The Nonappropriated Funds Instrumentalities Act
The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act is an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), offering workers’ compensation coverage to civilian employees of non-appropriated fund instrumentalities. The Act applies to civilian workers who provide services to the U.S. Armed Forces, such as Post Exchange services. Like the LHWCA, the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act is administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP).
The Law Office of Robert W. Nizich assists injured workers with their OWCP claims and also offers help for families of injured workers who are interested in filing a claim under the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act. The Act provides workers of non-appropriated fund instrumentalities with medical, surgical, and hospital care in the event of injury. The cost of required travel or mileage is covered as well. Employees are afforded the right to select a physician of their choice. If you have suffered a work-related injury or have contracted an occupational disease and are an employee of a non-appropriated fund instrumentality, our experienced OWCP claims attorneys can help you obtain the financial compensation to which you are entitled.
Coverage under the Act
The Non-Appropriated Instrumentalities Act extends the LHWCA to employees and authorized volunteers of the National Armed Forces (NAF) and citizens or permanent residents of the United States employed by the NAF outside the United States. These eligible workers are engaged in activities intended to increase the “comfort, pleasure, contentment, and mental and physical improvement of personnel of the Armed Forces.” Active duty military members, including those employed during their off-duty hours are not eligible to file OWCP claims under the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act.
To read the entire Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act, click here »
Benefits
The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act provides medical, disability, and death benefits to covered employees injured or killed in the course of employment.
Medical Care – The employees of the National Armed Forces are entitled to the medical care benefits provided under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. An employee has the right to choose an attending physician authorized by the OWCP to help provide medical care.
Disability – Employees who are permanently or temporarily disabled due to a work-related injury (or occupational disease) may receive 66 2/3 percent or two-thirds of their average weekly wages.
Death – Benefits are awarded to an employee’s dependents if an on-the-job injury results in death.
OWCP Claims
The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) handles workers’ compensation claims for work-related injuries and occupational illness under the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA). The OWCP’s purpose is to help protect the interests of eligible workers, employers, and the Federal Government by ensuring timely and accurate claims.
If you suffer a work-related injury covered by the Non-Appropriated Instrumentalities Act, you should:
- Immediately notify your employer. Obtain a Form LS-1 which authorizes treatment by a doctor of your choice.
- Obtain medical treatment.
- Provide employer notice (using Form LS-201) of your injury within 30 days.
- File a written claim for compensation within one year.
Contact the Law Office of Robert W. Nizich
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury while working for a non-appropriated fund instrumentalities, contact the Law Office of Robert W. Nizich. You may be eligible to file an OWCP claim. Our firm can help you obtain the financial compensation to which you are entitled. We are experienced with OWCP claims litigation and have successfully represented many clients. Our workers’ compensation lawyers have obtained many substantial verdicts and settlements for our injured clients. Contact Robert W. Nizich for a free case evaluation. We can help you maximize your award.