Free OWCP Guides for Federal Employees

Everything You Need to Understand Your OWCP Claim — Free.

Three plain-language guides written by the attorneys at IFW Law Group, who have represented injured federal employees since 1986. They cover the claim process, the deadlines that decide cases, and the paperwork behind every OWCP benefit.

Instant download · No cost · No obligation

Three Free Guides. Everything You Need to Know.

Or pick just the one you need below.

The OWCP Claim Guide

A Federal Employee's Roadmap to Filing, Protecting, and Maximizing an OWCP/FECA Claim.

Filing a workers' compensation claim as a federal employee follows its own set of rules — different from anything in the private sector. Our OWCP Claim Guide walks you through the entire process, from reporting your injury to securing wage-loss compensation, a Schedule Award, or a successful appeal. Written by the attorneys at IFW Law Group, who've represented injured federal employees since 1986, it's the resource we wish every client had before they filed.

The OWCP Timeline Guide

What to Expect — and When — at Every Stage of a Federal Workers' Compensation Claim.

How long should your claim actually take? Our OWCP Timeline Guide lays out every deadline and processing window in a federal workers' compensation claim — from your 30-day window to report an injury, to how long OWCP typically takes to decide a case, to the appeal deadlines that are strictly enforced. If you're wondering whether your claim is moving normally or has stalled, this guide tells you what to expect and when.

The OWCP Forms Guide

A Plain-Language Directory of the Forms Behind a Federal Workers' Compensation Claim.

CA-1, CA-7, CA-17, CA-1032 — an OWCP claim runs on a stack of forms, and each one plays a different role in whether your claim succeeds. Our OWCP Forms Guide breaks down the forms you're most likely to encounter, in plain language: what each one does, who's responsible for completing it, and the mistakes that most often cost federal employees time and benefits.

Erik Blowers, Owner and Managing Attorney of IFW Law Group

“I’ve seen strong claims get denied over a form filled out the wrong way — and weaker ones succeed because the paperwork was right. That’s the part nobody warns you about.”

— Erik Blowers, Owner & Managing Attorney

A Quick Preview of What You'll Learn

The exact difference between a CA-1 and CA-2 — and why picking the wrong one can cost you benefits

How long OWCP actually takes to decide a claim, and what's normal vs. a red flag

The forms behind Schedule Awards, wage-loss compensation, and appeals — explained in plain English

What to do when a claim is denied, stalled, or sent back for more medical evidence

From Federal Employees We've Represented

“Mr. Blowers and the entire IFW Law Group staff are THE EXPERTS in this field. IFW Law Group has completely altered and enhanced my ability to enjoy my retirement to its fullest.”
Mark · FBI

“I would be truly lost without you and your team. Thank you again Erik for you going above and beyond!”
Harriett · USPS

“When others turned me away and I had lost hope in the justice system, Erik Blowers stepped in with unwavering support and made what seemed impossible a reality.”
Shiny · TSA

Questions, Answered

Is this really free?

Yes. The guides are free to download and yours to keep. We ask for your name and email only so we can send you a copy and answer questions if you have them.

Will I be pressured to hire a lawyer?

No. Most people who download these guides never call us, and that's fine. Our goal is that you understand the process well enough to protect your own claim.

I already filed my claim — is this guide still useful?

Very. Much of what decides an OWCP claim happens after filing: medical evidence, CA-7 wage-loss requests, Schedule Award ratings, and appeal deadlines. The guides cover each of those stages.

Do you only help with certain federal agencies?

We work with federal employees across agencies — USPS, TSA, VA, FBI, DHS, EPA, Census Bureau and more. FECA applies to federal civilian employees regardless of agency.

What if I want to talk to someone instead of reading a guide?

You can call us at 844-365-2889 any time. There's no cost to ask a question about your claim, and no obligation afterward.