Calling off work is sometimes necessary. Whether you’re feeling unwell, dealing with an emergency, or facing a personal issue, the LiteBlue USPS call off system is here to help you report your absence the right way. USPS has made it easy for employees to notify their supervisors through either the LiteBlue portal or an official phone line.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to properly report a call off, what methods to use, what policies apply, and how to avoid mistakes that can affect your attendance record.
What Is the USPS Call Off Process?
The USPS call off process refers to how employees notify their supervisors that they won’t be coming in for a scheduled shift. This is different from pre-approved leave or vacation time.
Calling off is generally used when something unexpected happens—such as illness, a family emergency, or another valid reason. USPS requires that employees report their absence either through the LiteBlue portal or by using the USPS call out number. This helps supervisors plan coverage and keep attendance records accurate.
Methods to Call Off Work at USPS
There are two main ways to report a call off at USPS: through the LiteBlue portal or over the phone. Both are official and secure.
Method 1 – Using LiteBlue Portal (Recommended)
The fastest and most accurate way to report a sick day is by logging into your LiteBlue account and using the eLRA system (Enterprise Leave Request Application). Here’s how:
- Visit LiteBlue.usps.gov and log in using your Employee ID and password.
- On the homepage, select eLRA.
- Choose the leave type (such as Sick Leave or Emergency Leave).
- Enter the date, time, and brief reason for your absence.
- Click Submit to complete the request.
Your request will be sent directly to your supervisor for review.
Method 2 – Calling the USPS HR Shared Services Center
If you cannot access LiteBlue, you can report your absence by phone. Follow these steps:
- Call 1 877 477 3273
- Press Option 4 for the Human Resources Shared Service Center
- Provide your Employee ID, USPS PIN, and absence details
- Wait for confirmation
This is helpful when you’re away from a computer or need to report an urgent situation quickly.
LiteBlue USPS Call Off Form (PS Form 3971)
For planned absences or backup options, employees can use PS Form 3971 to request leave.
Steps to Fill Out PS Form 3971
- Get a copy of PS Form 3971 from your supervisor or USPS website.
- Fill in your details including:
- Name and EIN
- Date(s) of absence
- Type of leave requested
- Submit the form to your supervisor for approval.
- Keep a copy for your records.
When to Use PS Form 3971
- For planned absences such as vacations or medical leave.
- As a backup if you cannot call or use LiteBlue eLRA.
When Should You Call Off from USPS Work?
You should use the USPS call off system in any situation where you’re unable to attend your scheduled shift. Common reasons include:
- Illness or medical condition
- Injury or recovery from surgery
- Family emergency or dependent care
- Sudden transportation issues
- Unexpected personal crisis
Ideally, you should notify USPS as soon as possible, preferably before your shift starts. Late or missing notifications may be marked as unexcused absences.
Understanding USPS Sick Leave and Leave Policies
Here’s a breakdown of how USPS sick leave works:
- Full-time employees earn 4 hours of sick leave per pay period.
- Part-time employees earn sick leave based on the number of hours worked.
- Sick leave can be used for yourself or a dependent.
- If you don’t have enough accrued sick leave, you may request Leave Without Pay (LWOP).
- You may be asked to provide documentation, especially for long absences or patterns of frequent call-offs.
Understanding these policies helps you make smart, informed choices when requesting time off.
What Happens After You Submit a Call Off Request?
Once your call off request is submitted (either online or by phone), it will be reviewed by your supervisor. They may approve or deny the request based on USPS policy and your attendance record.
You can check the status of your leave request by logging into the eLRA system on LiteBlue. If the request is approved, it will appear in your leave history. If denied, you’ll receive a notice with details.
It’s a good habit to follow up with your supervisor if you do not receive confirmation within a reasonable time.
USPS Call Off Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do:
- Call off as early as possible
- Use LiteBlue or the official phone number only
- Keep records of your call off submissions
- Communicate clearly and honestly
❌ Don’t:
- Skip reporting—this may result in unexcused absences
- Use personal texts or third-party apps to notify your manager
- Abuse sick leave for personal time off
- Forget to log your call off if you’re leaving mid-shift due to illness
Staying consistent with the official process protects you and keeps your attendance record clean.
LiteBlue vs Phone: Which Call Off Method Is Better?
LiteBlue eLRA is generally the better option for most employees:
- Fast and digital
- Automatically records your request
- Provides confirmation and tracking
- Available 24/7
Use the phone system only when you don’t have internet access or need to report an emergency.
Both methods are valid, but LiteBlue gives you more control and is USPS’s preferred method for managing leave.
FAQs About LiteBlue USPS Call Off
1. Can I cancel a USPS call off request?
Yes, you can cancel or change your request before it is approved. After approval, contact your supervisor directly.
2. What if LiteBlue is down?
You can use the USPS call off phone line at 1 877 477 3273 (Option 4).
3. Do I need a doctor’s note?
Not always. For short absences, it may not be required. For extended or repeated call-offs, documentation may be needed.
4. How often can I call off without issue?
There’s no hard limit, but frequent absences may trigger a review of your attendance record. Always follow up and use leave responsibly.
5. Will calling off affect my job?
If done properly, occasional sick days will not hurt your standing. Repeated unexcused absences or improper reporting can lead to disciplinary action.
USPS Attendance Policy and Impact on Your Career
USPS tracks employee attendance closely. Each call off is recorded, and patterns of missed work may affect your eligibility for:
- Promotions
- Shift preferences
- Annual performance evaluations
By following the call off rules and using LiteBlue or the official hotline, you show that you respect USPS’s system and take your job seriously.
Helpful Resources for USPS Employees
- LiteBlue Login: liteblue.usps.gov
- HR Shared Services Center Phone: 1 877 477 3273 (Option 4)
- USPS Employee Handbook: Available through your LiteBlue account
- eLRA Leave Request Tool: Located inside the LiteBlue portal
Bookmark these resources for quick access when you need to report a call off.
Conclusion
Calling off work is sometimes necessary and USPS understands that. Whether you are dealing with an illness or a personal emergency, make sure you report your absence the right way. The LiteBlue USPS call off system gives you the tools to do it quickly and officially.
By logging into LiteBlue or calling the HR line, you can protect your record, keep your manager informed, and focus on getting better. Always follow up, document your request, and stay familiar with USPS leave policies.
Your health matters. Just make sure your absence is properly reported—because good communication helps keep everything running smoothly.
