Is There a Set Amount for a Schedule Award?

A lot of federal employees want to know if there’s a fixed dollar amount they can expect from a Schedule Award. The simple answer is no - there isn’t one universal payout.

Here’s how it actually works.

OWCP does have a maximum amount, but that maximum only applies in the most severe cases. Think of situations like losing an arm, a leg, or another body part listed in the FECA “schedule.” Those catastrophic injuries often qualify for the full statutory maximum because the impairment is total.

But for nearly everyone else, the award is calculated differently.

Your award comes from a percentage.

A doctor performs a detailed impairment evaluation that looks at:

• range of motion,

• strength,

• stability,

• diagnosis,

• and functional limitations.

From that evaluation, you’re assigned a percentage of impairment, and that percentage is applied to the maximum allowed for the body part you injured. That calculation — not a fixed number — determines your final award.

So there is no single set amount, only a maximum. Everything else depends on the medical evidence and the impairment rating your doctor provides.

If you’re unsure what percentage might apply in your case, or you want help obtaining an accurate impairment rating, talking with a federal workers’ compensation professional can make the process much clearer.

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.