Guide · Updated October 16, 2026

OWCP Form 957: How to Get Paid Back for Medical Travel

OWCP Form 957 is the Medical Travel Refund Request for federal workers with a work injury claim. It is now two forms. Use OWCP-957A to claim mileage only, and OWCP-957B for other travel expenses. Write your claim number on top and mail it with proof of payment to OWCP's London, Kentucky address.

When you are hurt at a federal job, the trips to the doctor add up. Miles on your car and other travel costs can add up, especially if you go to therapy a few times a week. The good news is that FECA lets you ask for that money back. The form you use is the OWCP-957, the Medical Travel Refund Request.

The 957 is now two forms

If you have an old copy of the OWCP-957, set it aside. The Department of Labor now lists two separate forms on its FECA forms page:

• OWCP-957A, Medical Travel Refund Request – Mileage. Use this if you are only claiming mileage for driving your own vehicle.
• OWCP-957B, Medical Travel Refund Request – Expenses. Use this if you are claiming other travel expenses, either in addition to mileage or instead of it.

DOL explains this split on its information page for injured workers. Both forms can be filled in on a computer, then printed and signed.

Who can use it

Federal rules say an injured employee is entitled to reimbursement of reasonable and necessary expenses, including transportation needed to obtain authorized medical services, appliances or supplies (20 CFR 10.315(a)).

In plain English, the trip has to be for care that is authorized for your work injury. That usually means:

• Visits with your treating physician for your accepted condition.
• Physical therapy or other treatment your physician prescribed for it.
• Tests and specialist visits your physician referred you to.

Trips for care that has nothing to do with your claim do not count.

The 100-mile rule

OWCP looks at what is a reasonable distance. It considers what services are available, your condition, and how you travel. Generally, a round trip of up to 100 miles is considered reasonable (20 CFR 10.315(a)). You should take the shortest route.

For non-emergency care, you must ask OWCP in writing, before you travel, if:

• The round trip will be more than 100 miles.
• You will need to fly.
• You will need an overnight stay.

OWCP will approve it if the travel is reasonable, necessary, and tied to authorized care (20 CFR 10.315(b)). Referrals to a specialist are a common reason it gets approved.

For most federal workers in McAllen or Harlingen, a clinic close to home or work keeps you well inside the 100-mile range. That makes refunds simpler.

How to fill it out and send it

Keep a trip log

The easiest way to get paid back is to keep good notes from day one. For each trip, write down:

• The date.
• Where you started and the provider’s address.
• The round-trip miles.
• Receipts for any other travel costs, if you will use the 957B.

Fill in the right form

Use the 957A for mileage only. Use the 957B if you have other costs. DOL tells claimants to write your OWCP claim number on the top right side of the form. Federal rules also say to include proof of payment with travel expense requests (20 CFR 10.802(h)).

Mail it to the right address

DOL’s injured-worker page lists this address for medical travel refunds:

U.S. Department of Labor, OWCP/DFEC, PO Box 8300, London, KY 40742-8300

This is not the same PO box used for general claim mail, so double-check before you send it. If you need help filing other forms online, see our post on how to log in to ECOMP.

Do not wait too long

There is a time limit. OWCP will not pay a bill submitted more than one year after the end of the calendar year in which the expense happened, or one year after the end of the calendar year your claim was first accepted, whichever is later (20 CFR 10.803). Sending requests every month or so keeps things simple.

If a refund is denied

If OWCP decides your travel was not reasonable or necessary, or not tied to authorized care, you can use the FECA appeals process (20 CFR 10.315(c)).

Still need to start your claim? Read the difference between a CA-1 and a CA-2. Our OWCP forms page covers the other forms you will see, and our frequently asked questions answer more common questions.

How Alivio can help

Our team offers free help with OWCP forms, including your 957A and 957B, and a free consultation for injured federal workers. We are enrolled with OWCP and bill the Department of Labor directly for your care. Call (956) 679-3451 to visit our McAllen clinic or Harlingen clinic.

Medically reviewed by Peter Ruiz, MD, Medical Director. MD · Family Medicine · Texas Medical Board license N2270
Last reviewed October 16, 2026 · How we review content