That’s right, you could be a federal employee and not even know it.

The US DOL Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) oversees benefits and compensation for “federal” employees injured on the job.  Compensation and benefits could include medical care for life and lost wage compensation to you as well as benefits to your family members.

Included in the list of who can be considered as federal employees are:

• State and city law enforcement officers
• Grand and Petit Jurors
• Postal Service messengers
• D.C. Metro Police Reservists
• Volunteers for federal agencies
• Veterans Affairs volunteers
• Attendants and student nurses for veterans
• Volunteer weather observers
• Maritime Academy cadets
• National Park Service Volunteers
• Department of Defense volunteers
• FEMA Volunteers
• US Census volunteers
• Peace Corps volunteers
• Vista volunteers
• Job Corps volunteers

Just because you are an unpaid volunteer or a city or state law officer, you may believe you are not a federal employee.  That error could cost you and your family substantial federal benefits should you be injured during such times.