Everybody gets sick every once and a while, meaning that occasionally we all have to miss work. When it comes to USPS, it has certain rules and regulations for calling in sick.
So, you might be asking, how do you call in sick properly? Well, look no further. I researched the topic, and here’s everything I discovered!
How Do You Call In Sick At USPS In 2024?
There are two methods to calling in sick with USPS; you can either call in by phone or online through the Enterprise Leave Request Application (eLRA) as of 2024. You typically cannot get fired for calling in sick at USPS, provided it’s within the allotted sick days. However, USPS can use unscheduled absences as a basis for disciplinary action.
To learn more about how to call out sick and proper procedures for taking an unscheduled absence at USPS, be sure to keep reading!
How To Call In Sick At USPS Over The Phone
The most reliable way to call in sick with USPS is over the phone to the Interactive Voice Response system, which you can reach at 877-477-3273.
To request unscheduled leave, press four when prompted.
Then, the line will ask you to specify the type of injury/illness you’re calling out for and the amount of time you expect to be out of work.
Also, you’ll need to have your employee identification number handy as you’ll be asked to enter it when you report your absence.
Further, if your illness affects your speaking ability, you can use your phone’s numerical keypad to record your responses.
Finally, you’ll receive a confirmation number when the call is complete. So, be sure to write it down as your receipt for calling in sick!
How To Call In Sick At USPS Online
In 2019, the Post Office added another, more convenient method for employees to call in sick online.
That said, this system is called the Enterprise Leave Request Application, more commonly known as eLRA.
Further, eLRA is accessible through the LiteBlue application USPS workers can access via computers, smartphones, and tablets using their employee identification number and password.
With that, you can request unscheduled leave through eLRA by logging into the LiteBlue application, selecting the eLRA icon categorized under the “employee apps-quick links” section, and following the on-screen prompts to submit a request.
Once your request is submitted, the information is passed securely to the employee’s manager, providing them with a record of the unscheduled absence request.
As you can see, eLRA is an excellent option for those looking for a faster, more convenient way to submit a sick time request.
For example, it allows you to see your request, which helps avoid errors and expedite the process of calling out.
Additionally, if you have any questions about the eLRA or LiteBlue systems, be sure to ask your manager, supervisor, or local Postmaster.
Can You Get Fired At USPS For Calling In Sick?
While there’s an incredibly slim chance you could get fired from a position as USPS for calling in sick, it is possible.
That said, there’s no way you would get fired for calling in sick without there being progressive disciplinary actions taken because of multiple absences before being fired.
Furthermore, USPS employees are given sick time as a part of their employment agreement, and you’re entitled to use that sick time as you need it.
However, if you were to call out sick past the allotted time you have earned, USPS would need to follow its progressive disciplinary actions procedure before firing you.
Also, the USPS progressive disciplinary actions process is as follows:
- Discussion
- Letter of warning
- Suspension
- Termination of employment
How Many Times Can You Call In Sick USPS?
Full-time employees of USPS accrue four hours of sick leave per biweekly pay period.
On the other hand, part-time employees accrue one hour for every 20 hours worked per biweekly pay period.
However, all employees earn up to 104 hours of sick time per year, which comes out to about 13 days you can call out sick for work per year.
Additionally, it’s important to note that while you only have 13 days of sick leave, you can bargain for more depending on your circumstance.
Also, you’re not obligated to use only your sick leave when calling in for an unscheduled absence.
For example, you can use your annual leave and leave without pay if you run out of sick leave.
Can You Request Days Off At USPS?
If you’re looking to request days off ahead of time rather than call in an unscheduled absence due to illness or injury, you can still use the eLRA application.
Therefore, to request days off ahead of time using eLRA, you can log into LiteBlue and navigate to the eLRA app as you typically would.
Once there, you can fill out and submit a PS Form 3971, the Request For Or Notification Of Absence form provided by USPS.
Then, all of the information you provide is securely transmitted to your manager or supervisor, so both parties have a record of the request submission.
After receiving the request, your manager or supervisor can then choose to approve the leave as scheduled or deny it.
Do You Have To Have A Doctor’s Note To Call In Sick At USPS?
No, you do not need to have a doctor’s note to call in sick at USPS. However, one can be requested of you by your supervisor.
That said, this is because USPS operates on a “deems desirable” sick leave policy, meaning that while your sick leave is not necessarily restricted, your manager can request a doctor’s note for an absence.
But, it is essential to note that most unions try to mitigate the “deems desirable” system when advocating for employees.
First off, when your manager requests documentation, this often just means a reason for the absence, not necessarily medical documentation such as a doctor’s note.
Additionally, it’s important to note that your manager shouldn’t request medical documentation unless your absence is over three days or you have several unexplained, unscheduled absences.
If you want to know more, you can also see our posts on USPS attendance policy, USPS termination policy, and USPS sick leave policy.
Conclusion
You can call in sick from work at USPS over the phone or online.
To call in sick over the phone, you must contact the Interactive Voice Response System and describe the injury or illness causing the unscheduled absence and how long you expect to be out of the office.
At the end of the call, you’ll get a confirmation number you need to record as proof of your sick-time request.
To call out sick online, you can use the LiteBlue app to visit the Enterprise Leave Request Application to submit all of the information for management.
Once you’ve submitted your sick time request through eLRA, you’ll get a confirmation email to keep as a record of your request.