June 29, 2007

Management of the Workers Compensation Program at Department of Energy Headquarters

The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) provides medical and salary benefits to Federal civilian employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses that prevent them from working. The FECA program pays for medical (and associated travel) expenses related to employees’ injuries or diseases, provides wage compensation until they can return to work in either their original positions or a suitable alternative position, and covers vocational rehabilitation. The basic rate of compensation for injured employees with no dependents is 66.67 percent of gross wages, increasing to 75 percent if employees have one or more dependents. All workers’ compensation benefits are tax free, and there is no mandatory retirement age for employees collecting benefits.