NALC Short Term Disability Insurance for USPS Employees
Protect Your Income with Short Term Disability Coverage Designed for Letter Carriers
As a USPS employee, your job demands consistency, strength, and dedication. Whether you’re out on delivery routes or handling operations at the office, unexpected injuries or illnesses can disrupt your ability to work. Unfortunately, USPS does not offer short term disability insurance—meaning it’s up to you to secure the protection you need.
At Postal Life and Disability Plans (PLDP), we offer NALC short term disability insurance tailored for letter carriers and other federal employees. Our plans are built to help cover your expenses while you recover, so you don’t have to stress about missed paychecks. It’s about giving you confidence that, even during life’s interruptions, your income has a layer of protection.

Why USPS Employees Need Short Term Disability Insurance
While you may have access to accrued sick leave or annual leave, those benefits can run out fast. For many postal workers, a temporary disability can quickly become a financial burden. If you’re disabled due to an injury or illness, short term disability coverage steps in to cover a portion of your salary—giving you time to recover without falling behind financially.
Most short term disability plans provide coverage for up to 12 months, depending on your selected plan. And with PLDP, the waiting period is minimal, so you can get your benefits quickly once you’re eligible.
Who Is Eligible for PLDP Coverage?
Our coverage is open to:
- USPS letter carriers
- Other NALC members
- Active federal employees working in postal roles
This includes both newly hired and experienced employees. You must enroll before an illness or injury occurs, as most plans will not cover pre-existing conditions. Signing up while you’re healthy ensures you’re protected when life takes an unexpected turn.
What Does Short Term Disability Insurance Cover?
Our short term disability insurance can help with:
- On-the-job and off-the-job injuries
- Recovery from short-term illnesses
- Non-work-related disabilities
- Loss of income due to medical leave
The benefits are tax-free, and your doctor determines your ability to return to work—not an insurance company. That means your recovery is guided by someone who understands your health best.
Key Features of Our Plans
PLDP’s short term disability coverage includes:
- Up to $6,000/month in tax-free benefits
- Coverage for both work-related and non-work-related injuries
- Convenient payroll deduction for premiums
- No mandatory physicals or medical exams
- Easy online apply and enrollment process
This plan is designed to provide real support when you need it most—so you can focus on recovery, not paperwork. It’s a practical safety net that works around your schedule and job demands.
Understanding the Waiting Period
A waiting period is the time between when you first become disabled and when your benefits begin. For most plans, this period ranges from 7 to 30 days. The shorter the waiting period, the sooner you’ll receive financial help. Understanding this timeline can help you plan better in advance and reduce unnecessary stress during recovery.
About the Mutual Benefit Association
Since 1891, the United States Letter Carriers Mutual Benefit Association (MBA) has supported members of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) with trusted life insurance and benefit solutions. As the official insurance division of the NALC, the MBA has long served as a financial safety net for letter carriers and their families.
At PLDP, while we are not affiliated with the MBA, we share their commitment to protecting the livelihoods of federal employees. Our focus is on providing short term disability insurance tailored to the real-world challenges of postal workers—delivering service and security when it matters most.
Explore Your Options Today
At PLDP, we believe that letter carriers and postal workers deserve access to high-quality insurance without the hassle. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to enroll, we’ll help you explore your options and choose the right plan for your needs.
We’re committed to guiding you through every aspect, addressing your concerns, and helping you make a confident decision.
Why Choose PLDP?
- Trusted by postal employees nationwide
- Flexible plans that meet your specific needs
- Hassle-free claims and enrollment process
- Affordable premiums with payroll deductions
- Backed by over a century of postal service expertise
Get the Coverage You Deserve
You work hard every day. Don’t let an unexpected illness or injury jeopardize your financial well-being.
Contact us to learn more about how PLDP’s NALC short term disability insurance can safeguard your paycheck.
Protect yourself before something happens.
Our short term disability insurance is here for you—because even a short time away from work shouldn’t mean long-term financial stress.