Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini

Chris & Gini Helms
  • 4.4 (9)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Educating the federal workforce about their rights and responsibilities in OWCP. "Welcome to 'Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini,' where we bring our same Wednesday chat vibes to the audio world! Join us for insightful conversations, education, and a deeper dive into the topics that matter to you as a federal employee. Tune in for your weekly dose of thought-provoking discussions. Let's break it all down together!" 🎙️🗣️ #BreakingOWCP #Podcast #WednesdayChats #ConversationsJust so you know our most recent chats will be released on Fridays &Our Previous chats will be released on Sundays and those will be shorter segment style. 

  1. NOV 22

    Federal Workers Compensation Made Simple: OWCP Expert Advice You Need to Know

    Join Chris and Gini for their final Wednesday Night OWCP Chat of 2025! For nearly 10 years, this dynamic duo has been helping federal employees navigate the complex Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) system—completely free. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ How to File OWCP Claims Correctly - CA-1, CA-2, CA-7, CA-16, and CA-17 forms explained ✅ Schedule Award Secrets - How to get maximum compensation for your injury ✅ Dealing with Claim Denials - Reconsideration strategies that actually work ✅ Congressional Inquiry Success Stories - Real federal employee wins ✅ Continuation of Pay (COP) - Don't lose benefits by making these mistakes ✅ Medical Benefits for Life - Understanding your lifetime OWCP coverage ✅ Choosing Your Own Doctor - Why this decision is critical to your claim ✅ Fighting Back Against Management - Your rights as an injured federal worker Key Topics Covered: USPS workers compensation claimsFederal law enforcement officer injuries (FLEOA partnership)Postal inspector OWCP casesBureau of Prisons (BOP) injury claimsTSA and federal employee rightsReopening old OWCP casesGetting a new claims examinerLimited duty job offers and CA-17 restrictionsHavana Syndrome claims (anomalous health incidents)Back injury compensation and schedule awardsFeatured Success Stories: Jeremy's congressional inquiry victoryReal-time Q&A with federal employees nationwideExpert advice on avoiding common OWCP mistakesWhy This Matters: Only 7-14% of federal employees nationwide have accepted OWCP claims. Chris and Gini are on a mission to change that by providing free education to postal workers, federal law enforcement, and all federal employees who deserve proper workers compensation benefits. Connect with Chris & Gini: YouTube: Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris and GiniFacebook: Wednesday Night OWCP Chats (19K+ followers)Email: gini@federalinjurycenters.comUpcoming in 2026: 3-hour National OWCP Training (live on Wednesday nights)10-year anniversary celebration (February 16, 2026)State and union convention trainings nationwide#OWCP #FederalWorkersComp #PostalWorkers #USPS #FederalEmployees #WorkersCompensation #InjuryClaims #CA1 #CA2 #ScheduleAward #FLEOA #DisabilityBenefits #FederalInjury #ChrisAndGini SEO Keywords Targeted: OWCP claimsFederal workers compensationHow to file CA-1How to file CA-2USPS injury claimsSchedule award federal employeesOWCP denial appealFederal employee injury lawyerContinuation of pay OWCPOWCP claims examinerFederal workers comp benefitsPostal worker injuryOWCP medical benefitsFederal law enforcement injury claimsEpisode Length: 55 minutes Release Date: November 21, 2025 Episode Type: Live Q&A / Educational This is free educational content. Chris and Gini have never charged federal employees for OWCP advice and never will. Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    57 min

  2. OCT 31

    Behind the Woodshed: 20 OWCP Rules Supervisors Break (And How to Fight Back)

    In this eye-opening episode, federal workers' compensation experts Chris and Gini expose the top 20 OWCP violations that supervisors commit daily—and how federal employees can protect their rights. What You'll Learn: Why supervisors fail to provide CA-16 forms within the required 4 hoursYour legal right to choose your own doctor (and how supervisors illegally interfere)How to get Continuation of Pay (COP) that you're entitled toThe laws protecting you from retaliation when filing injury claimsWhy threatening employees over OWCP claims is a federal crimeHow to report supervisor violations to Inspector General and DOJKey Topics Covered: ✅ CA-1 and CA-2 form requirements and deadlines ✅ 10-day supervisor submission rule (20 CFR regulations) ✅ Your right to 4 hours administrative leave for medical appointments (20 CFR 10.310) ✅ Limited duty assignment rights and 30-day review period ✅ HIPAA violations and medical documentation mishandling ✅ Whistleblower Protection Act coverage for OWCP claims Important Legal References Mentioned: 18 USC 1920 - Threatening employees filing claims20 CFR 10.117 - Obstruction of federal claims5 USC 8151 - Retaliation protections5 USC 2302(B)(9) - Whistleblower Protection Act20 CFR 10.506 - Unauthorized doctor contact20 CFR 10.310 - Medical appointment leave rightsSpecial Announcements: 📅 National OWCP Convention - November 16th, 3-6 PM Eastern (Free 3-hour training on Facebook) 📍 Upcoming training with Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) 📍 Jacksonville APW Fall Booster - November 5th live chat Who Should Listen: USPS postal workers and mail handlersFederal law enforcement (DEA, FBI, ICE, Border Patrol, Postal Inspectors)VA employeesBureau of Prisons (BOP) staffTSA officersAll federal employees with work injuriesUnion stewards and representativesResources Mentioned: Federal Injury Centers: federalinjurycenters.comOWCP doctor search: Google "OWCP doctor near me"Report violations: Contact your agency's Inspector General or DOJHosts: Chris & Gini - Federal workers' compensation specialists with Federal Injury Centers, training unions and federal agencies nationwide since 2016. Tags: #OWCP #FederalWorkersComp #USPS #PostalWorkers #FederalEmployees #WorkersCompensation #CA1 #CA2 #CA16 #COP #FLEOA #APWU #NALC #FederalInjury #WorkplaceInjury Subscribe for weekly OWCP tips every Wednesday at 8 PM Eastern! SEO Keywords: OWCP rights, federal workers compensation, CA-16 form, continuation of pay, postal worker injury, federal employee rights, supervisor violations, work injury claims, USPS injury, federal injury centers, OWCP training, workers comp retaliation Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    1 hr

  3. OCT 11

    OWCP Claims Guide: How to Win Federal Workers' Compensation Benefits

    Chris and Gini host their final Wednesday night OWCP chat before a two-week break, covering essential workers' compensation topics in a Q&A format. They discuss claim approvals, denials, common supervisor violations, and upcoming training opportunities. Key Announcements National OWCP Convention: Sunday, November 16th, 3-6 PM Eastern (Facebook only)Upcoming Travel: Utah meetings and BYU vs. Utes game, followed by FOA National Convention in WisconsinWoodshed Night: October 29th - covering rules, laws, and regulations supervisors violateNew Leadership: Congratulations to Jonathan Smith, new APW National PresidentFIC Tallahassee: Opening December 1st (Dr. Stephick)Critical Statistics Discussed Only 6.78% of non-postal federal employees had accepted claims in 2023 (down from historical 14%)Federal Injury Centers maintains over 95% success rateMost denials are due to inadequate medical documentation, not claim examiner biasMajor Topics Covered 1. Understanding Claim Denials Denials happen due to inadequate medical narratives from doctorsYou DON'T need an attorney for denied claimsFile reconsideration with improved narrative addressing denial reasonsAttorneys are only necessary for: car wrecks on the job, federal disability, schedule awards with second opinion denials2. Essential Forms & Processes CA-10: What federal employees should do when injured (often hidden from workers)CA-16: Pays all medical bills for 60 days, must be issued within 4 hours of reported injuryCA-17: Limited duty form - supervisors cannot withhold until claim is approvedCA-7/CA-7A: Payment forms for intermittent time offCA-2A: Notice of recurrence (verify with doctor first that it's same injury)**3. The "Black Sharpie Method" When supervisors refuse to complete CA-17 side AWrite "Supervisor [name] refused to issue" in black SharpieSubmit to claims examiner to create accountabilityPrevents supervisor from ignoring medical restrictions**4. Common Supervisor Violations Refusing to issue CA-16 within 4 hoursWithholding CA-17 until claim approvalRetaliating against injured workers (federal crime: fines, imprisonment, or both)Sending workers home claiming "no work available" on restrictionsNot honoring limited duty assignments**5. Payment & Benefits Choose COP (Continuation of Pay) over sick/annual leavePay based on current salary if working full-time, or pre-injury pay with blanket increasesMileage reimbursement limited to 100 miles round trip (get authorization for more)Lifetime medical coverage for accepted claimsSchedule awards available for permanent impairment6. Key Rules & Rights Report injuries NOW (within 7 days maximum, but immediately is best)You have the right to choose your own doctorSupervisors cannot tell you where to go for treatmentRural carriers: job held for 2 years; other crafts: 1 yearRetaliation for reporting injuries is ILLEGAL**7. Getting Help File grievances through your union for supervisor violationsContact claims examiner directly about issuesCall OSHA: 1-800-321-OSHA for retaliationContact Inspector General or Postal InspectorsReplace nurse caseWebsite for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    1h 9m

  4. OCT 3

    Federal Workers' Comp Claims: Why Only 6.78% Get Approved & How to Win Your OWCP Case

    Episode Overview Chris and Gini reveal shocking new statistics about federal workers' compensation claims and provide essential guidance for getting your OWCP claim approved. Learn why acceptance rates have dropped dramatically and what you can do about it. Key Topics Covered: 🚨 Breaking News: OWCP Acceptance Rates Plummet Only 6.78% of federal employees had accepted injury claims in 2023 (down from 14%)Why this dramatic decrease is happening despite increased education efforts📋 The CA-10 Form: Your Essential Starting Point What every federal employee should know when injured at workHow to report injuries properly and avoid common mistakesWhy this one-page form should be posted everywhere in federal workplaces⚖️ Using Laws to Your Benefit Understanding your rights under federal workers' compensation lawHow supervisors often violate regulations and what you can doThe 3-year reporting window most employees don't know about🩺 Choosing the Right Doctor: The #1 Reason Claims Get Denied Why most doctors fail at OWCP casesHow to search for qualified OWCP doctors in your areaWhat to bring to your doctor appointment for success💡 Three Main Reasons Claims Fail: Employees don't know how to initiate claimsFear of supervisor retaliationChoosing doctors who don't understand OWCP requirements Important Deadlines & Forms: CA-1: Single incident injuries (car accidents, falls, etc.)CA-2: Injuries that develop over time (carpal tunnel, arthritis, etc.)CA-16: Pays medical bills for first 60 days (must report within 7 days)Continuation of Pay (COP): Up to 45 days paid time off for CA-1 injuries Upcoming Events: 🎯 Second Annual OWCP National Convention Date: November 16th (Sunday)Time: 3:00-6:00 PM EasternPlatform: Facebook Live only (not recorded)Content: 3-hour comprehensive training similar to state/national conventions Resources Mentioned: Federal injury statistics: Search "federal work injury and illness statistics OSHA"Forms and information: FederalInjuryCenters.comDoctor search: "OWCP injury doctor [your city, state]"eComp filing: ecomp.dol.gov Key Takeaways: Never give up on denied claims - appeals can succeed years laterReport injuries immediately, don't wait and hope they improveKnow your rights and don't let supervisors intimidate youChoose doctors who specialize in federal workers' compensationPost CA-10 forms everywhere to help fellow employees Next Episode: Q&A Session - "Stump the Chump" - Submit your toughest OWCP questions! The Breaking OWCP Podcast helps federal employees navigate workers' compensation claims successfully. Join Chris and Gini every Wednesday at 8 PM Eastern for expert advice and real solutions. #OWCP #FederalWorkersComp #FederalEmployees #WorkersCompensation #InjuryClaims #FederalBenefits Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    1h 11m

  5. OCT 3

    Essential Forms Guide - OWCP 957, 915, and CA-7 Explained

    Join Chris and Gini  for another informative OWCP chat as they break down three critical forms every federal employee should know about. Fresh from successful training sessions in Detroit and Phoenix with Mail Handlers unions, they share essential insights about travel reimbursement, medical expenses, and getting paid for time off. Key Topics Covered: OWCP Form 957 - Travel Reimbursement Get reimbursed for mileage up to 100 miles round trip for medical appointmentsCovers airfare, hotels, taxi, Uber/Lyft with advance authorizationMust submit within 12 months of incurred expenseRequired documentation: Google Maps printout and appointment verificationOWCP Form 915 - Medical Expense Reimbursement Reimburse out-of-pocket medical costs when claim isn't accepted yetCovers copays, deductibles, medical equipment like back bracesSubmit immediately even if claim is pending - they'll hold and pay when approvedInclude receipts and medical necessity letters from doctorsCA-7 Form - Claim for Compensation (Getting Paid for Time Off) Submit every two weeks, even before claim approvalMust attach four key documents: CA-17, CA-20, appointment printouts, disability narrativeForm must be filled out perfectly by both employee and supervisorFile through e-com systemBonus Topics: CA-16 form: Pays all medical bills for first 60 days (must report injury within 7 days)CA-10 form: What federal employees should do when injured at workSchedule awards and impairment ratingsPreexisting conditions and diagnosis expansionsImportant Reminders: All forms available at federalinjurycenters.com12-month deadline for all reimbursement requestsSubmit forms immediately - don't wait for claim approvalFind OWCP-trained doctors by searching "OWCP injury doctor [your city, state]"Upcoming Schedule: No chats for the next two Wednesdays (Utah training and family trip)Returning October 1st for regular Wednesday night sessionsResources Mentioned: Federal Injury Centers website: federalinjurycenters.comBreaking OWCP website: breakingowcp.comYouTube channel for archived episodesForms section for easy downloadsRemember: OWCP is not spelled F-A-I-R, but knowing these forms and procedures can protect your rights and financial future as a federal employee. Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    1 hr

  6. SEP 5

    Federal Employee Retirement Masterclass: Complete Guide to TSP, Disability Benefits & Retirement Planning

    🎯 Key Topics Covered: TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) Strategy: • Which TSP funds to choose (G, F, C, S, I funds explained) • Traditional vs Roth contributions • Why to avoid mutual funds with high fees • Early withdrawal rules (55+ separation from service) • Rolling TSP to IRA for better flexibility Federal Retirement Eligibility: • Full retirement at 62 with 5 years service • Early retirement at 60 with 20 years service • MRA + 30 years (Minimum Retirement Age around 57) • Best retirement dates (last day of month for FERS employees) Sick Leave Retirement Formula: • Exclusive formula to maximize pension benefits • How to calculate optimal sick leave balance • Why retiring with wrong sick leave amount costs thousands • Step-by-step calculation: (Start date - 2 days) × 5.797 hours + 1 hour Federal Disability Retirement: • FERS vs Social Security disability differences • 60% first year, 40% until age 62, then regular pension calculation • Medical narrative requirements from doctors • 7-9 month average processing time through OPM • Working while on disability (80% income limit) USPS Employee Benefits Future: • Impact of postal health benefit changes • Protection under collective bargaining agreements • VERA and early retirement considerations 💡 Expert Tips: • Never retire on the 1st-3rd of month (FERS employees) • TSP has lower fees than many think, but IRAs offer more flexibility • Disability retirement doesn't require on-the-job injury • Social Security and FERS disability are separate programs • Annual leave should be maximized at retirement (unlike sick leave) 📞 Contact FIFA Financial: • Website: FIFAFinancial.com • Andrew Stringer: (314) 207-4048 • Lucas Winsky: (314) 207-8771 • Free consultation with no solicitation on first meeting • Serving federal employees in 13+ cities nationwide 🔗 Resources Mentioned: • Wednesday Night OWCP Chats Facebook page • Breaking OWCP Podcast • YouTube: Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris and Gini • Upcoming webinars and seminars. Tags: #FederalRetirement #TSP #DisabilityRetirement #FERS #OWCP #PostalEmployees #FederalBenefits #RetirementPlanning #SickLeave #PensionCalculation Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes. Consult with qualified financial advisors for personalized retirement planning. Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    1h 23m

  7. AUG 30

    The CA-10 Crisis (Live 10/20/23)

    Chris and Gini  broadcast live from the Federal Injury Center in Greenville, South Carolina during Patient Appreciation Week, revealing the shocking truth about federal workers' compensation claims and providing actionable solutions. Key Topics Covered: • The Hidden Crisis: Only 14% of federal employees have accepted OWCP claims - 86% are missing out on benefits they're entitled to • The CA-10 Form Mystery: Why this critical "What a Federal Employee Should Do When Injured at Work" form became invisible after October 2021 • Two Fatal Mistakes: The main reasons claims get denied before they even start: Not knowing what to do when injuredFear of supervisor retaliation• The "Rub Some Dirt On It" Problem: How waiting just 8 days costs you your CA-16 form and medical coverage • 30-Day Deadline Disaster: Why reporting late means losing Continuation of Pay (COP) - up to 6 weeks of paid time off • Doctor Selection Rights: Your legal right to choose your own physician (not your supervisor's choice) • The 3-Year Window: You have more time than you think to file certain claims • Live Q&A Highlights: Getting leave buy-back with CA-7 formsReimbursement for out-of-pocket medical expensesDealing with second opinion visitsSchedule awards and lifetime medical benefitsActionable Takeaways: • Print and post CA-10 forms in your workplace break rooms • Report injuries immediately - "now" means now • Know your right to choose your doctor • Use the new eCom system to bypass difficult supervisors Guest Insights: Live audience questions from federal employees sharing real workplace challenges and solutions. Resources Mentioned: • Federal Injury Centers website for forms • "Breaking OWCP" book available at breakingowcp.com • eCom.dol.gov for online claim filing This episode could save your career and your financial future. Don't let fear or ignorance cost you the benefits you've earned. Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    46 min

  8. AUG 16

    From OWCP Claims to Compound Interest: Building Wealth While Your Money Sleeps

    Chris and Gini return after a month-long hiatus to share personal challenges and introduce financial expert Gail Ames, who reveals game-changing investment strategies for federal employees and everyday people. Learn how to make your money work while you sleep and protect yourself from market losses. Featured Guest Gail Ames - Former AFGE benefits specialist, licensed financial advisor in all 50 states Contact: 314-223-4264 | gailames.hig@gmail.com Key Topics Covered Personal Updates (0:00-5:00) Chris & Gini's month-long absence explainedCaring for terminally ill family pet GizmoUpcoming 7-week travel scheduleDetroit Mail Handlers convention announcement Einstein's 8th Wonder: Compound Interest (15:00-25:00) The Rule of 72 explainedWhy 12% returns turn $10K into $640K over 36 yearsHow credit card debt doubles every 2.8 years at 25% interestReal examples of compound interest working for and against you The 6-Step Financial Foundation (25:00-45:00) Increasing Cash Flow - Multiple income streams and side hustlesDebt Management - Using credit cards as tools, not trapsEmergency Fund - 3-6 months income in high-yield savings (4% example)Proper Protection - Revolutionary life insurance with living benefitsBuilding Wealth - Market gains without market lossesPreserving Wealth - $600 estate planning vs $3,000 attorney fees Revolutionary Investment Strategy (35:00-40:00) Indexed products that capture S&P 500 gainsZero loss protection when markets crash"Make money when it goes up, lose nothing when it goes down" Long-Term Care Crisis (40:00-45:00) Why traditional LTC insurance is failing (77% rate increases)Life insurance alternatives with living benefitsCreating your own personal pension with annuities The Cost of Waiting (45:00-50:00) 25-year-old investing $300/month for 6 years vs waiting 6 years$25K investment vs $61K investment for same resultsWhy starting young is everything OWCP Q&A Session (50:00-60:00) Medical provider credentialing requirementsLifetime medical benefits and claim reopeningTravel reimbursement changesDealing with difficult claims examinersCo-pay reimbursement timeframes Key Quotes "Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. The people who understand it earn it. People who don't pay it." - Albert Einstein"I love it when money works while I'm sleeping." - Gail Ames"Hope is not a strategy." - Chris"We're just here to help." - Chris & Gini's philosophy Action Items for Listeners Calculate your current debt doubling time using Rule of 72Review credit card usage - tool vs trap assessmentContact Gail for personalized financial needs analysisSet up high-yield emergency fundResearch indexed investment productsEnsure OWCP medical providers are DOL-credentialed Resources Mentioned Wealthfront app for high-yield savingsNet Log estate planning software ($600)Website for Locations. www.federalinjurycenters.com Contact: 877-787-OWCP or message us Facebook To Buy The Book: www.breakingowcp.com To Email information: Info@federalinjurycenters.com Find Us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram @ Wednesday Night OWCP Chats with Chris & Gini

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Educating the federal workforce about their rights and responsibilities in OWCP. "Welcome to 'Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini,' where we bring our same Wednesday chat vibes to the audio world! Join us for insightful conversations, education, and a deeper dive into the topics that matter to you as a federal employee. Tune in for your weekly dose of thought-provoking discussions. Let's break it all down together!" 🎙️🗣️ #BreakingOWCP #Podcast #WednesdayChats #ConversationsJust so you know our most recent chats will be released on Fridays &Our Previous chats will be released on Sundays and those will be shorter segment style. 

Information

  • Creator
    Chris & Gini Helms
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini
  • Show Website
    Breaking OWCP with Chris & Gini

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