The Continuation of Pay (COP) Calculator is a helpful tool used primarily in workers’ compensation and federal employee compensation contexts. It determines how much an injured worker is entitled to receive during a specific period when they are unable to work but are still eligible for pay. This typically applies to federal employees who suffer work-related injuries and are granted up to 45 days of COP.
Formula
The calculation for Continuation of Pay is:
Continuation of Pay = Average Weekly Wage multiplied by the number of weeks paid
How to use
- Enter your average weekly wage (AWW) before the injury.
- Input the number of weeks you’re eligible for continuation of pay.
- Click the “Calculate” button.
- The result will show the total amount of COP you are entitled to.
Example
If your average weekly wage is $900 and you are entitled to 6 weeks of continuation of pay:
COP = 900 × 6 = $5,400
FAQs
Q1: What is Continuation of Pay (COP)?
A1: COP is the pay a federal employee may receive for up to 45 days after sustaining a work-related injury.
Q2: Who is eligible for COP?
A2: Generally, federal employees who report a traumatic injury within 30 days and meet other conditions are eligible.
Q3: Is COP the same as workers’ compensation?
A3: No, COP is paid by the employer and is not considered workers’ compensation benefits.
Q4: How is the average weekly wage (AWW) calculated?
A4: AWW is typically based on the employee’s earnings before the injury, averaged over a standard period.
Q5: Can part-time employees receive COP?
A5: Yes, if they meet the eligibility criteria and their pay can be calculated on a weekly basis.
Q6: What is the maximum duration for COP?
A6: The maximum is usually 45 calendar days.
Q7: What happens after 45 days of COP?
A7: If the injury persists, the employee may be placed on leave or begin receiving workers’ compensation.
Q8: Does COP affect sick or annual leave balances?
A8: No, COP does not deduct from sick or annual leave balances.
Q9: Is COP taxable?
A9: Yes, COP is considered regular earnings and is subject to taxes.
Q10: Can an employer deny COP?
A10: Yes, if the employee does not meet the reporting deadline or fails to provide required documentation.
Q11: Can I use the calculator for non-federal employment situations?
A11: It can be used as a general estimator, but COP rules may differ outside the federal system.
Q12: Do holidays count in the 45-day COP period?
A12: Yes, calendar days include holidays and weekends unless the employee would not normally work those days.
Q13: What documentation is needed to qualify for COP?
A13: An incident report, medical documentation, and timely filing are usually required.
Q14: Can COP be prorated for partial weeks?
A14: Yes, if you return to work midweek, payment is adjusted accordingly.
Q15: How soon after injury does COP begin?
A15: It usually begins the day after the injury, provided all conditions are met.
Q16: Will using COP affect my future benefits?
A16: No, using COP doesn’t impact your eligibility for long-term benefits.
Q17: Is there a deadline to claim COP?
A17: Yes, you must report your injury within 30 days to qualify.
Q18: What happens if I’m denied COP?
A18: You may use sick or annual leave and can appeal the denial if applicable.
Q19: Can the calculator estimate hourly wages?
A19: Convert your hourly wage to weekly by multiplying by your weekly hours before using the calculator.
Q20: Can I use this calculator on my phone?
A20: Yes, it’s mobile-friendly and works in any modern browser.
Conclusion
The Continuation of Pay Calculator offers a simple and reliable way to estimate your pay while on injury leave. It helps you understand your financial situation and plan accordingly during your recovery. Whether you’re a federal worker or just want a general estimate, this calculator is a practical tool for anyone dealing with work-related injuries.