OWCP Benefits for Federal Firefighters

Are Federal Firefighters Eligible for OWCP Benefits?
Federal firefighters are eligible to receive benefits from the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) if they are injured on the job. OWCP is a federal agency that administers workers’ compensation programs for federal employees.
Federal firefighters who are injured on the job may be eligible for a variety of benefits, including:
- Temporary total disability benefits: These benefits are paid to firefighters who are unable to work due to their injury.
- Permanent total disability benefits: These benefits are paid to firefighters who are permanently unable to work due to their injury.
- Temporary partial disability benefits: These benefits are paid to firefighters who are able to work but who are unable to earn as much as they did before their injury.
- Medical benefits: These benefits cover the cost of medical treatment for the firefighter’s injury.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits: These OWCP benefits help firefighters who have been injured on the job to return to work or to find a new job.
In order to be eligible for OWCP benefits, federal firefighters must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
- The firefighter must be a federal employee.
- The firefighter must be injured on the job.
- The firefighter must be able to prove that their injury was caused by their job.
If a federal firefighter believes that they are eligible for OWCP benefits, they should file a claim with the OWCP. The OWCP will investigate the claim and decide whether or not the firefighter is eligible for benefits.
The OWCP has a special claims unit that handles claims from federal firefighters. This unit is staffed by claims examiners who are specifically trained to handle firefighter claims. The special claims unit also has a website that provides information about firefighter claims.
If you are a federal firefighter who has been injured on the job, you should contact the OWCP to file a claim for benefits. You can find more information about the OWCP and how to file a claim on the OWCP website.
Contact Information
- Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs
- Website: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp
- Phone: 1-800-627-7323
Disclaimer
This information is not intended to be legal advice. Please consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility for OWCP benefits.
Injured on federal duty? See an OWCP-enrolled DOL doctor near you.
Request an AppointmentRequest an Appointment With a DOL Doctor
One form reaches all 9 Federal Injury Centers locations. Our scheduling team will match you with the nearest clinic, confirm your OWCP paperwork and get you evaluated — usually within days.
Prefer to talk? Call (240) 863-2822
Helpful to have ready
- Your agency and job title (e.g., USPS letter carrier)
- Date and brief description of the injury
- Your CA-16 authorization, if your agency issued one
- OWCP claim number, if your claim is already filed
Don't have these yet? Submit the form anyway — we'll help you get the paperwork started.



