More than 38,000 Changes of Address filed

HURRICANE UPDATE — HELPING CUSTOMERS RECONNECT

More than 38,000 Changes of Address filed

The Postal Service’s hurricane response has focused on getting mail to displaced customers across the country, finding and helping employees uprooted by the storm and reestablishing service to customers in areas hit by Hurricane Katrina.

The Postal Service has been successful in letting displaced customers know that USPS can get their mail to them — including Social Security, payroll checks and prescriptions by mail — no matter where they are, by providing their temporary address.

“For many, mail is their primary means of receiving financial support,” said Louisiana District Manager Tony Ruda. “That’s why the Postal Service, nationally and locally, moved quickly to set up means for people to get their Social Security or other checks.”

To date, more than 38,000 hurricane victims have filed Changes of Address (COA) — and that number is growing quickly — most using the Internet COA option on usps.com, followed by Telephone COA through 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Others have gone to Post Offices to complete and submit COA forms or mail them postage-free.

Baton Rouge P&DC Distribution Clerk Audrey Grimes sorts New Orleans Social Security checks destined for customer pickup in La Place, LA.

USPS has temporarily waived the $1 fee and credit card requirement for Internet COAs in affected areas. Postal employees at the Houston Astrodome and other sites housing evacuees are helping people change their addresses.

Mailers have been advised to continue sending First-Class Mail to customers’ addresses. If a COA is on file, mail will be redirected to the customer’s temporary location or made available at the local Post Office. Mail that can’t be delivered or forwarded will be returned to the sender.