If you are an employee of an entity that provides services on a U.S. military base overseas, and you suffer an injury on the job, you may be entitled to benefits under the Non-Appropriated Funds Instrumentalities Act (NAFI). Essentially, a non-appropriated funds instrumentality is one that does not receive its principal source of funding from the U.S. federal government. Accordingly, base or post exchanges that pay employees out of the profits of the business, or restaurants that pay employees out of proceeds, are considered “non-appropriated instrumentalities.”
Under NAFI, if you are injured in the course of your employment, and qualify as an employee of a non-appropriated fund instrumentality, you can seek benefits for:
- All reasonable and necessary medical care, as set forth in the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). You may choose any physician who has been authorized by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) as a care provider.
- Temporary or permanent disability, either partial or total, at a maximum rate of two-thirds of your average weekly wage (AWW) for the last 52 weeks.
In addition, your survivors may pursue death benefits if you are killed in a work-related accident.
To collect benefits, you must submit a written application for compensation within one calendar year of your injury. However, your employer must be notified of your injury within 30 days. You must also seek medical treatment for any injury you sustain, or you will not be able to recover benefits.
Contact Uliase & Uliase
At Uliase & Uliase, we have extensive knowledge of the federal workers’ compensation system. To schedule an appointment, contact our office online or call us at (856) 310-9002. We will meet with you weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. We offer a free consultation for injured workers.
