OWCP Restricted Duty

OWCP Restricted Duty is a term used to describe a modified work assignment that is provided to an injured federal employee who is unable to return to their regular job duties due to a work-related injury or illness. The restricted duty assignment is designed to accommodate the federal employee’s medical restrictions and help them return to work as soon as possible.

OWCP Restricted Duty is authorized by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA), which provides wage replacement benefits, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and other benefits to federal employees who are injured on the job. Under FECA, federal employees are entitled to receive their full pay and OWCP benefits while they are on restricted duty.

To be eligible for OWCP Restricted Duty, an employee must have a work-related injury or illness that prevents them from performing their regular job duties. The employee must also have a medical release to return to work, with restrictions. The employee’s treating physician must complete a Form OWCP-5, which identifies the employee’s work restrictions.

Once the Form OWCP-5 is completed, the employee’s employing agency (EA) must work with the employee to find a restricted duty assignment that accommodates the employee’s medical restrictions. The restricted duty assignment may be a temporary or permanent position.

If the EA is unable to find a restricted duty assignment for the employee, the employee may be eligible for temporary disability benefits. Temporary disability benefits are equal to two-thirds of the employee’s base pay, up to a maximum of $1,254.37 per week.

Employees who are on OWCP Restricted Duty are expected to perform the duties of their restricted duty assignment to the best of their ability. If an employee is unable to perform the duties of their restricted duty assignment, they may be able to return to temporary disability benefits.

Here are some examples of OWCP Restricted Duty assignments:

  • Answering phones
  • Filing paperwork
  • Working on a computer
  • Performing light assembly work
  • Serving as a receptionist
  • Working as a security guard
  • Working as a driver’s assistant

OWCP Restricted Duty is an important program that helps injured federal employees return to work as soon as possible. If you are a federal employee who has been injured on the job, you should contact your EA to learn more about OWCP Restricted Duty.