Free Po Box For Homeless People (All You Need To Know)
In the United States, it is estimated that there will be more than half a million people who are homeless by 2021. The lack of regular mail delivery is a major obstacle for homeless persons.
Can A Homeless Person Get A Free USPS PO Box In 2022?
From 2022 onwards, all homeless Americans can get free postal boxes from the United States Postal Service. To request this service, applicants must complete an application form and show proof of identification. Then, the local Postmaster approves the requests. Some people may not be eligible for a Free PO box.
How do homeless people sign up for an USPS POBox?
The Postal Service’s commitment to delivering mail to every address in the United States extends beyond just mailboxes or driveways.
This agency is the one that guarantees U.S. citizenship to all citizens. It also helps ensure the continued availability of mail for the homeless.
You or someone you love is experiencing homelessness, and need a place to deliver mailpieces permanently, fill out an Application.
The Postal Service does use the same application to process all PO Box requests: PS form 1093.
It is important that you fill this application accurately and adhere to the white spaces (the grayed out area is only for the Post Office).
After that, your next step is to physically take the application to your closest Post Office location. This is important because it will require you to contact the building’s Postmaster.
Also, there’s one area on the application that might cause some alarm – the identification section.
A homeless person’s eligibility is more difficult than a non-homeless applicant because it recognizes how hard it can be for those with ID to get one.
If you are applying for a PO Box free of charge because you are homeless, these must be met:
A valid document of identification is present (state-issued driver’s license or passport). ).
You don’t need a valid ID to prove your 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)
Additionally, you may use a phone number of a reliable friend, a place of employment, a shelter or charity institution, or your social services office.
You must inform the Postmaster if you change your contact information, such as a friend’s number.
You will be given a code and assigned a mailbox if you are approved. Some Post Offices are more busy than others and have 24 hour access to the lobby as well as PO boxes.
You can however check USPS.com online for information about your access hours.
Further, if you have internet access and an email address, you can sign up for Informed Delivery.
This way you will be able to see the delivery even if your mailbox is not accessible every day.
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 of all, the postmaster may not approve an application if it isn’t met the necessary 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.
Another reason for denying an application could be the inability of the Post Office to provide PO boxes. If this is true, it’s possible to try another location if you reside in an area with many locations.
However, you have another choice if this is not possible or would result in undue hardship.
Is it possible for a homeless person to get a free PO box?
A homeless person does not have to fulfill the criteria for receiving a complimentary PO box. However, it is possible to still get one. Instead, the Postmaster could set them up for General Delivery.
However, general delivery is used by many types of individuals with different lifestyles.
General Delivery allows customers to pick up mail from the Post Office at any of its various locations.
General Delivery is more convenient than a PO box, but PO boxes can still be found at anytime, while General Delivery is available only during regular retail hours.
General Delivery is available for free and can be used during the wait to receive a PO card.
To learn more, you can also see our related posts on whether or not USPS delivers to PO boxes, how much is a PO box at USPS, and what is proof of delivery in USPS.
The USPS acknowledges the problem of homelessness in America and addresses how it can impact access to basic necessities that Americans take 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)
