Minds → Workers Comp → How does an injured federal employee claim wage loss compensation? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

US Federal

How does an injured federal employee claim wage loss compensation? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR (www.ecfr.gov) sources.

Under 20 CFR 10.102, an injured federal employee claims wage loss compensation by filing Form CA-7 for any period of disability not covered by continuation of pay (COP). The employee completes the front of Form CA-7 and submits it to the employing federal agency, which then completes its portions and transmits the form to the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP). Form CA-7 must be filed no more than 14 calendar days after pay stops, and the employee must submit medical evidence (Form CA-20a) showing continuing work-related disability.

Last verified: 2026-08-27 · Sources checked: 1/1 resolving · Next scheduled review: 2026-11-25

Details / How it works

Per 20 CFR 10.102, Form CA-7 is used to claim compensation for periods of disability not covered by COP. The employee must complete the front of the form and submit it to the employing federal agency, which completes its portion and transmits the form to OWCP. The form should be completed as soon as possible, but no more than 14 calendar days after the date pay stops due to the injury or disease. While disability continues, the employee should submit a claim on Form CA-7 every two weeks until otherwise instructed by OWCP. Notices should be submitted electronically wherever feasible.

Numbers & thresholds

Requirement	Threshold / Detail	Authority
Form used	Form CA-7 (Claim for Compensation)	20 CFR 10.102
Initial filing deadline	No more than 14 calendar days after pay stops	20 CFR 10.102
Continuing claim interval	Every two weeks while disability continues	20 CFR 10.102
Eligibility trigger	Disabled with loss of pay for more than 3 calendar days	20 CFR 10.102
Required medical evidence	Form CA-20a submitted with Form CA-7	20 CFR 10.102

Exceptions & edge cases

Form CA-7 is also used to claim compensation for additional periods of disability following the initial injury. The employee is responsible for submitting, or arranging for the submittal of, medical evidence to OWCP which establishes both that disability continues and that the disability is due to the work-related injury. The statutory requirements for filing claims are further described in 5 U.S.C. 8121. All employers that did not previously have electronic submission capability were required to create such a method by December 31, 2012.

Sources

[1]U.S. Government Publishing Office / Department of Labor / OWCP — 20 CFR 10.102 — How to file a claim for wage loss compensation under FECA · as of 2026-08-27

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