If you become injured or your property is damaged and you believe that the injury or damage was caused by the negligence or wrongful act or omission of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management or its employee acting within the scope of his or her official duties, you may file a tort claim against OPM. OPM processes claims in accordance with the Federal Tort Claims Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1346(b), §§ 2671-2680, and the OPM implementing regulations 5 CFR part 177.
To file a claim, complete these steps:
- Complete Standard Form 95. Explain in detail what happened, using additional pages if necessary. Make sure you specify the total amount of money you seek in block 12d and sign the form in block 13a.
- Attach all documents that support your claim, which may include the following:
- For property damage: Attach relevant receipts, estimates, invoices for repairs, and photographs of the damaged item. If the item cannot be repaired, provide the age of the item and its purchase price. If you were involved in a car accident, send a copy of the police report.
- For personal injury: Attach medical records, including the doctor’s diagnosis, records of treatment, treatment plans, receipts, medical bills, and a statement indicating what portion of your treatment, if any, is being paid under a medical insurance plan. Include all documents that support the injuries you are claiming.
- For lost wages: Attach proof of employment and salary, a statement from your employer for the time you were absent, and a doctor’s statement indicating you were unable to work due to the injury.
- Submit the completed Standard Form 95 and supporting documents to the OPM Office of the General Counsel. You may submit your claim and supporting documents one of three ways:
OPM will investigate and make a determination on your claim. The decision will be forwarded to you by certified mail. This process may take several months. Please call the Office of General Counsel at (202) 606-1700 or email the office at FTCAClaim@opm.gov with any questions.