Will Retiring Ruin My Workers’ Comp Case?
A lot of federal employees worry that retiring will somehow “end” or “wipe out” their Workers’ Compensation case. The truth is much simpler: retirement doesn’t ruin your case — it just changes what you’re eligible for.
Here’s why.
Federal Workers’ Comp has two main parts:
Medical coverage – OWCP pays for treatment, medication, therapy, and ongoing care related to your accepted condition.
Wage-loss compensation – OWCP pays you if you can’t work because of the injury.
When you retire, you naturally stop receiving wage-loss benefits because you’re no longer losing wages from federal employment. Instead, you’re receiving retirement income. That part ends because there’s no “lost pay” to replace anymore.
But your medical benefits? Those continue.
Your accepted condition doesn’t disappear when you retire — and neither does OWCP’s responsibility to cover your treatment. Medical coverage remains open for life, as long as the care is related to your federal injury and supported by your doctor.
So retiring isn’t the end of your case. It’s just a shift:
Wage-loss stops.
Medical stays open.
If you’re planning to retire and aren’t sure how it affects your current claim or long-term treatment needs, talking it through with a federal workers’ compensation professional can help you understand exactly what to expect.
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.