Schedule Award Calculator

Estimate your FECA / OWCP Compensation Payout

Paid out over a period of weeks based on your rating.

$0.00
Weekly Comp Rate

0.0
Weeks of Pay

66.67%
Compensation %

Payment Schedule Breakdown

Category	Value	Description

Award Comparison Chart

Comparison of your estimated award vs. maximum possible award for this body part.

Understanding Your Schedule Award

What is a Schedule Award Calculator?

A Schedule Award Calculator is a specialized tool designed to help injured federal employees estimate the compensation they are entitled to under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). When a worker suffers a permanent impairment to a specific body part (such as an arm, leg, or eye) or function (such as hearing) due to a work-related injury, they may be eligible for a “Schedule Award.”

This award is separate from lost wages (continuation of pay) and medical benefits. It is a financial payment meant to compensate for the permanent loss of use of that body member. The calculation is specific and regulated by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). Understanding your potential award is crucial for financial planning and ensuring you receive the correct amount.

Note: While this calculator provides a close estimate, the final determination is made by OWCP based on the medical evidence provided by your physician’s impairment rating report.

Schedule Award Calculator Formula

The math behind a schedule award calculator is derived directly from 5 U.S.C. 8107. The formula combines your salary, your number of eligible dependents, the specific body part injured, and the severity of the medical impairment.

The Core Formula:
Total Award = (Weekly Pay Rate) × (Compensation Percentage) × (Total Weeks allowed for Body Part × Impairment %)

Variable	Meaning	Standard Unit
Weekly Pay Rate	Your salary converted to a weekly amount.	Annual Salary / 52
Compensation Rate	Percentage of salary paid based on dependents.	66 2/3% (No dependents) or 75% (With dependents)
Max Weeks	The statutory maximum weeks paid for a total loss of a member.	e.g., Arm = 312 weeks, Leg = 288 weeks
Impairment Rating (PPI)	The percentage of function lost.	0% to 100%

Mathematically, it is often easier to calculate the Number of Payable Weeks first:

Payable Weeks = Max Weeks for Body Part × (Impairment Rating / 100)

Then, multiply payable weeks by your weekly compensation rate.

Practical Examples

Example 1: The Federal Letter Carrier

John is a letter carrier earning $65,000 annually. He is married (has dependents). He suffered a knee injury resulting in a 10% permanent impairment to his leg.

• Weekly Pay Rate: $65,000 / 52 = $1,250
• Compensation Rate: 75% (Married) -> $1,250 × 0.75 = $937.50 per week
• Leg Max Weeks: 288 weeks
• Impairment: 10%
• Payable Weeks: 288 × 0.10 = 28.8 weeks
• Total Schedule Award: 28.8 weeks × $937.50 = $27,000

Example 2: The TSA Officer

Sarah is a TSA officer earning $52,000 annually. She is single with no dependents. She suffered a shoulder injury resulting in a 20% impairment to her arm.

• Weekly Pay Rate: $52,000 / 52 = $1,000
• Compensation Rate: 66.66% (Single) -> $1,000 × 0.6666 = $666.67 per week
• Arm Max Weeks: 312 weeks
• Impairment: 20%
• Payable Weeks: 312 × 0.20 = 62.4 weeks
• Total Schedule Award: 62.4 weeks × $666.67 = $41,600.21

How to Use This Schedule Award Calculator

1. Enter Salary: Input your annual base salary. This should be your pay rate effective on the date your disability began or the date recurrence of disability began.
2. Select Dependents: Choose “Yes” if you have a spouse or eligible children. This increases your rate from 66 2/3% to 75%.
3. Choose Body Part: Select the injured member from the dropdown list. The calculator automatically knows the maximum weeks allowed for that part.
4. Input Impairment Rating: Enter the percentage rating given by your doctor (often referred to as the PPI rating based on the AMA Guides).
5. Review Results: The calculator will show your estimated total payout and the duration (number of weeks) you will receive payments.

Key Factors Affecting Your Schedule Award

Several variables can significantly change the output of a schedule award calculator:

• Date of Pay Rate: You can generally choose the higher of the pay rate at the time of injury, time of recurrence, or time the award is determined. A higher salary base increases the award.
• Dependency Status: Having a dependent adds 8.33% to your compensation rate (moving from 66.67% to 75%). This is a significant increase in the final total.
• AMA Guides Edition: The impairment rating must be calculated using the Sixth Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. Using an older edition may result in a rejected claim.
• Whole Body Impairment: FECA does not recognize “whole person” or back/spine impairments directly for schedule awards. These must be converted to impairments of the extremities (arms/legs) to be payable.
• Concurrent Payments: You generally cannot receive OPM disability retirement or wage loss compensation (TTD) simultaneously with a schedule award. You may have to elect one benefit over the other.
• Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs): Schedule awards may be eligible for COLAs if the injury date was more than a year prior, potentially increasing the effective payout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get a schedule award for my back injury?

Technically, no. The spine is not a scheduled member under FECA. However, if your back injury causes impairment to your legs (radiculopathy) or arms, you can receive a rating for the extremities based on the nerve damage originating from the back.

Is a schedule award taxable?

No. Workers’ compensation benefits, including schedule awards paid under FECA, are generally tax-free and do not need to be reported on your federal income tax return.

Do I get the money in a lump sum?

Typically, OWCP pays schedule awards periodically (every 28 days) like a paycheck. However, you can request a lump sum payout, though it requires specific financial justification and is discounted to present value.

Does this affect my retirement?

It can. You cannot receive FERS disability retirement payments and a schedule award at the same time for the same period. You often have to schedule the award payments to run consecutively or pause retirement benefits.

What if I have 0% impairment?

If your doctor finds you have reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) but assigns a 0% rating, you are not eligible for a monetary schedule award, although your medical benefits may continue.

How long does it take to get approved?

The timeline varies significantly, often taking 3 to 12 months after submitting the CA-7 form and the medical impairment report. OWCP medical advisers must review and concur with your doctor’s rating.

Can I get an award for hearing loss?

Yes. Hearing loss is a scheduled member. Monaural (one ear) loss is capped at 52 weeks, while binaural (both ears) loss is capped at 200 weeks.

Who determines the impairment rating?

Your treating physician provides the initial rating, but OWCP’s District Medical Adviser (DMA) has the final say. If there is a conflict, a referee physician may be assigned.