BACKGROUND

On March 25, 2025, the President of the United States issued Executive Order (EO) 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account. The EO declared that continued use of paper-based payments by the Federal Government “imposes unnecessary costs; delays; and risks of fraud, lost payments, theft, and inefficiencies.” Therefore, starting September 30, 2025, the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) will no longer issue paper checks. OWCP will also transition to electronic receipt of payments only during the upcoming fiscal year.

PAYMENTS ISSUED FROM THE BLACK LUNG TRUST FUND

IMPACT ON FEDERAL BLACK LUNG BENEFICIARIES, MEDICAL PROVIDERS, AND ATTORNEYS RECEIVING PAYMENTS FROM THE BLACK LUNG TRUST FUND

This transition affects a small group of beneficiaries, medical providers, and attorneys who have not yet switched to electronic payments and are still receiving paper checks. Beneficiaries and attorneys who are not currently set up to receive electronic payments must complete and submit the Standard Form (SF)-1199A (Direct Deposit Sign Up Form). It is important to act as soon as possible so that your payments will continue without interruption. Submit your SF-1199A form as described below.

Note: Attorneys will need to submit a completed SF-1199A along with the attorney fee petition to be paid electronically. These documents can be uploaded via the C.O.A.L. Mine Portal or sent through U.S. mail to the Central Mailroom.

If you do not have a bank account, you can still receive electronic payments. The U.S. Treasury operates the Direct Express debit card program for people without a bank account. The Direct Express card is a prepaid debit card designed specifically for federal benefit payments. The Direct Express enrollment form should be submitted as described below.

FILING OPTIONS FOR BENEFICIARIES

  1. To file electronically, submit the completed SF-1199A form via the C.O.A.L. Mine Portal: https://coalmine.dol.gov; or
  2. To submit by mail, send the completed form to: U.S. Department of Labor OWCP/DCMWC Central Mail Room, PO Box 8307, London, KY 40742-8307

MEDICAL PROVIDERS

Providers who are not enrolled in EFT must immediately complete and submit an ACH enrollment form to change payment method. The ACH form can be obtained on the WCMBP Portal by clicking on the Resources tab and selecting Forms and References.

FILING OPTIONS FOR PROVIDERS

  1. Submit the completed ACH form via fax at 888-444-5335; or
  2. To submit by mail, send the completed form to: Provider Enrollment, PO Box 8312, London, KY 40742-8312.

Please make sure to include your OWCP Provider ID in all correspondence. Providers registered on the portal can log in and submit a modification by clicking on the Maintain Provider Information hyperlink. Failure to comply will result in non-payment.

PAYMENTS MADE TO THE BLACK LUNG TRUST FUND

IMPACT ON RESPONSIBLE OPERATORS, INSURANCE CARRIERS, AND OTHER DEBTORS

In accordance with this EO, Responsible Operators, Insurance Carriers, Beneficiaries and other debtors must submit reimbursements to the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund (BLDTF) using the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Pay.gov system. Certified checks, checks, and money orders will no longer be accepted.

Pay.gov provides the ability to make an online payment 24/7 using a checking/savings account or debit card through a secure portal. Pay.gov is a more convenient payment method that eliminates the delays associated with postal mail, the need for parties to mail physical checks or obtain money orders, and the possibility of payments being lost or misdirected in transit. Payment is immediately received and is credited to the account within days. Parties may also create an account and establish monthly payments for their convenience.

The forms used to submit Pay.gov electronic payments have been updated. Please use the appropriate DCMWC payment form links, below, to make your secure electronic DCMWC payment.

Beneficiaries

Responsible Operators, Insurance Carriers, and Third-Party Administrators

Medical and Pharmaceutical

Please read the Pay.gov Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information.

For further information call TOLL FREE: 1-800-347-2502.