Applying for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as a postal worker involves a series of steps.

Here’s a general outline of the process:

1. Determine Eligibility – To be eligible for FMLA, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Have worked for the Postal Service for at least 12 months.
  • Have worked at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months.

2. Understand Qualifying Reasons

FMLA can be used for various reasons, including:

  • Birth and care of a newborn child.
  • Placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care.
  • Care for an immediate family member (spouse, child, or parent) with a serious health condition.
  • A serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform their job.
  • Any qualifying exigency arising from a family member’s military service.

3. Notify Your Employer

Inform your supervisor or the HR department of your need for FMLA leave as soon as possible.
Provide at least 30 days advance notice if the leave is foreseeable. If not, inform them as soon as you can.

4. Complete the Necessary Forms

Obtain the appropriate FMLA forms from your supervisor, HR department, or the USPS LiteBlue website.
Typically, you’ll need to complete Form WH-380-E (Certification of Health Care Provider for Employee’s Serious Health Condition) or Form WH-380-F (Certification of Health Care Provider for Family Member’s Serious Health Condition).

5. Submit Medical Certification

Have your healthcare provider complete the medical certification form.
Submit the completed form to the HR department or as instructed by your supervisor.

6. Await Approval

The Postal Service has up to 15 days to review your request and notify you of the approval or denial.
If additional information is required, you may be asked to provide it.

7. Maintain Communication

Keep in touch with your supervisor or HR department throughout your leave.
Provide updates on your condition and expected return date if necessary.

8. Returning to Work

When your FMLA leave is over, inform your supervisor of your return date.
You may need to provide a fitness-for-duty certification if your leave was due to your own serious health condition.

Additional Resources

  • USPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can provide guidance.
  • Consult the USPS FMLA guidelines on the USPS LiteBlue website or contact the HR department for specific procedures and forms.

It’s important to follow the specific procedures and timelines required by the Postal Service to ensure your FMLA leave is processed correctly.