On October 1, 2025 the U.S. federal government entered a shutdown after Congress failed to pass funding for the next fiscal year. Until today the federal government is still in shutdown, making it the 2nd longest shutdown in the country.
The failure to pass funding meant many agencies stopped normal operations, and roughly 750,000 federal workers were furloughed or working without pay.
For federal workers managing pain or undergoing treatment through OWCP the timing could disrupt care, claims and income at the worst possible moment. In a shutdown federal programs that depend on annual appropriations pause or operate at reduced capacity until funding resumes.
That means even though your work injury and federal workers’ compensation claim may still be valid the process can be slower and more uncertain. Understanding what happens and how to protect your claim becomes crucial during this period.
Despite the chaos, some core services continue under OWCP. According to official guidance, the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act program still handles injury and wage-loss claims, authorizes medical care, and issues compensation payments during a funding lapse.
Most injured federal workers will find that OWCP still processes major elements of their claim even during a shutdown. Applications for injury claims, wage-loss benefits, and authorizations for treatment are still handled.
However, some administrative tasks may pause. Activities like schedule awards, long-term periodic entitlement reviews, and certain communications may not proceed until full staffing resumes.
No, payments for existing approved claims typically continue. If your injury claim has been accepted, your wage-loss benefits and medical authorizations usually remain intact during the shutdown.
However, expect delays in some claims processes or new case types. It is wise to watch deadlines, keep medical documentation current, and maintain your records.
Keep submitting all medical updates without delay even during a shutdown. Since OWCP still accepts claim filings and evidence electronically, you can stay ahead by using the ECOMP and uploading documentation or continuing getting assistance from your local federal injury center.
Maintain good communication with your DOL doctor and your employer. If your claim is pending, keeping your records, work restrictions, and medical notes up to date helps you avoid additional delay once full operations resume.
If your OWCP claim is accepted and medical care has been authorized, you can still see your treating physician. These doctors remain able to provide care and submit paperwork even when some federal offices have limited staff.
Keep your appointments, follow your treatment plan, and request your provider to document your care accurately. Ensuring continuity in your medical care helps protect your right to benefits.
While existing approved care continues, new or complex claim approvals may take longer. Certain review staff may be furloughed, and decisions about schedule awards or long-term entitlement might be delayed.
You are not losing your rights but you may need extra patience and attention. Take this time to strengthen your file and stay current with your medical treatments.
Register for electronic access through OWCP’s ECOMP portal so you can upload forms and check case status anytime.
Keep a folder of all your medical records, employer duty reports, and treatment logs. If your claim is pending or needs updates, staying organized helps you avoid gaps. Also, make sure your contact information with your agency and OWCP is current.
Facing chronic pain as a federal worker is already hard; uncertainty around a shutdown adds another layer of stress. Remember: OWCP continues its core functions. Your compensation for covered injuries is not suspended simply because funding is on hold.
If you are dealing with a work-related injury then staying proactive with care and documentation is key. With the right assistance from your local federal injury center you can continue your recovery journey, maintain your benefits, and stay ready for when the system returns to full strength.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Services funded through mandatory spending (e.g., Social Security, Medicare) usually continue. Additionally, some services like the U.S. Postal Service may continue since they’re funded differently. However, many discretionary-funded programs may stop or be limited (inspections, new loan programs, etc.).
Federal contractors often face uncertainties: agencies may halt new contracts or allow only minimal work. States/local governments may feel secondary effects when federal programs are delayed.
We might be able to see the shutdown being lifted as the United States Senate has passed a funding bill that would reopen the government through January 30, 2026. That bill now moves to the United States House of Representatives for a vote.
However, the House still has to vote and there are policy disagreements. Even after a bill is passed, it needs to be signed and the funding mechanism executed, which can add a little delay.
