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Printing - FECA-PT2 - National Association of Letter Carriers

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. Suspension <strong>of</strong> Compensation. OWCP regulations provide that if timely reports <strong>of</strong> earnings<br />

are not made, the right to compensation for wage loss is suspended until the report is received.<br />

See 20 CFR §10.528. Likewise, entitlement to augmented compensation may be suspended (i.e.,<br />

compensation may be reduced from 3/4 to 2/3) if the OWCP does not receive a timely response to<br />

a request for information concerning eligible dependents. See 20 CFR §10.536.<br />

(1) Determining if Benefits Should be Suspended. If the claimant fails to return Form<br />

CA-1032 within 30 days, the CE should first examine the file to determine whether<br />

extenuating circumstances exist (for example, the claimant is hospitalized or has just<br />

moved and had no time to notify the <strong>of</strong>fice).<br />

(a) If extenuating circumstances are not present and benefits are being paid for other<br />

than a schedule award, the CE should act to suspend compensation entirely since no<br />

report <strong>of</strong> either earnings or dependents (if any) will have been received.<br />

If extenuating circumstances are not present and a schedule award is being paid, only<br />

the entitlement based on dependents will be at issue. The CE need not act to suspend<br />

augmented compensation if some recent communication (a letter from the claimant, or<br />

a completed Form CA-1618, for example) appears in the file showing that the claimant<br />

has at least one eligible dependent.<br />

(b) If extenuating circumstances apply or the form is received but not substantially<br />

completed, the CE should advise the claimant <strong>of</strong> the<br />

information which is still required and indicate that, unless a fully completed Form<br />

CA-1032 is received within 30 days, benefits will be suspended. See Exhibit 3.<br />

(2) Advising the Claimant. Before effecting the suspension (whether <strong>of</strong> all compensation<br />

or <strong>of</strong> augmented compensation), the CE should send a narrative letter which explains the<br />

basis <strong>of</strong> the action and notes the regulatory authority for it. The letter should state whether<br />

a report <strong>of</strong> earnings, a report <strong>of</strong> dependents, or both, are lacking and cite the date <strong>of</strong> the<br />

previous request. It should also advise the claimant that benefits will be restored<br />

retroactively once the necessary information is received as long as it supports continuing<br />

payment. The decision should include appeal rights. See Exhibits 4 and 5.<br />

(3) Fiscal Action.<br />

(a) Benefits should be suspended effective the beginning date <strong>of</strong> the next periodic roll<br />

cycle. No deductions for health benefits (HB) and/or life insurance (LI) will be made<br />

during the period <strong>of</strong> suspension.<br />

(b) When the requested information concerning earnings and/or dependents is received,<br />

the CE should act promptly to restore benefits. Compensation should be reinstated<br />

retroactive to the effective date <strong>of</strong> suspension where the evidence submitted supports<br />

<strong>FECA</strong>-<strong>PT2</strong> Printed: 06/08/2010 387

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