How Long Does It Take to Get a Schedule Award?
This is one of the most common questions injured federal employees ask — and also one of the hardest to answer.
How long does it take to get a Schedule Award?
The honest answer is: it depends. There is no fixed timeline, and anyone who gives you one should be viewed cautiously.
Why there’s no set timeframe
Every Schedule Award is fact-specific. That means the timeline depends on:
the nature and severity of your injury,
how long it takes you to heal or reach maximum medical improvement, and
how long it takes OWCP to review and approve the claim.
Some people move through the process relatively quickly. Others take much longer, especially if treatment is ongoing or additional documentation is required.
Healing comes first
A Schedule Award can’t be finalized until your medical condition stabilizes. OWCP needs a doctor to assess permanent impairment, and that can only happen after treatment has run its course. Rushing this step usually causes delays later.
Approval timelines vary
Even after medical documentation is complete, OWCP review times differ. Some claims are approved smoothly, while others require clarification, additional reports, or follow-up before a decision is issued.
So what can you expect?
While no one can promise a specific timeline, experienced guidance can help the process move as smoothly and efficiently as possible — by making sure documentation is complete, timing is right, and avoidable delays are minimized.
The takeaway
There’s no universal answer to how long a Schedule Award takes. Each case moves at its own pace. The goal isn’t speed at all costs — it’s accuracy, preparation, and making sure the final result reflects the reality of your injury.
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.