USPS Retiree Incentive and W-2 Request Steps

Coming from Charlie Cash, Industrial Relations Director

Union Family,

I have been asked a few questions in regards to those who have retired, are owed an incentive payments, and need a copy of a W-2, on how to update their addresses or request a new W-2. This especially applies to retirees who had wages and were paid an incentive in 2025. Those who retired under the incentive MOU will also receive an incentive payment in 2026 and be owed a W-2 for tax year 2026. That will be sent out in January of 2027.  The Postal Service provided me the following response:

To update an address with USPS

The employee can contact HRSSC at 877-477-3272, to update their mailing address.  If he/she can answer the security validation questions correctly, they will be able to update their mailing address with the phone agent.   If he/she is unable to answer the security questions, they will need to mail a completed PS Form 1216 (can be googled) or a written letter providing the new address, EIN or SSN, emergency contact information, phone number, signature and date to:

Fax: 202-268-0357
USPS HRSSC
COA PROCESSING
PO BOX 970400
GREENSBORO NC 27497-0400

To Request a W2 reprint from HRSSC:

The individual can contact HRSSC at 877-477-3272.  He/she will first need to follow the previous instructions for updating their mailing address, and once complete, they can request a w2 reprint be mailed to them.   However, if he/she was unable to answer the security questions, a written request can be submitted with the following information:

o    The tax years being requested

o    Former employee’s name

o    Last four of the Social Security Number/EIN

o    Name and location of employing Federal agency

o    Copy of their Driver’s License or a valid State issued ID

o    New Mailing Address including ZIP+4

o    Phone Number

o    Signature

 Submit the written request to:

Fax: 651-994-3543

USPS HRSSC
Attn: W-2
PO Box 970400
Greensboro NC 27497-0400

 Note: Mailing is the HRSSC preferred method for receiving W2 requests because faxes tend to be received as a lower quality copy than the original. Documents that are illegible will cause the request to be returned unprocessed.

 The W-2 Reprint(s) will be processed within 5-10 business days. The employee should allow 7-10 business days for mailing to receive the W-2. All requests will be returned by mail.

 Special note: If the individual was on Leave Without Pay (OWCP, Military, Union, or Regular LWOP) for all 26 pay periods of the year and received no salary from the USPS, a W-2 will not be generated by the USPS.  The employee will need to contact the appropriate agency (Military, Union, or Department of Labor) to request a W-2 or other documentation, if any, required to file their taxes.

Mail-In Voter Challenge 2026

So what’s NOT being spoken about… I was sent an email asking me to check the validity of its origins and whether the information was legit – basically, fact-checking the email. Once I validated the source, I went down the rabbit-hole. Attached for download, I have uncovered the mail-in voter challenges which will affect the future of our voting rights if we don’t pass the word to our local communities and even State-level officials that can make a difference or help to push and/or pass State legislation.

It’s not going to get easier unless we unite and stand up for the fight. Download the document below and use it to inform your neighbors and local communities.

Download [21.12 KB]

Roth TSP Changes in 2026

Postal employees rely on the Thrift Savings Plan as a cornerstone of retirement security. A recent TSP update outlines important clarifications and upcoming changes to Roth TSP accounts that will begin in January 2026. Understanding these changes now is critical so employees can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes later.

The TSP update makes clear that Roth TSP and Roth IRAs are not the same. Roth TSP is a retirement account available only through federal employment and exists inside the Thrift Savings Plan. A Roth IRA is a separate individual retirement account opened outside the TSP through a private financial institution. They are governed by different rules under different sections of the tax code, and confusing the two can lead to incorrect guidance when planning for retirement.

Both Roth TSP and Roth IRAs share some similarities. Contributions are made with after tax dollars, meaning taxes are paid before the money goes into the account. Qualified withdrawals of contributions are tax free, and investment earnings can also be withdrawn tax free if IRS requirements are met. Those requirements include meeting the five year rule and being at least age 59½, permanently disabled, or deceased. Neither account requires mandatory minimum distributions during the participant’s lifetime, although beneficiary rules differ.

The differences between the two accounts are significant and directly affect postal employees. Roth TSP contributions can only be made through payroll deductions while employed in a TSP eligible position. Roth IRA contributions can be made from any earned income. Contribution limits are also much higher in the TSP. For 2026, the elective deferral limit for TSP is $24,500, which applies to the combined total of traditional and Roth employee contributions, with additional catch up contributions allowed for eligible participants. Roth IRA contribution limits are lower, set at $7,500 for 2026, or $8,600 for those age 50 or older.

There are no income limits for contributing to Roth TSP, while Roth IRA contributions may be restricted based on income and filing status. Roth TSP contributions may be matched up to 5 percent for eligible FERS employees, although matching contributions always go into the traditional TSP balance, even when the employee contributes to Roth. Roth IRAs do not offer any employer matching contributions.

The update also outlines important changes taking effect in 2026. Beginning January 1, 2026, certain participants will be required to make catch up contributions as Roth contributions. In addition, Roth in plan conversions will become available starting January 28, 2026, allowing eligible participants to convert traditional TSP balances to Roth TSP within their account.

Another key distinction involves rollovers and withdrawal rules. Roth TSP balances can be rolled over into a Roth IRA, but Roth IRAs cannot be rolled into the TSP. When withdrawing from Roth TSP, distributions include both contributions and earnings in proportion to the account balance. Roth IRA withdrawals follow different ordering rules, which can affect tax treatment.

The TSP emphasizes that participants should rely on official TSP resources when making decisions and be cautious about informal advice. While the TSP does not provide financial advice, understanding the rules that apply specifically to the TSP is essential. Employees may also wish to consult a qualified tax or financial advisor when evaluating how these changes affect their retirement planning.

Staying informed is part of protecting your future. Postal employees should review their TSP elections, understand how Roth changes may apply to them in 2026, and share accurate information with coworkers so everyone can plan wisely.