The Federal Employee’s Compensation Act (FECA) is a federal law that provides benefits to federal employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work. It is administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), which is part of the Department of Labor.
FECA was enacted in 1916 and has been amended several times over the years to reflect changes in the workforce and advances in medical care.
The law provides a variety of benefits to federal employees, including wage replacement, medical benefits, and vocational rehabilitation.
One of the key features of FECA is that it provides wage replacement benefits to federal employees who are unable to work as a result of a work-related injury or illness. The amount of wage replacement benefits is generally equal to two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount set by law.
FECA also provides medical benefits to federal employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work. This includes coverage for medical treatment, prescription drugs, and other medical expenses related to the work-related injury or illness. In some cases, FECA may also cover the cost of transportation to and from medical appointments.
In addition to wage replacement and medical benefits, FECA provides vocational rehabilitation services to federal employees who are unable to return to their previous job as a result of their work-related injury or illness. These services may include job training, job placement assistance, and other support services to help the employee transition to a new career.
FECA also provides benefits to the survivors of federal employees who die as a result of a work-related injury or illness. These benefits may include a lump-sum payment, as well as ongoing wage replacement and medical benefits to the employee’s eligible survivors.
One of the benefits of FECA is that it is a no-fault system, which means that federal employees do not need to prove that their employer was negligent in order to receive benefits. Instead, federal employees only need to show that their injury or illness was caused by their work.
The Federal Employee’s Compensation Act is an important law that provides essential benefits to federal employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work. By providing wage replacement, medical, and vocational rehabilitation benefits, FECA helps ensure that federal employees are able to recover from their injuries and return to work as quickly as possible. And for those who are unable to return to work, FECA provides ongoing support to help them maintain their financial security and access to healthcare.
FECA is a critical safety net for federal employees, and it plays an important role in protecting the health and wellbeing of the federal workforce.
To learn more about FECA call Federal Injury Centers today at (877) 787-6927 to schedule a free consultation.