What Happens to My Income If OWCP Denies My Claim?

This is one of the most serious questions injured federal workers face:

“If my claim gets denied… what happens to my income?”

The answer is straightforward — and important to understand.

If your claim is denied, workers’ comp does not pay.

There’s no partial payment. No temporary support.

If OWCP denies your claim, you do not receive compensation from the program.

So what can you rely on instead?

Most federal employees turn to their sick leave or annual leave to continue receiving income while they’re unable to work.

But there’s a limit.

Once that leave runs out, it’s gone.

Are there any other options?

In some cases, employees may be able to:

• draw from a leave bank, or

• use other internal agency programs if available.

But these are temporary solutions — not long-term replacements for workers’ compensation benefits.

What does this mean in practical terms?

If you’re unable to work and your claim is denied, your income can drop off quickly. That’s why the initial claim process — and any response to a denial — matters so much.

The takeaway

A denied claim means no workers’ comp income.
You may have short-term options through leave, but those don’t last forever.

Understanding that reality is why getting the claim properly supported — with the right forms and medical evidence — is so critical from the beginning.

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.