Do OWCP Benefits Stop During a Government Shutdown?
This is a question that comes up every time shutdown headlines start circulating: “If the government shuts down, will my OWCP benefits stop?”
The short answer is no — they generally should not. But there are some important details worth understanding.
Why benefits usually continue
Although OWCP has its own program budget, the actual payment of workers’ compensation benefits ultimately falls on the employing agencies and their budgets. Those agency obligations don’t simply disappear during a shutdown, which is why OWCP benefits typically continue to be paid.
What can change during a shutdown
That said, the federal government does have the authority to decide what parts of its operations are considered essential versus non-essential during a shutdown. When that happens, OWCP effectively triages its workload.
In most cases, the government prioritizes:
medical treatment
medical reimbursement
claim allowances
surgeries and urgent care
These functions are generally viewed as essential and are kept moving.
What might slow down
Other benefits that are considered less time-sensitive — such as Schedule Awards or certain administrative actions — may be delayed or temporarily placed on the back burner. This doesn’t mean they’re denied or cancelled, just that processing may take longer.
So what should you expect?
In practical terms, you should expect:
continued access to treatment
continued payment of wage-loss benefits
possible delays in non-urgent decisions or payments
Every shutdown is handled a little differently, but the overall rule of thumb is that your OWCP benefits should not stop.
If you’re in the middle of a claim or waiting on a decision and are concerned about how a shutdown might affect your situation, a quick review with a federal workers’ compensation professional can help you understand what to expect and what, if anything, needs attention.
Every Schedule Award and compensation case is unique. The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) does not publish fixed timelines or guaranteed outcomes. Benefits depend on your medical evidence, impairment rating, and OWCP’s review process. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. For guidance on your specific claim, consult with an experienced federal workers’ compensation attorney.