A little-known benefit for postal workers is unemployment compensation. Not one word is on LiteBlue. HRSSC is supposed to issue a Standard Form 8 (SF-8) to an employee each time he/she is separated from the Postal Service for any reason OR is placed in a nonpay status for 7 or more consecutive calendar days (voluntarily or involuntarily). The rule is in ELM 553.12. HRSSC routinely fails to do this. Attached is an example of SF-8 for postal workers.

Postal workers may also qualify for partial unemployment benefits if their work hours are cut. This happens frequently to PTFs and non-career employees, but no one notifies them. The rules vary from state to state. Most states will delay or deny your unemployment benefits for such reasons as voluntarily quitting your job or being suspended or discharged for misconduct.

Employees who quit a job generally have the burden of proof to establish they had good cause for quitting. Acceptable reasons vary from state to state. Employers have the burden of proof to establish that misconduct was the reason for a suspension or discharge. An on-the-job accident or a physical inability to do the work is not misconduct.

To file an unemployment claim, ask HRSSC for your last PS Form 50 (Notification of Personnel Action) and SF-8 (Notice to Federal Employee about Unemployment Insurance). Gather your earnings statements (available on LiteBlue) and other documents relevant to your situation. Your eligibility for unemployment compensation cannot be determined until after you file a claim. If you delay filing, your unemployment benefits may be reduced or you may not qualify.

• SF-8 USPS Notice About Unemployment Insurance.pdf

• Unemployment Compensation Fact Sheet for Federal Employees.pdf

• Federal Agency Responsibilities Related to Unemployment Compensation.pdf

First Name: Don
Last Name: Cheney
Email: doncheney@live.com
Union/Local: APWU Auburn WA Local
Office held if any: Past President