How to File a Death Claim with USPS – Step-by-Step Guide

If a USPS employee or retiree passes away, their next of kin or legal representative may be eligible to receive death benefits, such as unpaid compensation, life insurance (FEGLI), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) disbursements, and retirement-related payouts. While these processes are not completed directly through LiteBlue, the USPS Human Resources Shared Services Center (HRSSC) manages all death claim procedures.

Here’s how to file a death claim with USPS.

Step 1: Contact the USPS HR Shared Services Center (HRSSC)

The first step is to report the death by calling:

HRSSC Phone Number:

1-877-477-3273 (Option 5)
🕒 Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM ET

Have the following information ready:

• Full name of the deceased
• Their Employee ID number or Social Security Number (last 4 digits)
• Date of death
• Your contact information as the reporting party
• Your relationship to the deceased

Step 2: Receive and Complete Required Forms

HRSSC will mail or email the appropriate forms based on the employee’s status (active, retired, or separated). These may include:

• Form FE-6: For FEGLI (Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance) claims
• Form SF-2800: For retirement benefits under CSRS or FERS
• TSP-17: For death benefit from the Thrift Savings Plan
• Unpaid compensation claim forms for last paycheck or leave payout

Step 3: Submit Required Documentation

You’ll need to send:

• Certified death certificate
• Completed claim forms
• Proof of relationship or next of kin (if required)
• Any other documents USPS requests (e.g., court-issued letters of administration)

Mail instructions will be provided in the claim packet from HRSSC.

Step 4: Wait for Claim Processing

Processing times may vary depending on the benefits involved. Claims are usually reviewed in the order they are received.

• FEGLI claims are processed by MetLife
• TSP death claims are handled by the Thrift Savings Board
• Retirement annuities or lump sums may be processed through OPM (Office of Personnel Management)

You will receive updates by mail or phone once the claim is approved or if more information is needed.

Can You File a Death Claim Through LiteBlue?

No — you cannot file a USPS death claim directly through LiteBlue. However, if the deceased employee used LiteBlue, their records may be helpful for:

• Verifying benefits coverage
• Viewing their most recent paystub (via ePayroll)
• Identifying insurance elections (via PostalEASE)

Summary Checklist

To file a USPS death claim:

1. Call HRSSC at 1-877-477-3273 (Option 5)
2. Request appropriate claim forms
3. Complete forms and attach required documentation
4. Mail everything to the address provided by HRSSC
5. Follow up if necessary using your claim reference number

Final Note

Filing a death claim with USPS can feel overwhelming during a difficult time. Following the correct steps ensures that benefits and compensation are processed accurately and as quickly as possible.