How Long Does It Take OWCP to Pay?

Answering Common Questions from Injured Federal Workers in San Diego

Sponsored by the OWCP Experts at Federal Injury Centers of San Diego

If you’re a federal employee who has suffered a work-related injury, one of the most pressing questions you may have is: “How long does it take OWCP to pay?” The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), which operates under the U.S. Department of Labor, has specific timelines for processing claims and issuing payments—but delays can occur if paperwork isn’t handled correctly.

Below, we’ll break down typical payment timelines and show you how the experienced OWCP doctors at Federal Injury Centers of San Diego can help ensure you get paid as quickly as possible.

Understanding OWCP Payment Timelines

The OWCP provides compensation for federal workers injured on the job, including lost wages, medical expenses, and more. How fast you receive your payment depends on the type of benefit and how accurately and completely the claim is filed.

✅ Wage Loss Compensation (Form CA-7)
Typical Timeline: Once a properly completed CA-7 is submitted and accepted, OWCP generally processes payments within 14–21 days.

Common Delays: Incomplete documentation, missing medical reports, or improper coding can slow down payment significantly.

✅ Medical Bills for Approved Claims
Typical Timeline: Payments for medical services are usually made within 28–45 days once the provider bills through OWCP’s centralized billing system (ACS).

Key Requirement: The treatment must be for an accepted condition and billed using correct procedure codes.

✅ Schedule Awards
Typical Timeline: Schedule awards for permanent impairment can take 60–90 days or longer after submission of a qualified medical impairment rating and supporting documents.

Note: Delays often occur if the impairment rating isn’t properly completed or if OWCP requests a second opinion.

Speed Up the Process with Expert Help

One of the biggest reasons OWCP payments get delayed is due to errors or omissions in medical documentation. That’s why it’s so important to work with OWCP-authorized providers who understand the system inside and out.

At Federal Injury Centers of San Diego, our team of certified OWCP doctors specializes in helping injured federal employees navigate the workers’ compensation process. From filing CA-1 and CA-7 forms correctly to providing thorough, DOL-compliant medical documentation, we ensure that every detail is handled with precision.

Why Choose Federal Injury Centers of San Diego?

✅ OWCP-Authorized Providers – We’re trained and experienced in treating federal employees under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA).

✅ No Out-of-Pocket Costs – If your injury is accepted by OWCP, you pay nothing for treatment—no personal insurance required.

✅ Full Case Management – We assist with every step of your claim, helping reduce delays and increasing your chances of timely payment.

✅ On-Site CA-7 & Impairment Rating Assistance – Our staff helps with documentation and schedule award paperwork.

Get Help Today

If you’ve been injured on the job as a federal employee and are tired of wondering when your OWCP payments will arrive, let Federal Injury Centers of San Diego guide you through the process. We help you avoid costly mistakes, eliminate delays, and focus on healing.

📞 Call us today to schedule your FREE federal injury consultation or visit our website to get started.

Don’t wait on OWCP. Let our experts fast-track your recovery and your benefits.

Federal Injury Centers of San Diego – Your Trusted Partner in Federal Workers’ Compensation Care.