Suffering from work-related injuries can significantly impact the employee and their ability to perform day-to-day tasks. It can also spark concerns about finances and future earning capabilities. This can further add to the stress and impact the employee's overall health.
The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act provides benefits under workers’ compensation to some workers who have been injured while performing their jobs on bases in the continental US. All employees working on base exchanges, military bases, leading youth or recreational programs, and offering childcare might be entitled to recover benefits.
If you have experienced work-related injuries and are eligible under the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act, then you might be entitled to receive compensation. The Law Office of Andrea R. Herman in Los Angeles, CA, understands the process can be challenging for injured workers to manage on their own. Our experienced workers' compensation lawyers can help build a strong case and help them recover the damages.
This act was introduced in 1952 to offer workers' compensation benefits to workers employed under the non-appropriated fund instrumentalities in the US armed forces. While the Longshore Act offered sufficient protection for workers in the armed forces, there were other employees who weren't covered.
The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act provides the Longshore Act benefits to civilian workers employed in the US military. This includes employees working in the following:
The exchange service in the armed forces can include retailers, like department stores, convenience stores, theaters, and restaurants for the US military.
The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act claims benefits can be recovered if the eligible worker gets injured on the job. These injuries covered under this act are traumatic, immediate, and life-threatening or injuries that result in the development of a disability later on. These can be covered as long as the disability or injuries affect the ability to earn wages.
The commonly covered injuries under Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act are as follows:
If you or your loved one has been injured on the job and are eligible under the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act, you can file a claim to recover benefits. Here is how you can file a Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act claim:
The process for the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act claim is complex. It is wise to consult a workers' compensation lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, to ensure your rights are protected, and you receive the maximum benefits.
The workers of non-appropriated fund instrumentalities are not part of the military but are civilians working at base exchanges, recreational and retail stores, and other areas on the US military base.
However, it is essential to understand that the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act covers particular employees, including:
The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act doesn't cover employees working within or outside the continental US but are not permanent residents or citizens of the country.
The Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act is an extension of the Longshore Act that offers injury and death benefits to eligible employees. These benefits might include the following based on the severity of the injuries and other factors:
Suffering work-related injuries can be difficult for the employee, resulting in increased financial pressure for treatment and lost wages. However, you can recover compensation if you are eligible under the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act.
Filing this claim takes plenty of time, effort, and resources, as well as negotiation skills and experience to deal with insurance companies. Therefore, consulting an expert workers' compensation lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, is an excellent way to recover maximum benefits. The dedicated team at the Law Office of Andrea R. Herman has extensive experience, and knowledge in handling the Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act claims. Give us a call to book an appointment and discuss your case.
The most significant difference lies in the administration of the claims. California’s system is governed by state labor laws, while NAFI claims fall under federal systems like the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA). This means NAFI employees in Long Beach must work with federal agencies and follow different timelines and procedures. A local attorney knowledgeable in NAFI law can help guide you through the process.
Yes, NAFI workers’ compensation typically covers medical treatment costs, rehabilitation, and sometimes transportation expenses related to injury treatment. These benefits are federally administered, so employees in Long Beach need to ensure their treatment is authorized and properly billed through the federal system. Hiring a NAFI-focused attorney can make the process much smoother.
The NAFI Act extends Longshore Act benefits to certain civilian employees of military exchanges and similar entities. Eligibility includes employees within the continental United States and U.S. citizens or permanent residents working for these entities outside the U.S. Unlike FECA, which covers federal civil service employees, NAFI claims are handled under the Longshore framework and forms. That means Longshore rules on medical care and compensation apply. The statute defining who is covered appears in the NAFI Act text published by DOL. DOD policy guidance also recognizes that NAFI extends Longshore benefits to eligible NAF workers.
Under the Longshore system that NAFI incorporates, injured employees may obtain treatment from a physician of their choice within the definition set by statute and program guidance. The Longshore pamphlet explains which provider types qualify. Employers and carriers must furnish necessary and reasonable medical care. If a change of physician is needed, it should be coordinated consistent with Longshore procedures. Keeping clear records of referrals preserves your right to covered treatment. Ask the claims administrator about any required notice before switching doctors.
Give written notice of injury to your employer as soon as possible, using Form LS-201 where applicable. Request an LS-1 if you need prompt medical authorization and identify your chosen physician. File Form LS-203 to claim compensation, generally within one year of the injury or of the last voluntary compensation payment. Occupational disease and hearing loss claims may have special timing rules. Because NAFI adopts Longshore procedures, these Longshore forms and deadlines apply to NAFI claims. Submitting through DOL’s SEAPortal can speed initial processing.
NAFI coverage extends Longshore benefits to civilian employees of military exchanges and related entities that operate with non-appropriated funds. Examples include Army and Air Force Exchange Service locations, Marine Corps and Navy Exchanges, Coast Guard Exchanges, and similar morale, welfare, and recreation activities. The legal basis for this extension appears in the Nonappropriated Fund Instrumentalities Act. Knowing whether your employer is a NAFI matters because it determines that Longshore procedures, forms, and benefits apply to your claim. The Department of Defense also publishes policy guidance describing the NAF workforce and programs. Check your employer’s status against these federal references to confirm coverage.
By statute, NAFI coverage includes U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents employed by NAFIs outside the continental United States. Eligible employees within the United States are also covered by this framework. Host-nation employees working overseas may be subject to different local systems unless otherwise provided, so the citizenship and location rules are important. Because NAFI claims use Longshore procedures, injured covered workers follow Longshore forms and deadlines. The DOL Longshore program confirms that NAFI is an extension of the Longshore Act for qualifying employees. Review the statute and official program pages to understand how your status affects coverage.
Longshore Section 9, which NAFI adopts, provides funeral expenses up to the statutory amount and weekly benefits to a surviving spouse and eligible children, subject to percentage limits of the worker’s wages. The benefit percentages and eligible classes of dependents are detailed in the statute and agency materials. The DOL also explains how maximum and minimum rates based on the National Average Weekly Wage limit payments each year. Separate rights exist for a decedent’s prior disability claim and a survivor’s death benefits claim. These benefits aim to replace lost income while ensuring necessary final expenses are covered. Consult the statute and DOL guidance for specific calculations and current caps.
Denials are unfortunately not uncommon in the federal compensation system, especially if there are incomplete documents or disputes about the injury’s work-related cause. If your claim has been denied, we encourage you to reach out to our team in Long Beach. We can help you file an appeal and fight for the benefits you deserve under the NAFI system.
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