Postal Worker Benefits and Employee Welfare Programs

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As a postal worker, you're not just delivering mail and packages, you're also part of a community that offers a range of benefits and support programs to help you thrive both on and off the job.

Health insurance is a key benefit for postal workers, with the Postal Service offering a comprehensive plan that covers medical, dental, and vision care for employees and their families.

The Postal Service also provides a generous retirement plan, with postal workers eligible to retire with full benefits after 30 years of service.

In addition to these benefits, postal workers also have access to a range of employee welfare programs, including counseling services, employee assistance programs, and on-site fitness centers.

Health and Insurance Benefits

The Postal Service offers a comprehensive health insurance package through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, which provides excellent coverage and flexibility with most of the cost paid by the Postal Service. This program includes traditional insurance coverage and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).

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Credit: pexels.com, Red post box on a street wall with striped window blinds behind. Minimalist urban style.

Employee premium contributions are not subject to most taxes, making health insurance even more affordable. The Postal Service participates in the FEHB Program, which offers many plans to choose from.

Career employees may participate in the Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program after one year of service, allowing tax-free contributions to cover out-of-pocket health care and dependent care expenses. The APWU Health Plan also offers two great health care options for postal and federal employees and their families.

The Postal Service offers generous annual (vacation) and sick leave, with 10 days of annual leave per year for the first 5 years, increasing to 15 days per year after 5 years of service, and to 20 days per year after 15 years of service.

Here are some key statistics on health insurance benefits in the Postal Service Industry:

  • 84% offer access to medical insurance
  • These businesses provide an average monthly employer premium of $1,219 for family coverage
  • They provide an average monthly employer premium of $487 for individual coverage

Health Benefits Changes

The Postal Service offers a comprehensive health benefits package, including access to medical insurance, with 84% of employees having access to medical insurance, well above the national average of 69%.

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The Postal Service participates in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, which provides excellent coverage and flexibility, with most of the cost paid by the Postal Service.

Employee premium contributions are not subject to most taxes, making health insurance even more affordable. The Postal Service offers coverage through the Federal Employee’s Group Life Insurance Program, with the cost of basic coverage fully paid by the Postal Service.

Employees can choose from various health plans, including traditional insurance coverage and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). The APWU Health Plan offers two great health care options for postal and federal employees and their families.

Newly hired postal employees are covered under Social Security and Medicare. The Postal Service requires retirees/annuitants to enroll in Medicare Part B at age 65 to keep FEHB, which will become Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB).

FEHB/PSHB premiums are not income-driven, but Medicare is, which could result in a postal employee paying considerably more in retirement at age 65. The difference between FEHB/PSHB and Medicare plans is that FEHB/PSHB offers family plans, while Medicare only provides individual plans.

Here's a comparison of FEHB/PSHB and Medicare plans:

Employer Life Insurance Offer Rate

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73% of postal service employers offer access to a life insurance plan, which is a higher rate than the national average of 56%.

This is a significant benefit for employees, providing them with financial security and peace of mind in the event of a loved one's passing.

Discounts and Financial Benefits

As a postal worker, you're already part of a great community with exclusive benefits. You don't need to join or pay a fee to access these perks.

With Union Plus, you and your family can enjoy discounts on entertainment, such as reduced prices for movie tickets and rentals, theme park tickets, and more.

You can also take advantage of online tax services, which can help make filing your taxes easier and less expensive.

Here are some of the discounts and financial benefits you can access as an APWU member:

  • Entertainment Discounts
  • College Planning Services
  • Pet Insurance and Savings
  • Clothing Discounts
  • Online Tax Services

Union Plus Discounts

As an APWU member, you're eligible for a wide range of exclusive discounts and services through Union Plus. You don't need to join or pay a fee, making it a great perk of being part of the union.

From above crop adult male wrapping ordered black notebooks in white cardboard box with craft perforated paper while preparing postal delivery
Credit: pexels.com, From above crop adult male wrapping ordered black notebooks in white cardboard box with craft perforated paper while preparing postal delivery

Entertainment Discounts are a great way to save money on things you already enjoy. You can get reduced prices for movie tickets and rentals, theme park tickets, and more.

College Planning Services are also available, helping you navigate the often overwhelming process of planning for higher education.

Pet Insurance and Savings can provide peace of mind and financial relief in case your furry friend gets sick or injured.

Clothing Discounts are another way to save, with exclusive deals on the brands and items you love.

Online Tax Services make it easy to file your taxes and get the maximum refund you're eligible for.

Here are some of the Union Plus benefits you can take advantage of:

  • Entertainment Discounts
  • College Planning Services
  • Pet Insurance and Savings
  • Clothing Discounts
  • Online Tax Services

Afl-Cio Credit Union

As a member of the American Postal Workers Union, you're eligible for a wide range of financial benefits through the AFL-CIO Credit Union. You can access a variety of products and services offered by the AFL-CIO Employees Federal Credit Union.

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You can conduct business through an AFL-CIO EFCU branch office, one of the 5000+ Shared branches throughout the country, or via internet and mobile banking. Services include ATMs, Mobi Cint Internet Banking, Direct Deposit, Visa Check/Debit Card, Savings and Checking Accounts.

Members and retirees can also access Auto Loans, Mortgage Loans, and Personal Signature Loans, among others. To review all services offered by the AFL-CIO EFCU, you can view their brochure or log onto www.aflcioefcu.org.

Employer-Provided Benefits

The Postal Service offers a comprehensive benefits package that rivals many private sector employers. In fact, 84% of postal service employers provide access to medical insurance, far exceeding the national average of 69%.

The Postal Service participates in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, which offers excellent coverage and flexibility, with most of the cost paid by the Postal Service. This means that employees can choose from a variety of plans, including traditional insurance coverage and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs).

Delivery Boxes with Postal Card Details
Credit: pexels.com, Delivery Boxes with Postal Card Details

Employee premium contributions are not subject to most taxes, making health insurance even more affordable. This is a significant perk, especially for those who may be struggling to make ends meet.

The Postal Service also offers Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Program, which allows career employees to contribute to their health care and dependent care expenses on a tax-free basis. This can be a huge help for families with young children or elderly dependents.

Here's a breakdown of the average monthly employer premiums for family and individual coverage:

These premiums are in-line with the national average, but it's worth noting that the Postal Service offers a comprehensive benefits package that goes beyond just health insurance. For example, the Postal Service offers generous annual and sick leave, with 10 days of annual leave per year for the first 5 years, increasing to 15 days per year after 5 years of service, and to 20 days per year after 15 years of service.

Leave and Family Benefits

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Credit: pexels.com, A vibrant assortment of Japanese postage stamps on envelopes showcasing cultural designs.

Postal workers are entitled to generous annual leave, with 10 days per year for the first 5 years, increasing to 15 days after 5 years of service, and to 20 days after 15 years of service.

Additionally, full-time employees earn 3 hours per pay period as insurance against loss of income due to illness or accident.

The Postal Service also offers a comprehensive leave policy, providing opportunities for employees to balance work and family responsibilities.

Here's a breakdown of the Postal Service's leave policies:

Paid Family Leave Access

10% of postal service employers provide access to paid family leave, which is lower than the national average of 20%. This means that many employees may not have the financial support they need during challenging family situations.

Paid family leave can be a game-changer for employees who need to care for a new baby, a sick family member, or a loved one. Unfortunately, only 10% of postal service employers offer this benefit.

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Credit: pexels.com, Adults in vibrant orange work uniforms converse and laugh against a concrete wall backdrop.

However, 94% of postal service employers do provide access to unpaid family leave. This is still a significant number, but it's worth noting that the national average for this benefit is 88%.

Some employers may offer consolidated leave plans, which can be a more flexible option for employees. Interestingly, 24% of postal service employers offer these plans, while the national average is 44%.

Married Employee Eligible

Being married can impact your benefits in some interesting ways. If you're a married employee eligible for VA benefits, you're in a special situation.

You're not required to enroll in Medicare Part B because of your VA eligibility, which means you can keep your PSHB coverage. This is a big deal, as it can save you and your spouse a lot of money in premiums.

Since you're not required to enroll in Medicare Part B, neither is your spouse. This is a great perk, especially if you're not ready to give up your PSHB coverage.

To make sure your spouse can stay on PSHB if you pass away first, you'll need to choose either an SSB 50% or 25% option for them. This is an important decision, so be sure to consider your options carefully.

Exceptions and Eligibility

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Credit: pexels.com, A male delivery worker in a red uniform holding a package outdoors in Portugal.

If you're a married postal worker eligible for VA benefits, you're in a special situation. You're not required to enroll in Medicare Part B, which means you can keep your Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB).

This also applies to your spouse, who won't be required to enroll in Medicare Part B either. However, you'll need to choose a Supplemental Security Benefit (SSB) of either 50% or 25% for your spouse to stay on PSHB if you pass away first.

If you're in this situation, it's essential to make that SSB choice to ensure your spouse's continued coverage under PSHB.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the pros and cons of being a mail carrier?

As a mail carrier, you can earn a decent income with a high school diploma, but pay may be limited with a college degree. However, the job often comes with a structured schedule and some social interaction, but may require sacrificing a significant social life outside of work.

Elmer Kassulke

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Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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