Articles · Travel money

The travel money almost nobody claims: form OWCP-957.

Every drive to the doctor, the specialist, the lab, or the pharmacy for an accepted condition is reimbursable at the federal mileage rate. A patient going to oncology twice a week can leave hundreds of dollars a month unclaimed. You can file this one yourself, today.

Reviewed by Alara’s Director of Nursing, RN · July 2026

What is covered.

  • Mileage to and from appointments for your accepted conditions — doctor, specialist, hospital, lab, pharmacy.
  • Reimbursed at the federal mileage rate, paid by check from the Department of Labor.
  • Past trips count. You can claim travel you already took, not just future trips.

How to file it yourself.

  1. Download form OWCP-957 from dol.gov.
  2. Log your trips: date, destination, purpose, miles (or attach receipts for parking and tolls).
  3. Submit it to DEEOIC — the Department of Labor office that runs your card. They mail you a check.

You do not need an agency, a representative, or anyone’s permission to do this. It is your money.

Common questions.

Do pharmacy runs count?

Yes — trips to pick up medications for an accepted condition are reimbursable like any covered medical travel.

How far back can I claim?

You can claim past trips. Gather what dates and destinations you can document and submit them; the DOL determines what it pays.

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, DEEOIC. General information; the Department of Labor determines reimbursement.

Want every benefit like this found?

Travel is one of five commonly missed benefits. See the whole list, then let a nurse check what applies to you.

See the missed benefits Or call (702) 814-9630
Alara helps you understand and reach benefits you may already be entitled to. It does not replace the Department of Labor, your Resource Center, your physician, or any federal agency. Nothing here is legal advice or a coverage or eligibility determination.