Relief Grants Available From Postal Employees Relief Fund, Union Plus

Postal workers who suffered property losses due to the recent flooding in Colorado may be eligible for financial assistance through the Postal Relief Fund (PERF).

Sixty-five USPS workers suffered damage to their homes as a result of the flooding, which inundated parts of nine counties, reports APWU Human Relations Department Director Sue Carney.

Postal employees and retirees whose homes were completely destroyed or who anticipate being displaced from their primary residence for an extended period of time due to significant flooding damage are eligible to receive disaster assistance grants from PERF.

Thanks to changes recently implemented by the PERF Executive Committee, disaster assistance grants are available immediately, when aid is needed the most. Applicants no longer have to wait for federal relief agencies and insurance companies to adjudicate claims before they are able to receive a PERF grant to help them procure a new residence, purchase new clothes and other necessities.

The committee also streamlined the application process by creating a new application, requiring less documentation and allowing employees up to 120 days to apply.

PERF Needs Your Support

“In the past year Hurricane Sandy, the Moore, OK tornados, the Canyon wildfires, and the Colorado floods have placed enormous burdens on PERF,” Carney noted. “Our brothers and sisters have suffered unimaginable losses from these tragic events,” she said, “and I encourage APWU members, along with our local and state organizations to give to PERF.”

Union Plus Grants Also Available

In addition to assistance from PERF, $500 disaster assistance grants are available to union members who are enrolled in Union Plus, the AFL-CIO’s benefit program. Read more here.