OWCP Claims Status Decoder
Staring at a confusing OWCP status code? Enter your code below for a plain-language explanation of what it means, what action to take, and what deadlines or warnings apply to your FECA claim.
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What it means
Your traumatic injury claim is accepted and a period of Continuation of Pay (COP) has been authorized. Your agency continued your full pay during the disability period instead of you going on LWOP.
What to do next
If your disability extends beyond the 45-day COP period, submit Form CA-7 to claim FECA wage-loss compensation at the applicable rate (66⅔% or 75%).
Important notes
COP is only available for traumatic injuries (CA-1), not occupational diseases (CA-2). COP must be used within 45 calendar days of the date of injury. After 45 days, you must claim compensation via CA-7.
What it means
Your condition is accepted and compensation for wage loss has been or is being paid, but you are not placed on the periodic roll (i.e., you are not receiving ongoing automatic payments).
What to do next
Continue submitting Form CA-7 every two weeks to claim ongoing FECA wage-loss compensation. Each CA-7 covers one biweekly pay period.
Important notes
Failure to submit timely CA-7 forms will interrupt your payments. Do not wait — submit each CA-7 promptly at the end of each two-week period.
What it means
Your claim is in the process of being denied. OWCP has not issued a final decision yet but is preparing to disallow (deny) your claim.
What to do next
You will receive a formal written decision letter explaining the specific reason(s) for denial and your appeal rights. Read it carefully — deadlines begin from the decision date.
Important notes
No payments can be made while your claim is in this status. Begin gathering additional evidence now so you are ready to respond quickly once the denial is issued.
What it means
Your claim was denied because the evidence does not establish that the injury or event actually occurred as described in your claim.
What to do next
Submit additional evidence to prove the injury occurred: witness statements, supervisor reports, agency incident reports, security footage, time and attendance records, or co-worker declarations.
Important notes
This denial often results from inconsistencies between your claim description and the evidence on file, or a lack of corroborating evidence. Address each inconsistency specifically in your reconsideration request.
What it means
The Employees' Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB) has remanded your case back to OWCP with specific instructions to take further action — such as gathering additional evidence or issuing a new decision.
What to do next
Wait for OWCP to complete the action directed by ECAB. Review the ECAB remand decision carefully — it will specify what OWCP must do and may indicate what evidence would support your claim.
Important notes
OWCP is required to follow the ECAB remand instructions. If OWCP does not act within a reasonable time, contact your claims examiner to inquire about the status.
What it means
The Branch of Hearings and Review has remanded your case back to OWCP with instructions to take further action.
What to do next
Wait for OWCP to complete the directed action. You may need to submit additional evidence as specified in the remand order.
Important notes
Review the remand order carefully. You may have a limited window to submit additional evidence after the remand before OWCP issues a new decision.
What it means
Your request for reconsideration of a previous OWCP denial is currently under review. OWCP is evaluating your new evidence and arguments.
What to do next
Wait for OWCP to issue a new decision. If you have not already submitted all supporting evidence, do so promptly — evidence submitted after the reconsideration decision generally cannot be considered until the next stage.
Important notes
OWCP should issue a reconsideration decision within 90 days, though this is not always met. If more than 6 months pass without a decision, contact your claims examiner. You cannot file an ECAB appeal while a reconsideration is pending.
What it means
Your OWCP claim is actively under development — meaning the claims examiner is reviewing the file and may be requesting additional information before making a decision.
What to do next
Respond promptly and completely to all OWCP requests for information. You may also proactively submit relevant evidence — medical reports, witness statements, position descriptions — to strengthen your claim.
Important notes
OWCP will typically set a deadline (often 30 days) for you to respond to development requests. Failure to respond within the specified timeframe can result in denial based on the evidence currently on file.
What it means
You are authorized for medical treatment only. This pay status code is used in combination with an acceptance adjudication code (e.g., AM-MC or AP-MC).
What to do next
Submit medical bills for your accepted condition to OWCP for payment. Use Form OWCP-1500 (medical providers) or submit via the OWCP Medical Bill Processing system.
Important notes
This status does not authorize wage-loss compensation payments. If you experience wage loss, you must file CA-7 separately.
What it means
You are receiving automatic ongoing compensation payments on the OWCP periodic roll. Used with the AP adjudication code for long-term total disability cases.
What to do next
You will receive regular payments without submitting CA-7 forms. You must complete the annual CA-1032 (Claimant Activity Report) and submit periodic medical reports to support continuing entitlement.
Important notes
You must immediately report any return to work, earnings, or improvement in your condition. Unreported earnings will create an overpayment.
What it means
You are on the periodic roll receiving compensation at a reduced rate, reflecting a formal determination of partial wage-earning capacity or actual current earnings from light-duty employment.
What to do next
Report any changes in your actual earnings immediately to OWCP. Your compensation will be adjusted based on the difference between your earning capacity and your pre-injury pay.
Important notes
Failure to report earnings changes — including increases or decreases — can create an overpayment or underpayment. Either can cause significant problems with your claim.
What it means
You are authorized for payment of a schedule award as a single lump sum payment. Used only with the AP adjudication code.
What to do next
You will receive a lump sum payment as specified in your award letter. Review the calculation carefully and contact your claims examiner if you believe the amount is incorrect.
Important notes
This code should not be changed until the entire schedule award entitlement period has ended. A lump sum schedule award may affect other benefit calculations.
What it means
Monthly death benefits are being paid to one or more beneficiaries of a deceased federal employee whose death was accepted as work-related under FECA. Used with the AF adjudication code.
What to do next
Eligible beneficiaries will receive regular monthly payments. Each beneficiary must complete an annual CA-12 form to confirm continuing eligibility.
Important notes
This code is also used to process burial, transportation, and administrative costs related to the accepted death. Report any changes in beneficiary status promptly.
What it means
OWCP has determined that you were overpaid FECA compensation and a final decision has been made on the issues of fault and waiver. You are not currently on the periodic roll.
What to do next
Repay the overpayment as directed in the overpayment decision letter, or contact OWCP to request a repayment plan if the full amount creates a financial hardship. Use the Overpayment Repayment Estimator to project your repayment timeline.
Important notes
Failure to repay or make arrangements can result in referral to the Department of Treasury for collection, including offset of tax refunds and other federal payments.
What it means
OWCP has determined that you were overpaid FECA compensation and a final decision has been made on fault and waiver. You are currently on the periodic roll.
What to do next
The overpayment will typically be collected by deducting a percentage from your ongoing periodic roll payments. If the standard deduction rate creates a financial hardship, you can request a reduced withholding amount.
Important notes
Request a reduction in writing with documentation of your financial situation. OWCP has discretion to reduce the withholding rate, but will not waive the overpayment unless specific waiver criteria are met.
What it means
Your FECA case is closed because your claim for benefits was denied. Assigned alongside a denial adjudication code (D1–D5).
What to do next
Review the denial letter carefully for the specific reason(s) and your appeal options. Use the Appeal Assistant to determine which appeal path is best for your situation.
Important notes
Appeal deadlines are strict: reconsideration within 1 year; hearing request within 30 days; ECAB appeal within 180 days — all from the date of the denial decision. Missing these deadlines can permanently close off your options.
What it means
Your FECA case is closed. It was previously accepted and all authorized benefits — wage-loss compensation, schedule awards, medical — have been paid.
What to do next
If you experience a recurrence of your accepted condition or need additional medical treatment, contact OWCP to reopen your case. Provide updated medical evidence documenting the recurrence.
Important notes
Closure does not mean your rights under FECA have ended. A genuine recurrence of an accepted condition can reopen your case.
What it means
Your case has been administratively closed, typically due to claim withdrawal, prolonged inactivity, or administrative reasons unrelated to the merits of the claim.
What to do next
Contact your OWCP district office if you believe this closure is incorrect or if you need to reactivate your claim.
Important notes
Administrative closure does not necessarily mean your claim was denied. However, you should act promptly if you believe the closure was in error.
Understanding OWCP Status Code Structure
OWCP claim status is displayed as a combination of two two-character codes — an adjudication code and a pay status code. For example: AP-PR means "Accepted, Periodic Roll."
- Adjudication codes (A_, D_) — indicate whether the case is accepted or denied
- Pay status codes (MC, PR, DR, PS, etc.) — indicate the type of payment authorized
- Closure codes (C1–C5, CL, RT) — indicate the case is closed
Your full claim status can be found by logging into ECOMP and viewing your case details, or on written correspondence from OWCP.