OWCP Blog
OWCP Form CA-7: How to Get Wage Compensation
If your work injury forces you to miss time from your job, OWCP Form CA-7 is how you claim wage loss compensation. After your 45 days of Continuation of Pay (COP) run out, the CA-7 picks up. Here is how it works and how to make sure you get paid.
What Is OWCP Form CA-7?
Form CA-7 is your 'Claim for Compensation.' You file it to receive wage loss benefits after your 45 days of COP are exhausted, or if you were not eligible for COP. CA-7 can cover total disability (you cannot work at all), partial disability (you can work limited duty but earn less), and schedule awards (permanent impairment to a body part).
This is the form that keeps money coming in while you recover. Filing it correctly and on time is critical.
When to File CA-7
- ✓After your 45 days of COP end and you still cannot return to full duty
- ✓If you were not eligible for COP (filed CA-1 after 30 days, or filed CA-2)
- ✓When you return to limited duty at reduced pay
- ✓When claiming a schedule award for permanent impairment
CA-2 claims (occupational disease) do not qualify for COP. If you filed CA-2, the CA-7 is your first source of wage compensation. File it as soon as your claim is accepted.
How CA-7 Compensation Works
OWCP pays wage loss compensation at different rates depending on your situation.
- ✓Total disability with dependents: 75% of your salary (tax-free)
- ✓Total disability without dependents: 66 2/3% of your salary (tax-free)
- ✓Partial disability: the difference between your current earnings and your pre-injury earnings, adjusted by the same percentage
- ✓Schedule award: a lump payment based on the percentage of permanent impairment to a specific body part (arm, leg, hand, foot, etc.)
4Step-by-Step: Filing CA-7
- 1Confirm your claim is accepted. CA-7 cannot be processed until OWCP has accepted your underlying CA-1 or CA-2 claim.
- 2Complete Section A with your personal information, claim number, and the period of disability you are claiming.
- 3Attach medical evidence. Your doctor must provide a report stating you are disabled from work, the dates of disability, and the medical reason. This is where OWCP credentialed documentation matters.
- 4Submit to your agency. Your employing agency completes their section (confirming your pay rate and leave usage) and forwards it to OWCP.
- 5Continue filing CA-7 every 2 weeks (or as directed) for ongoing disability. Each period requires updated medical evidence.
Common CA-7 Problems and How to Avoid Them
- ✓Medical evidence gaps: if your doctor does not provide disability reports for every period, OWCP stops payment. See your OWCP doctor on schedule.
- ✓Late filing: delays in submitting CA-7 mean delays in getting paid. File promptly when each pay period ends.
- ✓Agency delays: your employer must complete their section and forward it. If they stall, contact OWCP directly and document the delay.
- ✓Returning to limited duty: if you go back to work at reduced capacity, you can still claim partial disability for the wage difference. Do not assume going back means you lose benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get CA-7 payments?
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After OWCP receives a properly completed CA-7 with medical evidence, payments typically begin within 2 to 4 weeks. Incomplete forms or missing medical reports cause delays.
Is CA-7 compensation taxable?
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No. OWCP wage loss compensation under FECA is not subject to federal income tax. This is one reason the 75% rate (with dependents) often approaches or matches take-home pay.
Can I receive CA-7 and work at the same time?
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Yes, if you are on limited duty at reduced pay. You can claim partial disability for the wage difference. Your doctor must document your work restrictions.
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