Us Code § 1920 - False statement or fraud to obtain Federal employees' compensation

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1920 — False statement or fraud to obtain Federal employees' compensation, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1920. False statement or fraud to obtain Federal employees' compensation

Whoever knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up a material fact, or makes a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation, or makes or uses a false statement or report knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry in connection with the application for or receipt of compensation or other benefit or payment under subchapter I or III of chapter 81 of title 5, shall be guilty of perjury, and on conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine under this title, or by imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or both; but if the amount of the benefits falsely obtained does not exceed $1,000, such person shall be punished by a fine under this title, or by imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or both.

(Added Pub. L. 89–554, §3(d), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 610; amended Pub. L. 103–322, title XXXIII, §330016(1)(I), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 2147; Pub. L. 103–333, title I, §101(b)(1), Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2547; Pub. L. 104–294, title VI, §601(a)(10), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3498; Pub. L. 107–273, div. B, title IV, §4002(f)(2), Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1811.)

Historical and Revision Notes
DerivationU.S. CodeRevised Statutes and

Statutes at Large

5 U.S.C. 789. Sept. 7, 1916, ch. 458, §39, 39 Stat. 749.
Oct. 14, 1949, ch. 691, §103(b), 63 Stat. 855.

The word "That" in the Act of Sept. 7, 1916, is omitted as unnecessary.

The words "under section 8106 of title 5" are substituted for "under section 754 of this title" to reflect the codification of the section in title 5, United States Code. The words "a claim for compensation under subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5" are substituted for "any claim for compensation" for clarity.

The words "or both" are substituted for "or by both such fine and imprisonment".

Minor changes in phraseology are made to conform to the style of title 18.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2002—Pub. L. 107–273 substituted "employees' " for "employee's" in section catchline.

1996—Pub. L. 104–294 substituted "fine under this title" the first place it appears for "fine of not more than $250,000" and "fine under this title" the second place it appears for "fine of not more than $100,000".

1994—Pub. L. 103–333 substituted "False statement or fraud to obtain Federal employee's compensation" for "False statement to obtain Federal employees' compensation" as section catchline and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Whoever makes, in an affidavit or report required by section 8106 of title 5 or in a claim for compensation under subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, a statement, knowing it to be false, is guilty of perjury and shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both."

Pub. L. 103–322 substituted "fined under this title" for "fined not more than $2,000".

About This Section

18 U.S.C. § 1920 is part of Title 18 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 18 U.S.C. § 1920. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1920

What does United States Code § 1920 cover?

Section 1920 ("False statement or fraud to obtain Federal employees' compensation") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 1920?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1920" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 1920 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.