Free Po Box For Homeless People
Free Po Box For Homeless People (All You Need To Know)
It’s estimated that in 2021, there will be over half a million homeless people in the United States. A lack of regular mail delivery can be a significant obstacle to homeless people.
Is it possible for a homeless person to get a free USPS PO box in 2022?
The United States Postal Service offers free PO boxes to homeless persons without a permanent residence as of 2022. The application must be completed and accompanied by proof of identity. After that, the request is approved by the Postmaster. Individuals who aren’t eligible for a PO box free of charge may instead qualify for general delivery.
How do homeless people sign up for an USPS POBox?
The Postal Service is committed to getting mail delivered to every address within the United States. This commitment goes far beyond mailboxes and driveways.
This federal agency, which is constitutionally guaranteed for U.S citizens, works also to make sure that homeless people have mail access.
You or someone you love is experiencing homelessness, and need a place to deliver mailpieces permanently, fill out an Application.
That said, the Postal Service uses the same application for all PO box requests, PS form 1093.
You should also make sure to complete the application correctly, keeping to the white space. The greyed area is reserved for Post Office purposes only.
You will then need to go to your local Post Office to submit the application. With that, you must do this because you will have to speak to the Postmaster of that building.
Another area in your application to be cautious about is the identification portion.
Further, the eligibility for a homeless person is different than for a non-homeless one because the USPS recognizes that the difficulty for the former in obtaining identification is exponential.
Instead, if you’re applying to receive a free PO box due to homelessness, you must meet these requirements:
A valid document of identification is present (state-issued driver’s license or passport). ).
A valid form of identification is required to verify identity.
A valid contact point is available for you to be reached by the Post Office when needed ( your cell phone number or an email address)
Also, you can use the number of a trusted friend, an employer, a shelter or charitable institution or your social service office.
You must inform the Postmaster if you change your contact information, such as a friend’s number.
Once you have been approved you will receive a number and a key. Some post offices, especially those that are busier, offer 24-hour access to their lobby and can also use PO boxes.
You can also check USPS.com online to find out your access hours.
You can also sign up for informed delivery if your internet connection is available and you have an email address.
That way, if you can’t access your PO box every day, you can at least see what’s being delivered.
Your USPS PO Box Free Application was Denied
There are a few reasons why an application for a free USPS PO box might be denied.
First, the Postmaster cannot approve an application if the applicant doesn’t meet all the requirements.
The Postmaster may not approve your application if there is no contact person.
A denial would also apply if the applicant doesn’t possess an ID or isn’t recognized by the Postmaster.
A denial of application might be due to the fact that there aren’t any PO boxes available at the Post Office. If this is true, it’s possible to try another location if you reside in an area with many locations.
If that is inconvenient for you or you are unable to access your mail, another alternative option exists. (See below).
Is it possible for a homeless person to get a free PO box?
Even if the homeless don’t fulfill all requirements to receive a free POBox, there is still hope. You can have them set up by General Delivery, or the Postmaster.
General Delivery can be used by many people, with varied lifestyles.
General Delivery is when the Post Office stores mail for customers at one of their locations.
The main disadvantage of General Delivery over a PO Box is that PO boxes can be accessed at all times, while General Delivery cannot be accessed during retail hours.
Still, General Delivery is a free service to the homeless population and can be used in the meantime while waiting for a PO box to free up.
You can read our other posts to learn about whether USPS ships to PO boxes and how much a USPS PO box costs.
The USPS is aware of the issues surrounding homelessness and the impact it has on access to the things that others have taken for granted.
By offering free PO boxes or General Delivery services to the homeless population, the Postal Service asserts the dignity and equality of these people as best it can.
.Free Po Box For Homeless People (All You Need To Know)