How do you call sick at USPS? (phone, online, fired, how many times + more)
While mail has to go through whether it’s snowing, raining, heat, or a gloomy night, there are many times when USPS workers don’t feel well and need to call in sick.
In this article, you will learn all about calling in sick at USPS. This includes information about how to take sick leave, how many days you can take sick leave, and whether you will be fired for doing so.
How do you call sick at USPS?
USPS employees can request sick leave in 2022 using the Enterprise Leave Request Application on the USPS online LiteBlue portal. Sick leave may also be reported by calling Human Resources Shared Services at 877-477-3273. Full-time employees are entitled to 104 hours (13 days) of sick leave per year. Note that employees are generally not fired for taking sick leave.
Read on to learn the ins and outs of calling in sick at USPS, and other helpful and relevant facts!
How do I call in sick on USPS’s LiteBlue?
Both bargaining unit employees and non-bargaining unit employees can apply for unplanned sick leave using the Enterprise Leave of Absence Application (eLRA) on the LiteBlue portal.
LiteBlue can be accessed via computer, smartphone and any other mobile device.
Employees will need their employee identification number and password to log into LiteBlue.
After logging in, they should select the eLRA icon Staff App – Quick Links section and follow the on-screen instructions.
After filling out the application form, the information will be transmitted to the employee’s manager. This provides records of requests for employees and managers.
Are there other ways to take sick leave at USPS?
In addition to eLRA on the LiteBlue portal, USPS employees can also request sick leave by calling the Human Resources Shared Services Center (HRSSC).
They can be reached at 877-477-3273. Select option 4 when prompted. The center is staffed from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm ET.
When calling, you should have your employee identification number ready. You will also be asked to state the type of illness you have and when you are expected to take off.
It’s also worth noting that if you can’t speak, you can use your phone’s number pad to type in a response.
After completing these steps, you will receive a confirmation number (write it down as you may need it later).
How many days can you call while sick in USPS?
How much sick leave you get at USPS depends on what type of employee you are.
The table below lists the different categories of employees and the number of sick days they receive each year.
| employee type | sick days |
| full time | 104 hours or 13 days per year |
| Non-executive or non-bargaining full-time employees | 78 hours or 9.75 days per year |
| part-time employee | 104 hours or 13 days per year |
| Non-executive or non-bargaining part-time employees | 78 hours or 9.75 days per year |
While these are FedEx-mandated sick leave guidelines, they are not set in stone.
For example, additional sick leave may be requested based on your personal circumstances.
What’s more, you can use your annual leave (i.e. vacation time) or take unpaid leave when your sick leave runs out.
Do I need a doctor’s note to call sick at USPS?
In 3 days or less, managers and supervisors typically accept employee statements about illness.
In other words, they don’t need a doctor’s note or any other document to prove that the employee is indeed sick.
However, for absences lasting more than 3 days, employees must submit medical documentation (eg, doctor’s certificate, medical records) that proves their inability to work.
Can USPS fire you for sick leave?
Generally, USPS does not fire employees who take sick leave.
Not only do USPS employees have a considerable amount of sick leave to use each year, but many also benefit from union protection when it comes to things like keeping their jobs.
That being said, unplanned absences can be used as a basis for disciplinary action, but it needs to be gradual.
In other words, employees who frequently call in sick will first talk to their manager about their absence, and then they may receive a warning letter.
After that, if the situation does not improve, they may be suspended and possibly terminated.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on USPS Sick Leave Policy, USPS Severe Weather Policy, and USPS Attendance Policy.
in conclusion
Sickness happens to the best of us, which is why it’s so important to know USPS’ policy on sick leave in advance. Fortunately, if you are a USPS employee, you will benefit from generous sick leave and an easy call process.
What’s more, even if you need to take a lot of days off, you’re less likely to be fired for calling in sick. So, if you are a USPS employee, please take time to rest and recover.
