Member benefits

CCAs and on-the-job injuries

As a city carrier assistant (CCA), you are protected from your very first day on the job under the Federal Employee Compensation Act (FECA), which provides compensation rights for federal employees who are injured while on duty. FECA is administered through the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).

FECA provides both medical care and wage-loss compensation for accepted injuries. While it can be daunting for injured workers to successfully navigate the intricacies of FECA, CCAs who are members of the NALC can obtain claims advice and assistance from NALC branch officers and national business agents.

CCAs who are not members of the NALC cannot draw on these valuable resources. To find out how to join the NALC, click here.

Many CCAs come to the Postal Service without health care insurance. This will not complicate your ability to get the care you need for an on-the-job injury. FECA grants an injured worker the right to choose his or her own doctor, and it provides a method of payment.

The Postal Service might take you to its doctor’s office. You are required to be examined by a USPS-chosen doctor but you are not required to be treated by one. In most cases, you are better off seeking treatment from the doctor of your choice.

If an injury is caused by a work factor or event occurring during a single work day or shift, it is considered to be a traumatic injury and you should file a CA-1 form. If an injury is caused by work factors that extend over a period of more than one work day, it is considered an occupational disease or illness and the employee should file a CA-2 form.

Click here for instructions on how to file a CA-1 or CA-2.

As a CCA, you should not feel intimidated when exercising your rights if you are injured on the job. CCAs who have yet to reach the 90/120 workday threshold should never feel intimidated when filing a claim for an on-the-job injury.

If you are threatened with discipline or termination for reporting an on-the-job injury, call the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) “Whistleblower’s Hotline” immediately at 202-693-2199. An OSHA representative will take your statement and initiate an investigation. (whistleblower complaint form)

The NALC is committed to ensuring that every injured letter carrier receives their rights under FECA. Your NALC shop stewards and branch officers are there to assist you as you use the OWCP process.

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