (EEOIC)
The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation program provides lump-sum compensation and health benefits to eligible employees from the Department of Energy’s nuclear weapons division including:

• Employees
• Former employees
• Contractors
• Subcontractors
• Eligible survivors if the claimant is deceased

Benefits typically include:

• Lump-sum compensation based on wages lost, impairment, and survivorship
• Medical expenses

Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation (DLHWC)
The Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation program provides benefits to roughly 500,000 workers covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act and its extensions (including the Defense Base Act and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act).  

Benefits for eligible workers include:

• Lost wages
• Medical benefits
• Rehabilitation services
• Survivor benefits

THE DLHWC provides eligible workers and their families over $747 million in monetary, medical, and vocational rehabilitation benefits every year.

Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation (DCMWC)
The Division of Coal Mine Workers’ Compensation (also known as the Federal Black Lung Program) was established to provide benefits to coal miners suffering from black lung disease and their families.

The Black Lung Act allows coal miners who are totally disabled due to pneumoconiosis as the result of coal mine employment to claim benefits.

In the case of workers who have died as a result of black lung disease, their families become eligible for compensation.

Benefits for DCMWC include:

• Monthly compensation
• Medical coverage

For more information on Federal Workers Compensation claims, visit the U.S. Department of Labor or fill out this short questionnaire and get connected to an experienced workers compensation lawyer in your area who can explain your legal rights.