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Thursday, October 31, 2024

Why do some people get Medicare automatically?

  Why do some people get Medicare automatically?

"...When you apply for retirement or disability benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board), it also serves as your application for Medicare. Once you get approved for Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll automatically get Part A coverage (without having to pay a premium for it) once you’re eligible for Medicare.

If you’re getting benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board) at least 4 months before you turn 65, you’ll automatically get Part A coverage. You’ll also be signed up for Part B (unless you live in Puerto Rico or outside the U.S.). Because you pay a monthly premium for Part B coverage, you can choose whether to keep it or not. ..."

Reference: www.medicare.gov




 

Is your contact information up to date?

  Is your contact information up to date?

"USPS employees can make changes through LiteBlue ...Keep personal contact information current using a physical address — not a PO Box — and mobile telephone number. Go to the LiteBlue homepage and update your address if necessary.

Emergency contacts can be updated by logging on to LiteBlue, clicking on the “Apps” banner, then selecting “My Contact Information.” Follow the prompts to complete the submission. ..."

Reference: news.usps.com




 

APWU | Upcoming Proposed Flexible Spending Account Changes

  Upcoming Proposed Flexible Spending Account Changes

"...the current administrator (FSAFEDs) and the Postal Service are notifying current FSA enrollees that their funds must be used by December 31st, 2024, or they will be forfeited. This is completely unacceptable. Employees who put money in their FSA expecting to roll over any remaining money should not lose out in this switch in administrators. ..."

Reference: apwu.org




 

IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2025

  IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2025

"The tax year 2025 adjustments described below generally apply to income tax returns to be filed starting tax season 2026. The tax items for tax year 2025 of greatest interest to many taxpayers include the following dollar amounts:

  • Standard deductions. For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately for tax year 2025, the standard deduction rises to $15,000 for 2025, an increase of $400 from 2024. For married couples filing jointly, the standard deduction rises to $30,000, an increase of $800 from tax year 2024. For heads of households, the standard deduction will be $22,500 for tax year 2025, an increase of $600 from the amount for tax year 2024." ...more
  • Reference: www.irs.gov




     

    Sunday, October 20, 2024

    News From Other Unions | 35% Pay Hike and $7,000 Ratification Bonus to End Boeing Strike, Assisted by Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su

      Boeing offers hefty pay increases to reach tentative deal with union amid weekslong machinists strike

    "...The union said that the new deal was helped with the help of Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, and told the striking workers it "is worthy of your consideration." ...The corporation is also offering employees 12% in 401(k) contributions, plus a one-time contribution of $5,000 to workers' retirement accounts. ..."

    Reference: www.foxbusiness.com




     

    News From Other Postal Unions | Mail Carriers Reach Tentative Contract With USPS Garnering Annual Pay Increases of 1.3%

      Mail Carriers Reach Tentative Contract With USPS

    "...As part of the agreement, all city carriers will get three annual pay increases of 1.3% each by 2025, some of which will be paid retroactively from November 2023. ..."

    Reference: www.newsmax.com




     

    What happens to my Alabama property taxes when i turn 65?

      What happens to my Alabama property taxes when i turn 65?

    "...If you are over 65 years of age, or permanent and totally disabled (regardless of age), or blind (regardless of age), you are exempt from the state portion of property tax. County taxes may still be due. ..."

    Reference: www.revenue.alabama.gov




     

    What happens to my federal basic life insurance (FEGLI) at 65?

      What happens to my federal basic life insurance (FEGLI) at 65?

    When you turn 65, your federal basic life insurance (FEGLI) will automatically begin to decrease by 2% per month until it reaches 25% of its original value, at which point it becomes free and remains at that level for the rest of your life; this is considered the "75% reduction" option, which is the standard unless you choose to reduce it by 50% or keep the full amount with continued premium payments.

    Reference: www.opm.gov




     

    Friday, October 11, 2024

    Identity Fraud Protection | Lock Your Social Security Number at E-Verify (Official Government Site)

    everify Social Security Lock | Protect Yourself From The Foreign Invasion

    Snippet of Article: "...Self Lock is the unique feature that lets you protect your identity in E-Verify and Self Check by placing a "lock" in E-Verify on your Social Security number (SSN). This helps prevent anyone else from using your SSN for an E-Verify case. If an employer enters your locked SSN in E-Verify to confirm employment authorization, it will result in an E-Verify Tentative Nonconfirmation (mismatch). With Self Lock, you are always in control...How to Use Self Lock

    To access Self Lock, you must be logged in to your myE-Verify account.

    To lock your SSN, you must select and answer three challenge questions. Select questions you can easily answer, because you will need to answer them again to verify your identity if you receive an E-Verify Tentative Nonconfirmation (mismatch) due to Self Lock.

    If you are about to start a new job with an E-Verify employer, you should log into your account and unlock your SSN."

    Source: www.e-verify.gov

    www.e-verify.gov, myE-Verify account,









     

    Tuesday, October 8, 2024

    OPM Announces Resources for Postal Service Health Benefit Program Enrollees

      OPM Announces Resources for Postal Service Health Benefit Program Enrollees

    "...WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) today shared new enrollee resources ahead of the inaugural launch of the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program this Open Season. Resources include a new landing page with details for PSHB enrollees; information about auto-enrollment where Postal employees will be automatically transitioned from their current plan to a comparable plan in the new PSHB program; and a page providing information on cost savings for enrollees who are also signed up for Medicare Part B or Medicare Advantage through PSHB. The Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program..."

    Reference: www.opm.gov




     

    National President Hogrogian Speaks at NALC 2024 National Convention

      National President Hogrogian Speaks at NALC 2024 National Convention

    Video: Watch NPMHU National President speak at the NALC convention.

    Reference: NPMHU




     

    Sunday, October 6, 2024

    St. Louis Mail Handler steals over $1.5 million in checks from letters in MO center, feds say

      St. Louis Mail Handler steals over $1.5 million in checks from letters in MO center, feds say

    "...$1.5 million in checks went missing from letters at a Missouri mail distribution center, fingerprints tracked back to a 29-year-old postal worker, federal officials said. Anthony Virdure II, a mail handler for the United States Postal Service in St. Louis, was indicted on three counts of mail theft and one count of wire fraud..."

    Reference: www.kansascity.com




     

    Monday, September 30, 2024

    When can I sign up for Medicare?

      When can I sign up for Medicare?

    "...Generally, you're first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. · If you ..."

    Reference: www.medicare.gov




     

    Saturday, September 28, 2024

    Hurricane Helene: FedEx, UPS and US Postal Service report disruptions

      Hurricane Helene: FedEx, UPS and US Postal Service report disruptions

    "The carriers halted some deliveries in Florida as the storm slammed the southern U.S. ...For the Postal Service, all delivery and retail operations are suspended until further notice for facilities in the 335, 336, 337, 339, 341, 342 and 346 3-digit zip code areas, the agency said in a notice Wednesday.

    The Postal Service suspended operations at four processing and distribution centers in Tampa, Fort Myers and Sarasota. Alternate sites in Orlando could receive drop shipments in their place. Normal operations at the impacted sites were slated to resume at 4 a.m. on Friday. ..."

    Reference: www.supplychaindive.com




     

    News From Other Unions | Maintenance Division Secures $15 Million Part-Time Regular Settlement Agreement

      News From Other Unions | Maintenance Division Secures $15 Million Part-Time Regular Settlement Agreement

    "...In 2021, the APWU Maintenance Division filed a National Dispute (USPS # 6X 18T-6X-C 21354335) regarding the Postal Service's violation of Article 7 section 3 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), specifically concerning the 2.5 percent cap on the total number of Part-Time Regular employees in the Maintenance Division. According to the CBA, the total number of part-time employees who “may be hired” should not exceed 2.5 percent of the total number of Maintenance Craft employees covered by the agreement...."

    Reference: apwu.org




     

    In 2025, FEHB enrollees will see largest health premium increase in over a decade | Affect PSHB rates similarly

      In 2025, FEHB enrollees will see largest health premium increase in over a decade | Affect PSHB rates similarly

    "...Postal enrollees will pay 11.1% more toward their health care premiums. Averaged with the government’s share of the cost, which is increasing by 5.1%, the overall premium increase for PSHB is 6.9%.

    “The premium increase for the Postal program is lower than the FEHB premium increase due to greater integration in Medicare required under the Postal Service Reform Act, differences in the cost profiles of the plans offered in each program and demographic factors,” OPM said.

    PSHB enrollees, on average, will pay $20 more toward their biweekly health care premiums next year. ..."



    Reference: federalnewsnetwork.com




     

    Friday, September 27, 2024

    Postal worker decides to pay off bills after winning $1 million from scratch-off

      Postal worker decides to pay off bills after winning $1 million from scratch-off

    "...After scratching off the $20 Millionaire's Club ticket the man immediately said, "Thank you, Lord." He matched the winning number 54 for the corresponding $1 million top prize in the second row of the game’s play area. The postal worker can now think of retirement after working for the company for 30 years. When asked what he would do with the money, he said he's going to pay some bills. ..."

    Reference: www.wmar2news.com




     

    Order Your 4 Free At-⁠home COVID-⁠19 Tests | Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests.

      Order Your 4 Free At-⁠home COVID-⁠19 Tests | Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests.

    "...Your order of COVID tests is completely free – you won’t even pay for shipping. We will start shipping tests the week of September 30. Want to know when your tests are coming? Sign up to receive email alerts when you order! ..."

    Reference: covidtests.gov




     

    Thursday, September 26, 2024

    PSHB Virtual Seminar October 3

      PSHB Virtual Seminar October 3

    USPS employees and annuitants may participate in an upcoming virtual seminar on the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.

    The session will be held Thursday, Oct. 3, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern and from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern.

    PSHB — which takes effect in 2025 — is a new, separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and will be administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

    USPS employees, annuitants, and eligible family members are required to enroll in this new program.

    The MyHR website’s PSHB page has more information, including the Zoom links and passcodes to participate. To find the page, enter “Postal Service Health Benefits” in the MyHR search bar.

    Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.

    Employees can also receive updates by texting “PSHBP” to 39369.



    Reference: news.usps.com


     

    National Arbitration Decision: PostalEase Fraud

      National Arbitration Decision: PostalEase Fraud

    "...We are writing to inform you of a recent national arbitration decision issued by Arbitrator Dennis Nolan in a grievance brought by the National Association of Letter Carriers, which concerned the Postal employees who did not receive their paychecks as a result of the breach of the Postal Service’s PostalEase system. The NPMHU also filed a grievance on this issue, and the NPMHU (along with the APWU) intervened in the NALC grievance. By way of background, on December 20, 2022, the Union received notification from the Postal Service that some Postal Service employees had unknowingly provided their usernames and passwords to criminal websites while attempting to access PostalEase. We were told that employees had been using Google to access PostalEase and that Google in turn was redirecting them to third party criminally run websites that mirrored the look and access of PostalEase. ..."

    Reference: www.npmhu.org


     

    Wednesday, September 25, 2024

    USPS will hold virtual fairs for sales jobs | The events will show how to find and apply for open positions

      USPS will hold virtual fairs for sales jobs | The events will show how to find and apply for open positions

    The Postal Service will hold two virtual job fairs for sales positions this month.

    The events are part of the organization’s efforts to expand its sales force and align sales strategies with new operational capabilities to drive revenue, one of the goals of the Delivering for America plan.

    Topics to be covered during the fairs include:

    • The roles and responsibilities of territory representatives and senior territory representatives;

    • The number and locations of vacancies spanning 20 Postal Service districts;

    • How to navigate the USPS Careers online page and create an eCareer profile; and

    • How to effectively respond to knowledge, skills and abilities questions to demonstrate your qualifications.

    The fairs are open to both career and noncareer employees and will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, Sept. 29, and Monday, Sept. 30.

    To participate in a fair, employees must complete an online registration form on LiteBlue or Blue by clicking on the “Looking for a career in Sales?” banner. A list of districts with sales vacancies will be listed on the registration page.

    All participants must be current Postal Service employees and attend while off the clock. Participation is voluntary.



    Reference : USPS via NPMHU Local 317




     

    Tuesday, September 17, 2024

    Medicare Enrollment Window for Postal Retirees Closing; Health Rates Announcement Ahead

      Medicare Enrollment Window for Postal Retirees Closing; Health Rates Announcement Ahead

    "...September 30 is the end of the “special enrollment period” in which Postal Service retirees eligible for Medicare Part B but not currently enrolled in it may elect that coverage without the standard penalty for enrolling more than three months beyond first eligibility, which typically is on turning age 65.

    The period opened in April under terms of the 2022 Postal Service reform law ordering creation of the new Postal Service Health Benefits program, which will replace the FEHB program for postal employees and retirees starting in January.

    The voluntary period, applies to those already retired and who are not enrolled in Part B, which covers physicians and related services. ..."

    Reference: www.fedweek.com


     

    Alabama | Audit cites problems with U.S. Postal Service facilities in Jefferson, Tuscaloosa counties

      Audit cites problems with U.S. Postal Service facilities in Jefferson, Tuscaloosa counties

    "...An audit of postal facilities in Center Point, Birmingham, Northport and Tuscaloosa found operational problems that the report said was hampering the quality of service in those locations.

    The audits, conducted by the United States Post Office’s Office of the Inspector General, found issues related to delayed mail at all four of the sites, including problems with scanning of packages, carriers and the condition of the properties. The Birmingham facility had difficulty with clearance times, outbound trips, scan compliance, security and other issues, the report said. ...

    "

    Reference: alabamareflector.com


     

    PSHB virtual seminar will be held Thursday, Sept. 19, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern and from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern

      PSHB virtual seminar will be held Thursday, Sept. 19, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern and from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern

    USPS employees and annuitants may participate in an upcoming virtual seminar on the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.

    The session will be held Thursday, Sept. 19, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern and from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern.

    PSHB — which takes effect in 2025 — is a new, separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and will be administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

    USPS employees, annuitants, and eligible family members are required to enroll in this new program.

    The MyHR website’s PSHB page has more information, including the Zoom links and passcodes to participate. To find the page, enter “Postal Service Health Benefits” in the MyHR search bar.

    Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.

    Employees can also receive updates by texting “PSHBP” to 39369.



    Reference: news.usps.com via NPMHU Local 317


     
      USPS enters into new agreements with package consolidators

    "...while USPS has and will enter into new agreements with package consolidator companies consistent with its current business strategy, the organization will no longer offer discounted rates through negotiated service agreements (NSAs) for packages entered by consolidators at Post Office delivery units.

    “As we engage in the process of modernizing our network, we are also changing our product and pricing strategies to ensure that they are aligned with our operating model and goals,” said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

    “As one part of this new approach, we have decided that it is appropriate to make changes to how we utilize NSAs in the provision of our Parcel Select product. ..."

    Reference: news.usps.com


     

    NPMHU | Official Call for Bargaining Proposals

      NPMHU | Official Call for Bargaining Proposals

    Official Call for Bargaining Proposals (pdf)

    NPMHU 2025 Bargaining Proposal Form (pdf)

    With preparations underway for negotiations over the terms of the 2025 National Agreement between the NPMHU and the Postal Service, the National Office is issuing its official call for bargaining proposals from all members and Local Unions.

    To be fully considered prior to the onset of negotiations, proposals must be submitted by January 31, 2025. Although formal bargaining is not scheduled to begin until June, the Union’s Field Negotiating Committee will be meeting for a full week in February 2025 to review all submitted proposals and outline the changes in the National Agreement that should be proposed by the NPMHU.

    To be sure, planning for collective bargaining is a continuous process at the National Office, as the National Officers and representatives working in the Contract Administration Department routinely identify and collect proposals for improving the language currently found in the 2022 National Agreement. But an equally important aspect of preparing for bargaining is the collection and review of proposals generated by mail handlers across the country.

    Thus, National President Paul Hogrogian has issued this official call for bargaining proposals from the membership, the Local Unions, and other subordinate bodies of the NPMHU. If you have any proposals that you would like to have considered for the upcoming round of bargaining, now is the time to submit them to the National Office. Every proposal submitted will be fully analyzed by the NPMHU’s Field Negotiating Committee and the National Negotiations Team while the Union develops its opening bargaining proposals. All proposals should set forth the Article, Section, Paragraph, and/or Page of the National Agreement that you are suggesting should be changed; the specific language you would like to see added to, or deleted from, the current National Agreement; and your specific reasons for suggesting the change. If you have supporting evidence or documentation that you believe would support the change that you propose, please submit those materials to the National Office along with your proposals. The National Office is asking that all proposals be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than January 31, 2025. The National Office also has issued a form that can be used to submit proposals.

    Once again, proposals from any member (or group of members) and any Local Unions or other subordinate body should be submitted to the National Office by January 31, 2025, by faxing to 202-833-0008 or by using the following address:

    National Postal Mail Handlers Union
    ATTN: 2025 Negotiations
    815 16th Street, NW, Suite 5100
    Washington, DC 20006

    Reference: www.npmhu.org via NPMHU Local 317


     

    Saturday, September 7, 2024

    Audit Finds Postal Employee ‘Availability’ Slipping; Calls on USPS to Tighten Controls

      Audit Finds Postal Employee ‘Availability’ Slipping; Calls on USPS to Tighten Controls

    "...availability fell from 84.4 percent in 2020 to 82.8 percent in 2023 ...“We found progressive corrective action has not been consistent and sick leave, LWOP, and AWOL hours have generally trended upward...In a sample of 400 regular sick leave occurrences of more than three days, management did not have the required medical documentation for 358, or 90 percent."

    Reference: www.fedweek.com


     

    Thursday, August 15, 2024

    NPMHU Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) set at $978

      Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) set at $978

    Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) set at $978

    Effective September 7, 2024 (Pay Period 20-2024), all career Mail Handler craft employees are scheduled to receive a cost-of-living (COLA) adjustment as outlined in Article 9.3 of the 2022 National Agreement. This is the fourth of six possible COLA increases under the terms of the current agreement. This COLA increase is based on the upward change in the relevant Consumer Price Index (CPI) following release of the July 2024 Index, using the July 2022 CPI index as a base. The resulting calculation provides an annual increase of $978 for all Steps in Table 1 and for Step P of Table 2. The remaining Steps in Table 2 will receive the proportional COLA increase percentages as outlined in Article 9.3 of the National Agreement.

    Wage Charts coming soon

    Reference: NPMHU via NPMHU Local 317 - Alabama


     

    USPS Warns Indiana Residents of Alarming New Scam Wipes Out Bank Accounts

      USPS Warns Indiana Residents of Alarming New Scam Wipes Out Bank Accounts

    "...With the help of AI and other technological advances, criminals are constantly adapting their ways to scam people out of their money and personal information. According to the United States Postal Inspection Service, customers in Indiana and the U.S. are falling victim to fraud through 'smishing' text messages with an alleged delivery notification and tracking link like..."

    Reference: wkfr.com