A representative may charge the claimant a fee and other costs
associated with the representation before OWCP. The claimant is solely
responsible for paying the fee and other charges. The claimant will not
be reimbursed by OWCP, nor is OWCP in any way liable for the amount of
the fee.
Administrative costs (mailing, copying, messenger services, travel
and the like, but not including secretarial services, paralegal and
other activities) need not be approved before the representative
collects them. Before any fee for services can be collected, however,
the fee must be approved by the Secretary. (Collecting a fee without
this approval may constitute a misdemeanor under 18 U.S.C. 292.)
