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With the current federal government shutdown, injured federal employees are asking a critical question: will my Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) benefits continue? The short answer is yes, the core parts of FECA continue to operate. That includes processing injury and wage loss claims, authorizing medical care, issuing compensation and medical payments, and responding to inquiries about those actions. While some tasks slow down, the system that keeps checks and medical care moving remains in place.
That said, not every function proceeds at full speed. Certain administrative activities are paused for the duration of the shutdown, which can create uncertainty if your case involves one of those paused items. Understanding what continues and what pauses helps you plan, protect your benefits, and avoid missing key steps that could affect your claim.
OWCP has confirmed that FECA staff continue the essential duties that matter most to injured workers. If you are receiving wage loss compensation, those payments should continue. If your doctor needs authorization for treatment, OWCP will still review medical requests related to approved claims. New injuries can still be reported, and wage loss claims can still be filed and processed. In practical terms, the program’s engine keeps turning so federal workers can continue treatment and receive compensation that replaces income during recovery.
If you need to file a new claim or send documents on an existing one, you can still do it. OWCP’s electronic portal, ECOMP, remains available for filing forms, uploading evidence, and checking case status. Submitting documents electronically is the fastest route, and you can continue to communicate with OWCP on issues tied to active benefits, medical authorizations, and wage loss. For many claimants, using ECOMP reduces delays and keeps their case information up to date while in-person or phone resources may be limited.
Even though the core benefits continue, several administrative actions are paused during the shutdown. Overpayment processing and debt recovery do not move forward. Adjudication and payment of schedule awards are on hold. Long-term periodic roll entitlement reviews are paused as well, and communications about these specific topics are limited until normal operations resume. If your case involves one of these areas, you may notice a lack of updates or decisions during the shutdown period.
This pause does not mean you lose eligibility or that rights disappear. It simply means certain determinations will not be made until staffing and operations return to full strength. You can and should continue gathering medical evidence, tracking appointments, and organizing records. When operations resume, being prepared with clear, current documentation can shorten the time between review and decision on items like schedule awards or entitlement questions.
If you are newly injured or if your wage loss is ongoing, you should proceed with filing and documentation as you normally would. File your forms, keep up with medical care, and submit updated reports through ECOMP. If you must mail records, include your FECA claim number at the top of each page and keep copies for your files. While mail is accepted, electronic submission is still the best route for speed and confirmation.
For existing claims, continue to follow your physician’s treatment plan and promptly submit work status notes, duty restrictions, and any new diagnostic reports. If a supervisor or employing agency needs to send documentation, they can use the same electronic process. Staying consistent with care and documentation now helps prevent gaps that could raise questions later, especially when paused reviews start moving again after the shutdown ends.
During a shutdown, a few practical habits can make a big difference for your case. Treat this period as an opportunity to strengthen your file and maintain momentum on the parts of your claim that are still active. Your goal is to keep medical care authorized, wage loss current, and your evidence complete and easy to follow.
Consider these steps:
Even with core FECA operations running, limited staffing and paused reviews can cause confusion. An experienced OWCP lawyer can help you keep your case on track by prioritizing what OWCP is still handling, preparing evidence for issues that are paused, and stepping in when authorizations or payments stall. Strategic guidance is especially valuable if your case involves both active and paused components, such as ongoing wage loss with a pending schedule award.
A knowledgeable attorney can also reduce delays that stem from incomplete documentation or unclear medical reports. By coordinating with your physicians, aligning medical language with FECA standards, and timing submissions to match what OWCP can act on now, counsel helps protect income and care while positioning your case for fast action when full operations resume. If disputes arise about entitlement, claim development, or return-to-work questions, an attorney can address them promptly so you do not lose ground.
Shutdowns are stressful, especially when your health and income depend on a steady flow of medical approvals and wage loss payments. The good news is that FECA’s core functions continue, and there is a lot you can do today to keep your claim strong. Stay current with treatment, upload records through ECOMP, and build a clean, complete file. If you are unsure what OWCP will act on now versus later, or if you run into a roadblock, we are here to help.
At Sarphie Law, we focus on federal workers’ compensation and understand how OWCP operates during a shutdown. If you need help filing a new claim, preserving wage loss, or preparing for schedule award review when operations resume, contact us. We will review your situation, outline practical next steps, and work to protect the benefits you have earned.
