Yes! You can use AI to fill out Form CA-5, Claim for Compensation
Form CA-5, Claim for Compensation, is a form used by the surviving spouse and/or children of a deceased federal employee to apply for compensation benefits. This form is essential for ensuring that eligible dependents receive the financial support they are entitled to under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA).
Form CA-5 is part of the
VA claim forms category on Instafill.
Form Complexity Index
Complex
68 / 100
| Fillable fields | 121 |
| Pages | 2 |
| Fields per page | 60 |
| Sections | 24 |
| Conditional rules | — |
| Tables & lists | — |
| Instruction pages | 3 |
| OMB Control No. | 1240-0013 |
| Instafill Form ID | IF-CA-5 |
Form CA-5 has a complex Form Complexity Index of 68/100 — 121 fillable fields across 2 pages. Instafill’s AI completes it accurately in under a minute.
Form specifications
| Form name: | Form CA-5, Claim for Compensation |
| Form issued by: | U.S. Department of Labor |
| Number of fields: | 121 |
| Number of pages: | 5 |
| FCI: | Complex (68/100) |
| Version: | Rev. 10-2020 |
| Field instructions: | Form CA-5 Instructions |
| Language: | English |
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How to Fill Out Form CA-5 Online for Free in 2026
Are you looking to fill out a FORM CA-5 form online quickly and accurately? Instafill.ai offers the #1 AI-powered PDF filling software of 2026, allowing you to complete your FORM CA-5 form in just 37 seconds or less.
Follow these steps to fill out your FORM CA-5 form online using Instafill.ai:
- 1 Visit instafill.ai site and select Form CA-5.
- 2 Enter the deceased employee's details.
- 3 Provide information about the claimants.
- 4 Fill in the financial institution details.
- 5 Sign and date the form electronically.
- 6 Check for accuracy and submit the form.
Our AI-powered system ensures each field is filled out correctly, reducing errors and saving you time.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Form CA-5
Form CA-5 has a Form Complexity Index of 68 out of 100, placing it in the complex complexity tier. This score is calculated deterministically from the form’s own structure using Instafill’s published Form Complexity Index methodology, so it can be reproduced and independently verified — it is not a subjective estimate.
For Form CA-5 specifically, the score reflects 121 fillable fields across 2 pages, grouped into 24 sections, plus 3 pages of printed instructions. The number of fields is the largest factor in the base score (weighted 36%), followed by how difficult those fields are to complete based on their type, where free-text and signature fields count for more than simple checkboxes (26%). The number of pages that actually contain fields (15%), the amount of conditional “fill-only-if” logic (16%), and how many sections the form is divided into (7%) account for the rest of the base. On top of that base, the index adds points for tables and repeating lists, bundled instruction pages, and dense page layouts — capturing difficulty the base alone can miss.
In practical terms, a complex score means the form is demanding, with many fields, multiple pages and branching rules that are easy to get wrong. Instafill removes that effort entirely: our AI reads your information, maps each value to the correct field — including the conditional ones — and completes Form CA-5 accurately in under a minute, with every field available for you to review before you download. See exactly how the Form Complexity Index is calculated.
This form is used by the surviving spouse or children of a deceased employee to apply for compensation benefits under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA).
The surviving spouse or children of the deceased employee should complete and file this form. If there is no surviving spouse, the children's guardian should file the claim.
The claim must be filed within three years following the date of death, unless the employer had actual knowledge of an on-the-job injury or death within 30 days or written notice of the injury or death was given within 30 days.
The required documents include the marriage certificate(s) for a surviving spouse, death certificate for the decedent, birth certificate or adoption documents for each child, and any appropriate letters of guardianship.
Surviving spouses may be eligible for 50% of the employee's monthly pay if there are no surviving eligible children, or 45% if there are eligible children. Children are eligible for 15% each, not to exceed a total of 30%, shared equally if there is a surviving spouse; if there is no surviving spouse, 40% for one child plus 15% for each additional child, shared equally.
Upon remarriage before age 55, the surviving spouse will receive a lump sum equal to 24 times his or her monthly compensation. If the remarriage occurs at age 55 or later, payments continue for life.
The FECA covers funeral and burial expenses up to a maximum of $800. Any amount paid by the VA will be deducted, and transportation costs may also be paid to return the deceased employee to his or her home or last place of residence.
In cases where the injury or death results from the actions of a third party, the Department of Labor will provide further instructions.
The Privacy Act of 1974 requires the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs to maintain personal information on claimants and their immediate families for the purpose of determining eligibility for and the amount of benefits payable under the FECA. This information may be verified through computer matches or other appropriate means and may be given to various federal, state, and local agencies for law enforcement purposes and other relevant matters.
The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 90 minutes per response.
Compliance Form CA-5
Validation Checks by Instafill.ai
1
Filing Deadline Compliance
Ensures that the Claim for Compensation by Surviving Spouse and/or Children is filed within the stipulated three-year period following the date of death. It pays special attention to any exceptions that may be outlined in the instructions section of the form, taking into account different circumstances that could affect the filing deadline. The software alerts the user if the claim is being filed late and advises on the necessary steps to take if exceptions apply.
2
Complete Section Accuracy
Confirms that all required sections, numbered 1 through 28, are accurately completed with the correct details pertaining to the deceased employee, surviving spouse, children, and other dependents. It checks for consistency in the information provided across different sections and ensures that no mandatory fields are left blank. The software prompts the user to fill in any missing details before allowing the form to be submitted.
3
Surviving Spouse's Details Verification
Verifies that the surviving spouse's details, including but not limited to date of birth, date of marriage, and current address, are correctly entered in items 8 to 13 of the form. It cross-references these details with official documents to ensure accuracy. The software also checks for logical inconsistencies, such as dates that do not align with the provided narrative or historical records.
4
Supporting Documents Check
Checks for the inclusion of all necessary supporting documents such as marriage certificates, death certificates, and birth certificates. It ensures that these documents are properly attached to the claim form and are legible. The software also verifies that the information on the supporting documents matches the details entered on the claim form, flagging any discrepancies for user review.
5
Deceased Employee's Information Validation
Validates the accuracy of the deceased employee's personal information, including their name, date of birth, date of death, social security number, date of injury, and the nature of the injury that caused death. The software cross-verifies these details with external databases and records, if available, to ensure the claim is based on factual and consistent information.
6
Confirms the correct entry of bank details for Direct Deposit
The AI ensures that the bank details provided for Direct Deposit are accurate and complete. It checks that the name of the financial institution, type of account, account number, and routing or transit number are correctly entered in items 23-25. The AI cross-references these details with known banking formats to prevent errors. It also alerts the user if any field is left blank or contains invalid characters that do not conform to standard banking information.
7
Verifies that all children from the marriage with the employee and from prior marriages are listed
The AI verifies that all eligible children, including those from the marriage with the deceased employee and any from prior marriages, are listed with accurate details in items 14-16. It checks for the completeness of each child's information, such as full name, date of birth, and relationship to the deceased. The AI also ensures that no eligible child is omitted from the claim and that the details provided are consistent with legal documentation.
8
Checks for the completion of the Attending Physician's Report section
The AI checks that the Attending Physician's Report section is fully completed by the physician. It ensures that details of treatment, cause of death, and the medical opinion on the relationship between the employee's death and their injury or employment-related disease are provided. The AI scans for any missing information and validates the authenticity of the physician's credentials. It also confirms that the medical details are consistent with the cause of death as recorded.
9
Ensures that the claim form is signed and dated
The AI ensures that the claim form is properly signed and dated by the person filing the claim. It checks that the signature is present and that the date of signing is recorded in items 26-28. The AI also verifies that the address of the claimant is provided and matches the expected format. It alerts the user if the signature is missing, the date is not current, or the address is incomplete.
10
Confirms information on any other Federal Retirement or Disability Law claims
The AI confirms that comprehensive information regarding any other Federal Retirement or Disability Law claims, Veterans Administration benefits, and any claims made against a third party because of the employee's death is provided in items 17-22. It checks for the presence of this information, ensures that it is detailed and accurate, and that it complies with the requirements for disclosure on the claim form. The AI also cross-checks to prevent any potential overlap or duplication of claims.
11
Verifies the completeness and accuracy of the details of any legal guardians for the children listed in the form.
The AI ensures that all fields related to legal guardians for any children mentioned in the form are fully completed with accurate information. It checks for the presence of names, addresses, and other pertinent details that establish the legal guardianship status. The AI cross-references this information with external databases when possible to confirm its validity. Additionally, it alerts the user if any required guardian information is missing or appears inconsistent with legal standards.
12
Checks for the inclusion of details of other relatives who were fully or partially dependent on the employee.
The AI examines the form to ensure that information about other relatives who depended on the deceased employee, either fully or partially, is included. It verifies that the details such as names, relationships to the employee, and the extent of their dependency are clearly stated. The AI also prompts the user to provide supporting documentation if necessary. This check is crucial for determining the correct compensation for all eligible dependents.
13
Ensures that the Privacy Act Notice and Public Burden Statement have been read and understood.
The AI confirms that the user has acknowledged the Privacy Act Notice and the Public Burden Statement, which are essential legal disclosures. It may provide a summary or highlight key points to facilitate understanding. The AI ensures that there is an indication of user agreement or comprehension before proceeding. This step is important for compliance with privacy laws and for informing the user of their rights and responsibilities.
14
Confirms that the form is not sent to the OMB office but is submitted to the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs.
The AI validates the submission process by confirming that the form is directed to the correct agency, which is the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs, and not to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). It checks the submission instructions and may provide the correct address or electronic submission link. The AI also alerts the user if it detects any indication that the form is being sent to the wrong office, thus preventing processing delays.
15
Verifies that the instructions for completing Form CA-5 have been reviewed and followed, including additional details on required documents, funeral/burial allowance, definition of dependents, compensation rates, third-party action, and direct deposit information.
The AI meticulously reviews the user's entries against the instructions provided for Form CA-5 to ensure compliance with all requirements. It checks for the inclusion of necessary documents, correct understanding of funeral/burial allowances, accurate definitions of dependents, appropriate compensation rates, any third-party action that may affect the claim, and the proper setup of direct deposit information. The AI provides guidance or corrective prompts to ensure that each section of the form is completed in accordance with the official guidelines.
Common Mistakes in Completing Form CA-5
One of the most common mistakes made when filling out the Claim for Compensation by Surviving Spouse and/or Children form is failing to provide accurate and complete information about the deceased employee. This can include incorrect Social Security number, incorrect or incomplete employment history, or missing dates of employment. To avoid this mistake, it is important to double-check all information provided about the deceased employee before submitting the form. It may also be helpful to gather all relevant employment records and documents before beginning the filing process.
Another common mistake is failing to provide accurate and complete information about the surviving spouse and children. This can include incorrect or missing dates of birth, marriage, or relationship status. It is important to ensure that all required information is provided to avoid delays or denials of the claim. To avoid this mistake, it is recommended to gather all necessary documents, such as birth certificates and marriage certificates, before filling out the form.
A mistake that can result in significant financial consequences is failing to list all children from the marriage and from prior marriages who may be entitled to compensation. It is important to carefully review the instructions on the form and ensure that all eligible children are included. Failure to list all children may result in the denial of their compensation or the need for a separate claim to be filed. To avoid this mistake, it is recommended to carefully review the instructions on the form and gather all necessary documentation, such as birth certificates, before filling out the form.
Another common mistake is providing incorrect bank account information for direct deposit. This can result in delayed or lost compensation. To avoid this mistake, it is important to double-check all bank account information before submitting the form. It may also be helpful to write down the account and routing numbers and keep a copy for your records.
Lastly, failure to sign and date the form or provide the address of the person filing the claim is a common mistake that can result in delays or denials of the claim. It is important to carefully review the instructions on the form and ensure that all required signatures and addresses are provided. To avoid this mistake, it is recommended to carefully review the instructions on the form and gather all necessary documentation, such as identification, before filling out the form.
One of the most common mistakes when completing the Claim for Compensation by Surviving Spouse and/or Children form is the failure to attach all required documents. It is essential to include marriage certificates, death certificates, and birth certificates to support the claim. These documents provide proof of the relationship between the deceased and the surviving spouse or children, as well as their eligibility for benefits. To avoid this mistake, carefully review the instructions on the form and ensure that all required documents are gathered and attached before submitting the claim. It is also recommended to make copies of all documents for your records.
Another common mistake is incomplete or incorrect information provided in the Attending Physician's Report section. This section requires detailed information about the deceased's cause of death and any related medical conditions. Incomplete or incorrect information can lead to delays or denials of the claim. To avoid this mistake, ensure that the attending physician completes the section accurately and thoroughly, providing all necessary details about the deceased's medical history and cause of death. It is also recommended to double-check the information provided and follow up with the physician if any clarification is needed.
Failure to understand and follow the instructions for completing the form is a common mistake that can lead to errors and delays in processing the claim. The instructions provide important information about the deadline for filing, required documents, and completion of various sections. To avoid this mistake, carefully review the instructions before completing the form, and ask for clarification if anything is unclear. It is also recommended to take your time and ensure that all information is provided accurately and completely.
Providing incorrect claim numbers, amounts of benefits, and details of third parties for previous Federal Retirement or Disability Law claims or Veterans Administration benefits is a common mistake that can lead to delays or denials of the claim. It is essential to provide accurate and complete information about any previous claims or benefits to ensure that the current claim is processed correctly. To avoid this mistake, carefully review any previous claims or benefit statements and provide the correct information on the Claim for Compensation by Surviving Spouse and/or Children form. It is also recommended to double-check the information provided and follow up with the relevant agencies if any clarification is needed.
Failure to understand the Privacy Act Notice and Public Burden Statement and the implications for the use of personal information is a common mistake that can lead to errors or concerns regarding the privacy of personal information. The Privacy Act Notice and Public Burden Statement provide important information about how personal information will be used and protected. To avoid this mistake, carefully review the notices and understand the implications for the use of personal information. It is also recommended to contact the relevant agency if any questions or concerns arise regarding the use of personal information.
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