OWCP Mileage Reimbursement: Getting Paid Back for Travel to Your Medical Care
If you are an injured federal worker with an accepted OWCP claim, the cost of driving to your authorized medical appointments can be reimbursed. This post explains what OWCP mileage reimbursement covers, who qualifies, the current per-mile rate for 2026, and exactly how to file Form OWCP-957 so your travel gets paid back. By the end you will know what to track and where to send it.
What OWCP mileage reimbursement is
When your federal workers’ compensation claim is accepted, OWCP covers more than just the treatment itself. It also covers the reasonable and necessary cost of getting to that treatment. That includes mileage when you drive your own vehicle to a doctor’s visit, physical therapy, a diagnostic test, or the pharmacy to pick up a prescription tied to your accepted condition. [Source: 20 CFR 10.315]
The federal regulations say OWCP will pay for transportation needed to obtain authorized medical services. As a general guideline, a round trip of up to 100 miles is treated as a reasonable distance, and you are expected to take the shortest practical route. If you need to travel farther because the right care is not available closer to home, that can still be covered, but be ready to explain why. [Source: 20 CFR 10.315]
Who qualifies
This applies to federal employees who have an OWCP claim that has been accepted under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). The travel has to be for medical care connected to your work injury or illness, and the provider or service generally needs to be authorized. If you are driving to an appointment for a condition OWCP has not accepted, that trip will not be reimbursed.
The current mileage rate
OWCP reimburses driving at the same rate the federal government uses for official travel, set each year by the General Services Administration. For travel on or after January 1, 2026, that rate is 72.5 cents per mile. [Source: GSA FTR Bulletin 26-02; Federal Register CY 2026 POV Mileage Reimbursement Rates] This rate changes at the start of most calendar years, so check the current figure before you file, and use the rate that was in effect on the date you actually traveled.
How to submit Form OWCP-957
Mileage is claimed on Form OWCP-957. There are two parts: Part A is for mileage, and Part B is for other travel costs like parking, tolls, or public transit fare. If you are only claiming driving miles, you use the mileage form. [Source: DOL.gov, Medical Travel Refund Request]
On the form, write your OWCP claim number in the top right corner, then enter each trip: the date, the address you traveled from, the address you traveled to, and the miles. Each form holds a few trips, so you may need more than one page if you have a busy stretch of appointments.
You can submit two ways. If you have an account on ECOMP, the Employees’ Compensation Operations and Management Portal, you can upload the completed form there. Or you can mail it to: U.S. Department of Labor, OWCP/DFEC, PO Box 8300, London, KY 40742-8300. [Source: DOL.gov, Medical Travel Refund Request] Reimbursement usually comes by check and can take several weeks.
Tips for keeping records
The workers who get paid back without delays are the ones who track as they go. Keep a small log in your car or phone with the date, where you went, and the purpose of the trip. Save appointment confirmations and visit summaries, since those confirm you actually attended. Submit your trips in regular batches instead of saving up a year of driving. And keep a copy of every OWCP-957 you send in case you need to follow up.
Ready to get your travel reimbursed?
Bay Area Rehab & Medical is an OWCP-credentialed provider in Fremont, California, and we work with injured federal workers on the OWCP process every day. If you are unsure whether your appointments with us will qualify for mileage reimbursement, or you want help understanding what to track for your travel claims, call our office or book an appointment. We can walk you through how medical travel fits into your care here.
*The information provided in this post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Bay Area Rehab & Medical is a licensed healthcare provider and an OWCP-credentialed clinic. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal representation or legal counsel. OWCP claims involve complex federal regulations that may vary based on your specific circumstances, agency, and injury. Always consult a qualified OWCP attorney or legal representative for guidance on the legal aspects of your claim. For questions about your medical care, treatment options, or how our clinic can support your OWCP case, contact our office directly.
