ATLANTA — People are confused and worried as postal problems continue to affect everything from birthday gift cards to paychecks and absentee ballots in metro Atlanta.
Here are ways to get around the post office -- at least for some issues.
Checking for missing mail
First things first, USPS said to always check the status of potentially missing mail on its website. Then, complete a help request form that will be sent to your local post office for review.
If it's been 7 days since you sent the request form and your mail has not arrived, submit a missing mail search request.
Request refund for Priority Mail Express items, other extra services
Along with regular mail services, there are extras that can be refunded.
Those who insured their mailed package could also file an insurance claim no later than 60 days after the mailing date.
Worried about missed/late payments
According to the Better Business Bureau, these are steps to take.
- Reach out directly to the company. Find the phone number on an old invoice and call the company or utility to explain the situation.
- If you haven’t received your bill, they can give you your balance and have you pay over the phone.
- If you have mailed your bill, they can advise you on the best way to avoid late fees. Always be careful when dialing customer service numbers because scammers purchase similar phone numbers.
- Go online. Log in to your online account and pay there. Be sure that you are on a secure site (Look for HTTPS:// or the lock icon) and that you’ve typed the address correctly. Double-check the URL before entering any information. Scammers often use lookalike website domains.
- Ask your bank. If you’ve mailed a check that hasn’t arrived in time, ask your bank if they will waive the stop payment fee so that you can pay over the phone or online. Then, call the company
Missing Georgia Department of Driver Services documents
When it comes to missing driver's licenses and other DDS documents, here's a look at how the office processes that information.
- Customers should allow 30 days for their permanent card to arrive via USPS.
- The Interim/Temporary License/ID is valid for 120 days.
- Customers may check with the local post office to be sure that each resident at the address is listed for mail delivery and that there are no holds on delivery.
- DDS does receive returned not deliverable mailed cards and will remail to the customers’ address on file.
- Customers who do not receive their permanent DL/ID card within 30 days of receiving the temporary card may contact DDS at 678-413-8400 or return to the center for a retake.
- Individual DDS customer service centers do not print permanent cards due to security protocols.
DDS also allows residents to renew, pay fees, and so much more online.
Receiving/sending Tax returns
The IRS advises taxpayers to "use electronic filing methods such as IRS Free File or alternative e-file service providers."
"Electronic filing minimizes mathematical errors and identifies potential tax credits or deductions for which the taxpayer qualifies," the IRS said online.
Also, the IRS said to select direct deposit for the "fastest, most secure return."
11Alive News is hearing from customers who are experiencing issues submitting a ‘missing mail search request.’ We’re aware of these problems and requested more information from USPS on next steps.
Those experiencing delays or who have not received mail can contact the newsroom with your concerns as we continue to cover this story. Fill out our online form below, and someone from our news team will follow up with you.