2023 USPS Annual Leave Accrual Guide
The USPS Annual Leave Accrual Guide is an important tool for postal employees to manage their annual leave. It provides information on how annual leave is credited for full-time and part-time employees, as well as the option to receive annual leave in lieu of holiday pay.
Understanding the guide is crucial in order to effectively manage and utilize the annual leave allotted to each employee.
Check out this Youtube video: “USPS City Carrier Assistant (CCA) Annual Leave Pay Out” to learn everything you need to know about annual leave accrual as a USPS employee and how to maximize your payout. Whether you’re a new hire or a seasoned USPS veteran, this video is a must-watch for anyone interested in managing their leave and finances effectively.
Overview of USPS Annual Leave Accrual
Annual leave accrual is the process by which employees earn paid time off from their jobs. This time off can be used for vacation, personal days, or other reasons.
For full-time USPS employees, annual leave is credited at the beginning of the leave year, while for part-time employees, it is accrued in units of 20, 13, or 10 hours worked.
The amount of annual leave an employee accrues depends on their length of service and employment status. USPS employees can earn up to 208 hours of annual leave per year, which is equivalent to 26 days.
Employees can elect to receive annual leave in lieu of holiday leave pay when they work on holidays. Requesting to use accrued leave hours is also possible in USPS, provided that the employees are eligible and comply with the company’s policies and guidelines.
Types of Leave at USPS
Annual Leave (Vacation)
Annual leave, also known as vacation leave, is a form of paid time off that USPS employees can use for personal reasons. Full-time employees receive annual leave credits at the beginning of each leave year, while part-time employees accrue leave based on the number of hours worked.
The maximum carryover amount for annual leave is 440 hours for full-time employees and varies for part-time employees. You can submit a request to use your annual leave hours through the eLRA system or by filling out PS Form 3971.
Sick Leave
Sick leave is used when employees are unable to work due to illness or medical appointments. Full-time USPS employees earn 104 hours of sick leave each leave year, while part-time employees accrue leave based on the number of hours worked.
There is no limit to the amount of sick leave that can be carried over from year to year. To request sick leave, submit PS Form 3971 to your supervisor.
Sick Leave Pool
The Sick Leave Pool program provides a safety net for employees who have exhausted all their leave options due to a serious medical condition. Eligible employees can donate their sick leave hours to the pool, which can then be used by employees in need.
To be eligible for the Sick Leave Pool program, employees must have completed one year of service and have at least one full day of sick leave remaining. Contact your HR office for more information.
Personal Holiday
Personal holiday is a day of paid time off that USPS employees can use for any personal reason. Full-time employees receive one personal holiday per year, while part-time employees receive a prorated amount based on the number of hours worked.
To be eligible for a personal holiday, employees must have completed 90 days of continuous service. Request your personal holiday through the eLRA system or by submitting PS Form 3971 to your supervisor.
Administrative Leave
Administrative leave is a form of paid time off that USPS employees may be granted for reasons such as jury duty, military duty, or training. Administrative leave is not charged to the employee’s annual or sick leave balance.
Contact your supervisor or HR office to request administrative leave.
Parental Leave
Parental leave is a form of unpaid job-protected leave that allows employees to take time off to care for a newborn or newly adopted child. Employees may also be eligible for paid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
The FMLA applies to companies with 50 or more employees and all public agencies. Contact your HR office for more information about parental leave.
University Holidays
University holidays are designated days off for USPS employees who work at universities, colleges, or other educational institutions. USPS employees may use annual, sick, or personal holiday leave credits to cover university holidays.
Contact your HR office for a list of university holidays and more information.
Family Medical Leave Act
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides certain employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for reasons such as the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition, or during an employee’s own serious health condition. During FMLA leave, group health benefits are maintained.
FMLA leave applies to companies with 50 or more employees and all public agencies. Contact your HR office for more information.
Florida Board of Governors Statement of Free Expression
The Florida Board of Governors Statement of Free Expression allows USPS employees at Florida universities to engage in expressive activities on campus without interference. This may affect leave accrual if an employee needs to take time off for an expressive activity.
Contact your HR office for more information about the FBOG Statement of Free Expression.
Updates to USPS Annual Leave Accrual for 2023
Maximum Annual Leave Carryover Amount of 520 Hours Extended into Leave Year 2023
Starting January 1, 2023, USPS employees can carry over a maximum of 520 hours of accumulated annual leave from the previous leave year. This new maximum carryover amount was extended by 80 hours, allowing eligible employees to keep more unused annual leave hours.
This update is most beneficial to employees who accrue annual leave faster than they can use it.
The maximum carryover limit applies to all employees eligible for annual leave, except for Postal Inspectors and EAS employees, who have different leave policies. It’s important to note that any annual leave over the carryover limit must be used or forfeited by the end of the current leave year.
What Can I Do on this Site?
The USPS Employee Self-Service (ESS) portal allows employees to view and manage various aspects of their employment, including annual leave accrual and usage. Through this portal, employees can view their current annual leave balances, request to use their accrued leave, and submit leave requests for approval.
The ESS portal also gives employees quick access to important information, like pay stubs, benefits, and retirement. By using the ESS portal, USPS employees can easily manage their employment information and ensure their leave accrual and usage is accurate.
Representing City Letter Carriers of the United States Postal Service
The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) represents city letter carriers employed by the United States Postal Service. The union is committed to protecting the rights and interests of USPS employees, including their leave benefits.
NALC’s representation includes advocating for better working conditions, fair pay, and comprehensive benefits packages. The union also provides resources and support for employees seeking guidance on leave management, including FMLA leave, annual leave usage, and sick leave policies.
Employees can also reach out to their local branch of the NALC for personalized assistance and help navigating the USPS’s annual leave accrual and usage policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between annual leave for full-time and part-time USPS employees?
Can postal employees choose to receive annual leave in lieu of holiday leave pay?
How do employees earn accrued leave?
What is the Family and Medical Leave Act?
What is the maximum amount of annual leave that most employees can carry over from one year to the next?
What happens to excess annual leave that an employee does not use by the end of a leave year?
Conclusion
It is important for United States Postal Service (USPS) employees to keep track of their annual leave accrual. Full-time employees receive credited annual leave at the beginning of the leave year, while part-time employees accrue leave based on units of hours worked.
USPS employees can also elect to receive annual leave in lieu of holiday leave pay. Accrued leave hours can be used through a request.
It is also important to note that there is a maximum carry-over amount for annual leave, and excess annual leave must be used before the end of the leave year or it will be forfeited. Refer to the chart provided to determine the amount of annual leave accrued for full-time and part-time employees.
| Employee Type | Accrued Annual Leave |
| Full-time | 6 hours for each full biweekly pay period plus 4 hours in last full pay period in calendar year; i.e. 160 hours (20 days) per 26-period leave year. |
