At Sarphie Law, we hear from many federal employees who are frustrated with how long it takes to get their workers’ compensation benefits. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs, or OWCP, handles these claims for injured federal workers, and the process can feel slow and confusing. In 2025, while OWCP has made some improvements in processing claims, the timeline still depends on the type of injury, the completeness of your paperwork, and how much follow-up is required. Our OWCP lawyers in Louisiana know how critical timely benefits are, and we are here to explain what you can expect and how to avoid unnecessary delays.
The OWCP administers federal workers’ compensation benefits for employees who are injured on the job. Benefits can include medical care, wage replacement, and compensation for permanent injuries. To get approved, you must submit the correct claim form, provide medical evidence, and show that your injury was directly related to your federal job duties.
After you file, OWCP assigns a claims examiner to review your case. The examiner may request additional information from you or your doctor before making a decision. While the process should move efficiently, delays are common if information is missing, unclear, or challenged by your employer.
In 2025, the average timeline for OWCP claims still varies. For straightforward cases with strong medical evidence, initial decisions can come within 30 to 60 days. These cases usually involve clear workplace injuries, such as slips, falls, or accidents with equipment, where the connection to the job is obvious.
For more complicated cases, such as occupational illnesses or repetitive stress injuries, the process often takes several months. OWCP may need additional documentation, second medical opinions, or independent medical evaluations before deciding. Unfortunately, claims involving disputed facts or incomplete paperwork can take even longer.
At Sarphie Law, we have seen clients wait anywhere from a few weeks to more than six months for decisions, depending on the complexity of their cases. The key to avoiding long delays is making sure your paperwork is complete and your medical evidence is strong from the beginning.
There are several common reasons OWCP claims get delayed. These include:
We often see cases delayed because claimants assume OWCP will collect all the necessary evidence. In reality, the responsibility falls on the injured worker to make sure everything is submitted correctly.
Although you cannot control OWCP’s caseload, you can take steps to make your claim move faster. The most important step is to make sure your claim is complete when you file. This means submitting the correct form—Form CA-1 for traumatic injuries or Form CA-2 for occupational illnesses—and attaching all relevant medical records.
You should also talk with your doctor about the importance of detailed medical opinions. OWCP wants clear statements connecting your injury to your work duties. For example, instead of simply stating that you have back pain, your doctor should explain how lifting heavy mail bags caused a herniated disc. Strong medical evidence reduces the chance of delays and denials.
Finally, follow up regularly with your claims examiner. At Sarphie Law, we stay in constant contact with OWCP on behalf of our clients to ensure cases are moving forward. This persistence often makes the difference between quick approval and months of waiting.
Filing for OWCP benefits may seem straightforward, but the reality is that small mistakes can cost you months of waiting or even a denial. Our attorneys at Sarphie Law know the system and how to present claims in a way that avoids unnecessary delays. We make sure all paperwork is accurate, all medical evidence is thorough, and all deadlines are met.
If your claim has already been delayed, we can step in to find out why. We communicate with claims examiners, gather missing information, and push to move your case forward. If your claim has been denied, we can also represent you in the appeals process and fight for your benefits.
Once OWCP approves your claim, you should begin receiving benefits for medical treatment and wage replacement. In some cases, payments begin within weeks of approval. If your injury leaves you with a permanent disability, OWCP will also evaluate you for additional compensation. While approval is a major step forward, you must continue to comply with OWCP requirements, such as attending medical evaluations and submitting regular updates.
Our team works with clients even after approval to make sure benefits continue smoothly. We know that injuries can last long after the initial claim, and we are committed to protecting your rights for as long as you need support.
Waiting on OWCP benefits can be stressful, especially when you are unable to work and medical bills are piling up. At Sarphie Law, our Louisiana-based attorneys are dedicated to helping federal employees get the benefits they need as quickly as possible. We know how the OWCP system works, and we fight to make sure our clients do not face unnecessary delays.
If you have questions about how long your claim will take or if you are already experiencing a delay, we are ready to help. Contact us today to speak with our OWCP lawyers about your case and learn how we can protect your rights in 2025.
