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.
9 results for "OP"
What it means
Your FECA claim is accepted and a period of disability is supported by medical evidence. You elected to use leave (annual or sick) while awaiting the OWCP decision rather than taking Leave Without Pay (LWOP).
What to do next
If you want to buy back the leave you used, submit Form CA-7 with supporting medical documentation to request leave buy-back. OWCP will pay you compensation and you reimburse your agency for the leave.
Important notes
There is a one-year time limit for requesting leave buy-back from the date of the accepted disability period. Act promptly.
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 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
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. The condition was accepted as work-related but you did not lose any time from work and no compensation was paid.
What to do next
No action needed unless your condition worsens. You can still submit related medical bills for payment. If you later experience disability due to this accepted condition, contact OWCP to reopen your case.
Important notes
Keep documentation of your accepted condition. If you later file a recurrence, having the original case number and acceptance on record is important.
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 case is closed. Continuation of Pay (COP) was accepted and your agency continued your full pay during your disability period. No further FECA compensation payments are anticipated.
What to do next
If your condition worsens or you experience a recurrence of the accepted injury, contact OWCP to reopen your case and file CA-7 for any new wage loss.
Important notes
Medical benefits for your accepted condition may still be available even after closure. Keep your OWCP case number for future reference.
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
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.