U.S. Department of Labor's Disability Compensation Programs: A Comprehensive Guide
 

If you're a federal worker or a member of a specific group who's been injured on the job or has acquired an occupational disease, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) may provide you with wage replacement benefits, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits. Let's take a closer look at the four major disability compensation programs administered by the OWCP and the specific groups they serve.

 

Federal Employees' Compensation Program (FECA)

 

The FECA is the largest program administered by the OWCP and provides benefits to federal employees who have been injured or become ill due to their job. This program covers approximately three million federal employees and provides wage replacement benefits, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits to help federal employees who are injured at work or who acquire an occupational disease.

 

Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Program (LHWCA)

 

The LHWCA provides benefits to longshore and harbor workers, as well as other maritime workers, who are not covered by state workers' compensation laws. This program covers approximately 500,000 workers and provides wage replacement benefits, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits.

 
Federal Black Lung Program

 

The Federal Black Lung Program provides benefits to coal miners who have become disabled due to black lung disease, which is caused by prolonged exposure to coal dust. This program covers approximately 25,000 coal miners and their dependents and provides wage replacement benefits, medical treatment, and other benefits.

 

Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICPA)
 

The EEOICPA provides benefits to employees of the Department of Energy (DOE) and its contractors who have been diagnosed with a work-related illness due