BLUE PAGE INFORMATION

New Employee PIN & Password

The USPS PIN is randomly chosen for each new employee on the first Monday after the week the accession (hiring) action is processed.

A New Employee Welcome Letter (opens in a new window) with the PIN and temporary Password is sent to you within three (3) weeks of the hire date.

• If you are re-hired and return within 60 days of separation, you will keep your PIN and Password and no letter is sent
• If you are re-hired and it has been more than 60 days, you are treated as a new employee and a New Employee Welcome Letter is sent
• Please contact the HRSSC, after three (3) weeks, if the letter has not been received. The HRSSC will reset the PIN through the Self-Service Profile HR login and a new 4-Digit PIN will be sent via first class mail to the address of record

Your USPS PIN and/or Self-Service Profile (SSP) password does not expire even if you have never set up your profile and you still have the original welcome letter, however; you can change your USPS PIN and/or SSP password as often as you choose.

Please keep in mind if you have requested a new password be mailed to you and you attempt to use the password that was sent on the original letter it will not allow you to use that password. You will receive a notification of invalid. You will have to wait and use the password on the new letter being mailed to you.

PIN Letter not working

The USPS Password is used for HR self-service web applications such as:

• Look for the USPS logo in the upper right-hand corner to be certain you are using the USPS PIN Letter
  • PIN letters are also sent for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). These plans have their own separate PINs. The USPS PIN Letter is only valid for the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) phone system
• Make sure you are using the USPS PIN from the most recent USPS PIN Letter
  • Example: PIN requested on 12/31/2017. PIN Letter requested on 1/10/2018. The 12/31/2017 PIN Number is now invalid
• If you are using the correct PIN from your USPS PIN Letter, but cannot log into the PostalEASE IVR system, your USPS PIN will need to be reset
  • You have two options to request a new 4-digit PIN which will be sent first class mail to your address of record within five to 10 business days:
    • Website – ssp.usps.gov (opens in a new window)
    • IVR – 1877-477-3273, option 1. When prompted to enter your PIN, pause and then press or say option 2

PIN Reset

The USPS Personal Identification Number (PIN) - 4-digit number is only used for USPS self-service Interactive Voice Response (IVR) phone lines such as:

• PostalEASE
• Job Bidding
• HRSSC

Self-Service Profile (SSP) is the application in which USPS employees manage their USPS Password & PIN login credentials for self-service web applications.

• Via Website (opens in a new window)
  • Email instructions (opens in a new window)

•  Via Phone (opens in a new window)
  • Email instructions (opens in a new window)

Compromised PIN

If you feel that your PIN has been compromised you must immediately reset your PIN via:

• Self Service Profile (SSP) – ssp.usps.gov (opens in a new window)

OR

• PostalEASE IVR at 1-877-477-3273, option 1. When prompted to enter your PIN, pause and then press or say option 2

You must also report the breach to the Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT) by completing a PS Form 1360, Information Security Incident Report (opens in a new window).

• Complete the following sections of the form:
  • #2 - Employee Name and EIN Number
  • #4 - Telephone Number
  • #8 - Detailed Description of Security Incident

Mail the completed PS 1360 (opens in a new window) directly to:

Once USPS CIRT receives the completed form they will follow up with the Inspection Service and Office of Inspector General to see if they want to pursue further.

Employee Death

Notification of Current Employee

Supervisor Notification - please submit an email to the HRSSC Survivor Benefits Team.

Please have the following information available at notification:

• Employee Identification Number (EIN) of deceased employee, located on pay stub
• Date of Death, if possible
• Next of kin contact information (Name and Phone Number)
• Last Day in Pay Status (work hours, annual leave, sick leave or donated leave)

Family Member Notification - please contact the HRSSC at 877-477-3273, option 5.

Add/Remove documents from eOPF

• Employees should submit a written request using PS Form 8043, Request to Amend Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF), specifying the document(s) to be deleted, to the District HR Generalist.

Only written requests are acceptable. Once the request has been authenticated and approved for deletion, the HR Generalist can delete the document from eOPF. The District Labor Relations office is responsible for deleting expired or incorrect discipline documents.

Note: Disciplinary documents can only be removed in accordance with collective bargaining agreements. Also, documents placed in your eOPF by another agency cannot be removed.

• HR Generalists' user roles may delete non-disciplinary documents only. Labor Relations may delete disciplinary documents except for those individuals who have read-only access.
  • Access eOPF
  • Select the document link

• Select 'Delete'

• Specify the reason for deleting document from the drop-down menu

• If you select 'Other', you will have to provide the reason in the 'Explanation' box. Then select 'OK'

• Then select 'OK' again to delete the document

Agency Requests

If you are resigning, complete PS Form 2574, Resignation From the Postal Service (opens in a new window) and provide the name of the agency to which you are transferring, and the name, phone number and mailing address of the agency’s Human Resources office.

Otherwise, advise the gaining Federal agency to send a copy of the pick-up Form 50 via fax or mail to:

The eOPF will not be printed and mailed to the gaining agency until the pick-up Form 50 is received at HRSSC.

Gaining agencies may send electronic requests along with the pick-up Form 50 to HRSSC OPF.

Change Address - Active Employee

• Blue
• LiteBlue
• Dental/Vision
• FSA
• Health Benefits
• TSP
• Uniform Allowance

If you have access to Blue you can change your mailing address, residence address, telephone number, and/or emergency contact information. Otherwise, you must access LiteBlue (opens in a new window). This action will update the address for all USPS correspondence and TSP.

Allow eight weeks for TSP to receive the new address. Blue address changes will not update the address on file with the health carrier, Citibank or Union.

• Access blue.usps.gov (opens in a new window)
• Select Log On in the upper right of the Blue Home page
• Enter your ACE User ID and Password, select Log On (Ensure the welcome screen has your name on it)
• Select the My Life tab
• Under My Profile, select Address/Phone or Emergency Contact
• Select Edit
  • Change any necessary information (residence and mailing addresses, emergency contact), or add a new contact
• Select Review
• Select Save
  • After saving the update, please review your changes as you will not receive a Confirmation Number

Please adhere to the 28 character limitation when entering your address.

• Payroll can only store a total of 28 letters, numbers and spaces
• No special characters are allowed (i.e. /, periods, commas, etc)
• USPS Approved Address Abbreviations (opens in a new window)
  • Otherwise, you may encounter issues receiving employment related correspondence and/or paystubs/paychecks.
• Zip code finder on usps.com (opens in a new window)

If you are not able to request an address change online, please complete a PS 1216, Employee's Current Mailing Address Change (opens in a new window).

Send via fax or mail with supporting documents to:

Benefits Programs - Change Name

• Blue
• LiteBlue
• Dental/Vision
• FSA
• Health Benefits
• TSP
• Uniform Allowance

This action will update your name for all USPS correspondence and TSP. Allow eight weeks for TSP to receive the name change.

Local Services will be notified via email. They will update Outlook, ACE ID and badge.

The health care provider will be notified electronically. It may take up to 30 days for the health plan to receive the name change.

• Access blue.usps.gov (opens in a new window)
• Select Log On in the upper right of the Blue Home page
• Enter your ACE User ID and Password, select Log On (Ensure the welcome screen has your name on it)
• Select the My Life tab
• Under My Profile, select Name Change Request
• Under Name Change Details – enter the NEW Name
  • The system will accommodate 12 characters for the first name, and 15 characters for the last name. If the name is longer, the Form 50 and pay stubs will reflect only the first 12 characters of the first name and the first 15 characters of the last name including any spaces and hyphens.
• Enter the Circumstance Details – Event Date and Name Change Reason (Marriage, Divorce, Court Order Date, etc)

• Enter the Contact Information
• Upload the Required Documents
• Select Submit
  • You will not receive a Confirmation Number, please print this page for your records, then click OK
  • The HRSSC will send an email notification once the request has been processed.
• If you are unable to scan your supporting documents into the ESS Name Change System, please call the HRSSC at: 1-877-477-3273, option 5 to request a Name Change Request Form.

Health Benefits - FEHB

For information on Career and Non-Career Health Benefits, please refer to LiteBlue - FEHB (opens in a new window)

• From LiteBlue, select the My HR tab
• Under Browse by Subject, select Benefits
• Under Insurance, select Health Benefits (FEHB)

For additional questions, please contact the HRSSC at 1-877-477-3273, Option 5

As you prepare to start, stop, or change your health plan, gather the information you need using the PostalEASE FEHB Worksheet. Keep the following in mind:

• Review the FEHB Program Guide.
• Be prepared to enter information about dependents if you are electing a new Self Plus One or Self and Family plan.
• Individual plan brochures are available at opm.gov or by calling the health care provider.
• If you wish to elect or waive pretax treatment of your premium, complete either the:
  • PS Form 8201, Pre-Tax Health Insurance Premium Waiver/Restoration Form for Career Employees, or
  • PS Form 8202, Application to Elect or Waive Pretax FEHB Premium (for Non-Career Employees)
• Non-career employees should also complete PS Form 8141, Notice to Non-Career Employees Eligible to Enroll in FEHB Program and the Cost Acknowledgement Letter, to acknowledge understanding of the sufficient earnings requirement and invoice procedure.
• Send via fax or mail with supporting documentation to:

Health Benefits - USPS HB

For information on Career and Non-Career Health Benefits, please refer to LiteBlue - USPS Health Benefits Plan (opens in a new window)

• From LiteBlue, select the My HR tab
• Under Browse by Subject, select Benefits
• Under Insurance, select USPS Health Benefits Plan

For additional questions, please contact the HRSSC at 1-877-477-3273, Option 5

As you prepare to start, stop, or change your enrollment in the USPS HB Plan, see the Guide to USPS Health Benefits Plan for details, and gather the information using the PostalEASE USPS Health Benefits Plan Worksheet.

Below are links to other helpful plan information:

• The Summary of Benefits and Coverage for the USPS Health Benefits Plan (USPS HB) provides and overview of what the USPS Health Benefits Plan covers and your share of health care costs.
• The Summary Plan Description for the USPS Health Benefits Plan (USPS HB) provides and in-depth description of the plan.
• If you wish to elect or waive pretax treatment of your premium, first read the Pre-Tax Payment of Premium Contributions section of the Guide, then complete the PS Form 3119, Application to Elect or Waive Pretax USPS Health Benefits Plan Premium.
• Complete the PS Form 3120, Notice to Employees Eligible to Enroll in USPS Health Benefits Plan Coverage to acknowledge that you understand the Sufficient Earnings Requirement and invoice procedure explained in Part A of the form.
• Send via fax or mail with supporting documentation to:

Note for Non-Career Employees: When returning from a break in service of 5 days or less, your Health Insurance should be restored automatically. If your insurance is not restored, you should contact ASC.

If you are converted to a career position, your enrollment is terminated the last day of the month that is 28 days after you are converted to a career position. You have the option to enroll as a career employee under the Federal Employees Health Benefit program. If you enroll in FEHB, your USPS HB Plan coverage will end when your FEHB coverage begins, or on the last day of the month that is 28 days after you converted to career, whichever is earlier.

Life Events - At a Glance

Me

• Getting Married or Remarried
  • Same Sex Marriage
  • Common-Law Spouse

• Getting Separated/Divorced

• Change Address

• Change Name

• What happens if I die?

My Family

• Added a New Family Member

• Spouse gained/lost coverage

• Child's status is changing
  • Step-child no longer lives with me
  • Child got married
  • Child got divorced
  • Child has become a Federal employee
  • Child is in school and doesn’t live with me anymore

• Family Member died

Job

• Moving and/or going to work for another Federal Agency

• Leaving Federal service (not retiring)

• On Leave Without Pay (LWOP)

• On Workers' Compensation (OWCP)

• Military Duty

Retirement

• Thinking about retiring

• Turning 65 years old/eligible for Medicare

• Retiring on Disability

• Reemployed Annuitant

Benefits Programs - Uniform Program

Headquarters Labor Relations Systems manages the Uniform Program. This program serves over 301,000 uniformed employees, more than 80 certified manufacturers and 80 licensed uniform distributors. They oversee the selection of fabric and item designs; test new items for employee feedback; oversee the certification and production of uniform items by manufactures; manage the licensing process and regulations for distributors who sell postal uniforms; and establish national policy for employees who receive uniform or work clothes allowances.

Career

HRSSC Uniform Allowance (UA) request must be submitted using the interactive “Uniform Allowance Request” located in the “Career Employees” drop-down below. Only one action per email will be accepted for processing. Faxed and handwritten copies will not be accepted.

• (opens in a new window) Uniform Allowance Request Interactive Worksheet

Through the Uniform Program, eligible career employees are issued a declining-balance Citibank Uniform Allowance Purchase Card (UAPC) to purchase uniform items from authorized vendors. A manager, supervisor, postmaster, or OIC of the unit must ensure an employee has met the criteria listed in the ELM 930 (opens in a new window).

The Human Resources Shared Services Center (HRSSC) processes the following actions submitted through the Uniform Allowance Request form:

• Uniform allowance establishments for career employees
• Uniform allowance terminations for career employees.
  • Per ELM 935.2, A Uniform Allowance Request to terminate an employee’s uniform allowance for employees temporarily assigned to light duty assignments, OWCP absences, extended sick leave, or higher level detail for a period of 89 days or more that does not require wearing a uniform.
• Uniform allowance changes for career employees.
  • All uniform allowance changes will be reviewed by HRSSC and sent to the St. Louis Accounting Services Center (St. Louis ASC) for processing.

Note: HRSSC and St. Louis ASC does not accept the PS 8006 submitted by a supervisor, postmaster, or OIC.

Note: If the employee has recently changed their name with the USPS, they must contact the HRSSC at 1-877-477-3273, then choose option 5 to have their name changed with Citibank.

Non-Career

To qualify for a uniform allowance City Carrier Assistant, (CCA)s must either complete 90 work days or be employed for 120 calendar days whichever is greater.

• Non-career employees (except Postal Support Employee (PSE)s Sales/Service & Distribution Associates, D/A 81-4 and CCAs) are not eligible for a uniform allowance. If a manager, supervisor, postmaster, or OIC of the unit would like to provide a uniform, they can locally purchase uniforms using funds that are provided to each local office (SmartPay purchase card or IMPAC card).

The HRSSC does not process any uniform allowance request for any type of non-career employees.

Wounded Warriors Leave - At a Glance

Wounded Warriors Leave (WWL) was not offered in 2018. Current WWL began with the new Leave Year in 2019 and will continue yearly, until further notice.

Wounded Warriors Leave (WWL) is an authorized absence from the Postal Service to undergo medical treatment for a service-connected disability rated at 30 percent or more. It is a separate leave category, distinct from sick leave.

Eligible employees will be credited with 104 hours of WWL on the first day of each Leave Year until the last day of the Leave Year.

It is the employee’s responsibility to notify the Postal Service of his or her eligibility before requesting WWL.

• You must provide documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs certifying that the employee has a qualifying service-connected disability.
• The documentation must be dated 1991 or later. The VA Rating Letter must provide the overall or combined Disability Percentage. If you currently have a rating of 30 percent or more, you do not need to send in a new VA Rating Letter.
• In addition, you must submit a Member 4 copy (or one that contains character of service and time lost information) of DD Form 214(s) Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty for all periods of military service.

Supervisors may submit the VA Rating Letter by email. Otherwise, you must mail or fax to:

You must submit to your Supervisor a PS Form 3971, Request for Notification of Absence (opens in a new window) along with a copy of the PS Form 5980, Treatment Verification for Wounded Warriors Leave (opens in a new window), certified by a health care provider that you used the leave to receive treatment for a covered disability.

Note: WWL used hours and WWL balance hours fields will display in the Other Leave area of ePayroll (Liteblue) statement. It is not specifically displayed in the LEAVE STATUS area on the mailed earning statement (PS Form 1223-B). However, like some other types of leave, it is generically displayed as leave (an L) on the left side of the 1223-B in the DETAIL EARNINGS type (TYP). Employers must charge Wounded Warriors Leave in the same manner as sick leave, as described in ELM 513.4 (opens in a new window).