Continuation of Pay (COP)
OWCP Continuation of Pay (COP) is a benefit that provides eligible federal employees with their regular pay for up to 45 calendar days (including weekends and holidays) after a work-related injury or illness. COP is paid by the employer, not the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).
To be eligible for OWCP COP, you must:
- Be a federal employee covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA)
- Sustain a traumatic injury or illness at work
- Be unable to work due to your injury or illness
- Have been employed by the federal government for at least 90 days before your injury or illness
To get OWCP COP, you should:
- Notify your supervisor of your injury or illness as soon as possible.
- Complete a Form CA-1 (Traumatic Injury Report) and submit it to your supervisor.
- See a doctor for treatment of your injury or illness.
- Provide your supervisor with medical documentation of your disability.
Your supervisor will submit the Form CA-1 and medical documentation to OWCP for approval. If your claim is approved, your employer will begin paying you COP.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about OWCP COP:
- COP is paid at your regular pay rate, including overtime and other premium pay.
- COP is subject to all payroll deductions, including taxes.
- COP is not counted as sick leave or annual leave.
- If you are able to return to work before using all 45 days of COP, you may keep the remaining days to use for future work-related injuries or illnesses.
- If you are terminated from your employment while receiving COP, you will be paid for the remaining unused days of COP.
If you have any questions about OWCP COP, you should contact your supervisor or OWCP.
This article is general information, not legal or medical advice. Best DOL Doctors is independent and not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Labor or OWCP. See our editorial policy.