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.
12 results for "AM"
What it means
Your condition is accepted as work-related under FECA, but only medical benefits are authorized. No wage-loss compensation has been approved.
What to do next
Submit medical bills related to your accepted condition directly to OWCP for payment. If you experience wage loss in the future due to this condition, file Form CA-7 with supporting medical evidence at that time.
Important notes
This status does not authorize any compensation payments. Do not assume wage-loss compensation will be paid automatically — you must file CA-7 when wage loss occurs.
What it means
Your condition is accepted as work-related under FECA, but only medical benefits are currently authorized. Similar to AM but used in specific case circumstances.
What to do next
You can submit medical bills related to your accepted condition for payment. If wage loss occurs, file CA-7 with medical support.
Important notes
This status does not authorize wage-loss compensation payments.
What it means
Your case was previously approved but no benefits are currently payable. Often used when a third-party recovery credit is being absorbed — meaning OWCP paid benefits first and you later received a third-party settlement.
What to do next
If a third-party settlement was involved, OWCP may be recouping its prior payments from your settlement before resuming compensation. Contact your claims examiner to clarify your status.
Important notes
This status is typically used alongside an MC pay status code. Understand your third-party obligations before settling any lawsuit related to your work injury.
What it means
Consideration for benefits has been suspended. This typically occurs because you failed to appear for an OWCP-directed medical examination, or because the initial claim was withdrawn.
What to do next
If suspended for missing a directed medical exam, contact OWCP immediately to reschedule. Provide a written explanation and any documentation showing why you were unable to attend.
Important notes
Continued failure to attend OWCP-directed medical examinations can result in permanent denial of benefits. Do not ignore this status — act quickly.
What it means
Your FECA claim has been created in the OWCP system but has not yet been assigned to or reviewed by a claims examiner.
What to do next
No action is needed immediately. Wait for OWCP to assign your claim and send you correspondence. Ensure your contact information is current in ECOMP.
Important notes
This is an automatic initial status. If your claim remains in UN status for more than 4–6 weeks without any correspondence, contact your OWCP district office to confirm receipt.
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 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
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 case is closed and accepted. Time lost was covered by leave (annual or sick) that has not been bought back from your agency.
What to do next
If you wish to repurchase the leave you used, contact your agency's HR department. The leave buy-back process requires submitting Form CA-7 to OWCP, who will pay you the compensation amount, which you then use to reimburse the agency.
Important notes
There is a one-year time limit from the date of the accepted disability period to request leave buy-back. If that window has passed, you may no longer be eligible.
What it means
You have retired from federal service or are awaiting retirement, which affects the interaction between FECA compensation and OPM retirement benefits.
What to do next
Contact both OWCP and OPM to understand your options. You must make a formal election between FECA wage-loss compensation and OPM retirement annuity — you cannot receive both simultaneously for the same period.
Important notes
This is one of the most important elections a federal employee can make. FECA compensation is generally tax-free and may be higher than an OPM annuity. Consult with a FECA specialist or union representative before making your election.
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.