Who Is Eligible For Benefits Under The Defense Base Act?

The Defense Base Act is an extension of the Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA). The LHWCA provides workers’ compensation benefits to qualifying maritime workers and longshoremen and can provide death benefits to their surviving family members. Congress passed the DBA in 1941 to extend those same workers’ compensation benefits to civilian contractors who were injured or killed while performing work for the U.S. military. The DBA requires that employers obtain DBA insurance to provide coverage for their DBA-related workers’ compensation claims.

Who is Eligible for DBA Benefits?

The Department of Labor (DOL) manages the DBA program. According to DOL policy, the DBA provides benefits to civilian contractors under the following conditions: (1) contractors working for private employers on U.S. military bases or lands used by the U.S. for military purposes outside of the U.S., (2) contractors working on “public work” contracts such as projects or operations relating to national defense or war activities, with U.S. government agencies outside of the U.S., (3) contractors working on contracts approved and funded by the U.S. under the Foreign Assistance Act, including the sale of military equipment, materials, and services to U.S. allies if the work is performed outside of the U.S., and (4) contractors working for U.S. employers providing “welfare or similar services” outside of the U.S. for the benefit of the military. Injured contractors falling into any of the above categories likely qualify for DBA benefits.

It is important to note that all nationalities are covered under the DBA. Regardless of nationality, if someone works under any Department of Defense or Department of State contract or subcontract, someone might be covered under DBA insurance. It is vital to ask your employer and establish what your rights and potential benefits are when deployed overseas. DOL policy outlines the following groups that are not eligible for DBA benefits: (1) federal employees, (2) employees that serve as the “master or member of a crew of any vessel,” or (3) members of the armed forces.

The DBA provides medical treatment, death benefits, and compensation to civilian contractors working for the United States Department of Defense in war zones and danger zones around the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan. If a family member, loved one, relative, or anybody you know dies while working in a dangerous zone, they may have been a civilian contractor working for a U.S. government subcontractor, making them eligible for benefits.

Do You Need Help with Your Defense Base Act Claim?

If you or someone you love has or is considering filing a DBA claim, let the attorneys at Friedman Rodman & Frank fight to help you recover the damages you deserve. Expenses and injuries sustained on the job can quickly become overwhelming, and having an experienced roster of DBA attorneys by your side can make a world of difference in the compensation you receive. Our experienced attorneys have successfully represented injured workers at every stage of their claims, ensuring that they obtain the compensation that they deserve. With our team, you can have faith that your claim is being pursued properly. If you have questions about your case, call us today at 877-627-5116 and schedule a free and no-obligation initial consultation with a DBA lawyer.