COVID-19 FAQ's for Claimants
We’re committed to supporting maritime employees and other workers covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Find answers here to questions about filing a claim for COVID-19 under the LHWCA.
Guidance for Employees on Filing a COVID-19 Claim
- Am I covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act if I contract COVID-19 at work?
If you believe that you contracted COVID-19 at work, you may have a covered injury. Be prepared to provide evidence that you were diagnosed with COVID-19 and that it is related to your work exposure.
You should follow the guidelines for “What to do if you are injured” found here:
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc/claimant#2 (English)
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc/claimant_Spanish (Español)
Specifically, you should:
- Notify your employer immediately and request authorization to obtain medical treatment from your employer by using Form LS-1, Request for Examination and/or Treatment. Be sure to include your choice of physician, if desired.
- Provide written notice of injury to your employer and our Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs using Form LS-201, Notice of Employee’s Injury or Death.
- File a written claim for compensation on Form LS-203, Employee’s Claim for Compensation, or on Form LS-262, Claim for Death Benefits.
- Where do I submit Forms LS-201, LS-203 or LS-262?
You may submit the completed forms by any of the following methods:
- Online at https://seaportal.dol.gov/portal/. Use the “Submit New Claim or Report of Injury” section to submit a new claim;
- By fax: 202-513-6814; or
- By mail: OWCP/DFELHWC, 400 West Bay Street, Room 63A, Box 28, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
- When does coverage for COVID-19 begin?
Coverage begins as soon as the illness requires medical testing or treatment, but only if it is established to be a compensable work-related illness. If your claim is accepted by the self-insured employer or carrier as work-related and compensable, coverage of reasonable and necessary medical treatment should begin.
More information is available in the “What Happens After a Claim is filed” section of our website.
En Español: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/owcp/dlhwc/claimant_Spanish.
- If I contracted COVID-19 at work and cannot work, am I entitled to wage loss compensation?
If you can’t work for more than three days due to a work-related exposure to COVID-19, you are due compensation for loss of wages related to the COVID-19 diagnosis. If you are incapacitated from work for more than 14 days, you are entitled to compensation starting from the first day of disability.
- Will you accept electronic signatures on documents, including claims for compensation?
Yes, we will accept documents with electronic signatures.
- Can you help me file a claim for compensation?
Yes. Call 202-513-6809 for help.