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.
16 results for "AP"
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 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 you are or were on the OWCP periodic roll, receiving automatic ongoing compensation payments without submitting CA-7 forms each period.
What to do next
You will receive regular compensation payments automatically. You must still submit periodic medical reports to support continuing entitlement and complete the annual CA-1032 (Claimant Activity Report).
Important notes
You must immediately report any return to work, change in earnings, or improvement in your medical condition to OWCP. Failure to report can create an overpayment that you must repay.
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
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
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
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
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 and OWCP has formally determined that you have no wage-earning capacity and no realistic prospect of re-employment for the indefinite future.
What to do next
You will receive regular payments automatically. Complete the annual CA-1032 and maintain current medical documentation on file with OWCP.
Important notes
Even with a no-wage-earning-capacity determination, you must still report any improvement in your condition or any employment — including part-time, volunteer, or self-employment.
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 FECA schedule award for permanent impairment to a scheduled body part under 5 U.S.C. § 8107.
What to do next
You will receive schedule award payments according to the calculated weeks and days in your award letter, at your applicable FECA compensation rate.
Important notes
Schedule awards are payable even if you return to full-duty work. However, they cannot be paid concurrently with wage-loss compensation for the same injury — you must elect between the two during any overlap period.
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
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.
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.