Which OWCP form do you need?
Filing the wrong form, or filing late, is the most common way federal workers lose benefits they’re entitled to. Start here:
- Hurt in one event or one shift? File a CA-1, Notice of Traumatic Injury.
- Condition built up over time? File a CA-2, Notice of Occupational Disease.
- Old accepted injury came back? File a CA-2a, Notice of Recurrence. Here’s how a CA-2a differs from a CA-2.
- Still can’t work after continuation of pay ends? File a CA-7 for wage loss.
Not sure? Call us. We’ll ask a few questions and point you to the right form.
Deadlines that protect your benefits
- 30 days: file your CA-1 within 30 days of a traumatic injury to protect your right to continuation of pay.
- 45 days: continuation of pay lasts up to 45 days, and your time lost from work must start within 45 days of the injury.
- 3 years: every FECA claim must be filed within 3 years.
How to file in ECOMP
Most federal employees file online through ECOMP at ecomp.dol.gov. You register, complete your part of the form and submit it; your agency then completes its section. Keep copies of everything you file and every letter OWCP sends you.
Forms your doctor completes
Several forms come from your treating provider, not from you: the CA-17 duty status report, the CA-20 attending physician’s report and work capacity evaluations such as the OWCP-5c. At Alivio, our physician reviews and signs every FECA medical report, so the medical forms in your file are complete. Learn more about how our OWCP doctors support a claim, or what it means to choose DOL doctors who bill the Department of Labor directly.
Free help, in English or Spanish
Our team helps injured federal workers with OWCP forms at no cost. Bring your forms and any OWCP letters to your visit, or call ahead with questions. For the bigger picture, see our federal workers’ compensation doctors page.
Common OWCP forms at a glance
| Form | What it is for | Who fills it out |
|---|---|---|
| CA-1 | Report an injury caused by one event or within one work shift, and claim continuation of pay. | You (employee), then your supervisor |
| CA-2 | Report a condition caused by work over more than one shift, such as repetitive strain. | You, then your supervisor |
| CA-2a | Report that an accepted injury has come back and caused new disability or a need for treatment. | You, then your supervisor |
| CA-7 | Claim wage loss after continuation of pay ends, leave buy-back or a schedule award. | You, then your agency |
| CA-17 | Tells your agency what work you can do while you recover. | Your supervisor (side A) and your doctor (side B) |
| CA-20 | Your doctor's report of diagnosis, cause and treatment. | Your treating physician |
| OWCP-5c | Documents your physical work restrictions for a return to work. | Your physician |
| OWCP-915 | Get repaid for medical costs you paid yourself on an accepted claim. | You |
| OWCP-957A | Get repaid for mileage driving to medical appointments for your accepted injury. | You |
Links go to the official U.S. Department of Labor form pages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a CA-1 and a CA-2?
A CA-1 is for a traumatic injury caused by one event or within a single work shift, like a fall or lifting injury. A CA-2 is for an occupational disease, a condition caused by work over more than one shift, like repetitive strain.
Where do I file OWCP forms?
Most claimants file online through ECOMP, the Department of Labor's Employees' Compensation Operations and Management Portal at ecomp.dol.gov. Your agency then completes its part. We can walk you through it.
What are the OWCP filing deadlines?
File a CA-1 within 30 days of a traumatic injury to protect up to 45 days of continuation of pay. Every FECA claim must be filed within 3 years of the injury, or of when you realized your condition was work-related.
Where do I get a CA-16?
Only your employing agency can issue a CA-16, which authorizes initial treatment for up to 60 days from the date of injury. Ask your supervisor; it isn't available for download.
Is your OWCP forms help really free?
Yes. Helping you understand and complete OWCP forms costs you nothing, and so does your first consultation.
Medically reviewed by Peter Ruiz, MD, Medical Director. MD · Family Medicine · Texas Medical Board license N2270
Last reviewed · How we review content