Labor Department Tinkers With Benefits Form Questions
Published Date: 5/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor wants to update how it collects info about earnings, benefits, dependents, and third-party settlements to make things easier and less paperwork-heavy. This affects workers who get compensation benefits and anyone involved in related claims. They’re asking for your thoughts by July 17, 2026, so jump in and help shape the process!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Annual CA-1032 Reporting & Suspension Risk
If you are on the Federal Employees' Compensation Act periodic disability roll, OWCP sends Form CA-1032 each year asking about your earnings, dependents, third-party settlements, and other Federal benefits. OWCP reports 42,219 respondents, 14,059 annual burden hours, and $24,179 in annual respondent costs; if you fail to file the required report within 30 days of the request your wage-loss compensation under 5 U.S.C. 8105 or 8106 is suspended until OWCP receives the report (retroactive reinstatement may occur if still entitled).
Dependents Raise Your Rate to 75%
Under FECA, compensation is payable at the augmented rate of 75 percent only if the claimant has one or more dependents as defined by the law (5 U.S.C. 8110). Having one or more dependents can therefore increase the weekly benefit rate you receive.
Other Federal Benefits May Reduce Your Payment
Compensation may not be paid concurrently with certain benefits from other Federal agencies (for example, the Office of Personnel Management, Social Security, and the Veterans Administration under 5 U.S.C. 8116), and OWCP may reduce payments when overlap occurs. If you receive benefits from those agencies, your OWCP compensation could be reduced.
Fraud or Incarceration Forfeits Benefits
An individual convicted of fraud related to compensation forfeits entitlement to benefits as of the date of conviction for any injury occurring on or before that date (5 U.S.C. 8148(a)); no Federal compensation benefit can be paid for any period during which the individual is incarcerated for a felony conviction (5 U.S.C. 8148(b)(1)).
Work Earnings Can Reduce Compensation
Compensation must be adjusted to reflect a claimant's earnings while receiving benefits (5 U.S.C. 8106), so any wages or work you earn while on the compensation roll can reduce your federal benefit payments. OWCP also requires an affidavit about any work/activity in the prior 15 months under 20 CFR 10.528.
Third-Party Settlements Lower Your Benefits
If you receive a settlement from a third party responsible for your injury, OWCP must adjust your compensation to reflect that settlement (5 U.S.C. 8132). Receiving a third-party recovery therefore reduces the federal compensation paid for the same injury.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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