Continuation of Pay (COP) for Federal Employees with OWCP Injury Claims

Continuation of Pay (COP) is a crucial benefit for federal employees who sustain traumatic injuries in the course of their duties. Administered under the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), COP ensures that eligible employees continue receiving their regular salary while recovering from a work-related injury. This benefit is designed to alleviate financial stress during the initial recovery period, ensuring that employees can focus on their health without the immediate worry of lost wages.

Eligibility for COP

To qualify for COP, a federal employee must have suffered a traumatic injury, which is defined as an injury caused by an external force or incident identifiable by time and place. The injury must have occurred within one workday or shift and have resulted in an immediate need for medical treatment or caused a work stoppage. It’s important to note that COP is only available for traumatic injuries and not for occupational diseases or conditions that develop over time.

To be eligible for COP, the employee must submit a Form CA-1 (Federal Employee’s Notice of Traumatic Injury and Claim for Continuation of Pay/Compensation) within 30 days of the injury. This form notifies the employer and OWCP of the injury and the employee’s intent to claim COP. The claim must be accepted by the employing agency for COP to commence.

Duration and Compensation under COP

COP provides up to 45 calendar days of continued pay following a traumatic injury. During this period, the employee receives their regular salary without deductions for retirement, Social Security, or other benefits typically withheld from paychecks. The 45 days of COP do not have to be consecutive and can be used intermittently if the employee returns to work and later needs more time off for the same injury.

It’s important for employees to understand that COP is not guaranteed for the entire 45 days. The employing agency has the right to challenge the claim, and if OWCP later determines that the injury was not work-related or that the employee is not eligible for COP, the employee may be required to repay the wages received during the COP period.

Considerations for Federal Employees

Federal employees should be diligent in documenting their injury and following the required procedures to claim COP. Timely submission of the CA-1 form, along with detailed medical evidence, is essential to ensure the continuation of pay is granted. COP is a valuable benefit, but it requires careful attention to detail to avoid potential issues with eligibility or repayment.