Debt Collection Act Appeals Procedures - 0002 - Oral Hearing Petition Timeline and Requirements

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Skyler

Debt Collection Act appeals procedures outline critical deadlines and step-by-step actions for nonbargaining unit employees following a Letter of Debt Determination. The process covers attaching “Options Available to Employee,” requesting debt-related records within 10 calendar days, submitting a Request for Reconsideration within 15 days with supporting evidence, and responding to a denial that triggers a Notice of Involuntary Salary Offset. If reconsideration is denied, employees must file a written petition for an oral hearing within 15 calendar days, including required captions, personal contact details, receipt dates, evidence statements, witness lists, hearing-location justification, alternative dates within 40 days, and possible hardship documentation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Debt collection appeals timeline

Records request and reconsideration

Petition for oral hearing requirements

Hardship alternative offset schedule

Proper Procedures for Debt Collection Act Appeals, Nonbargaining Unit (EAS) Employees In order to keep our membership advised and to assure adherence to the critical time frames for petitioning for an oral hearing, the following guidelines that are contained in Employee and Labor Relations Manual [ELM] Section 450 and in the NAPS Officer Training Manual, Section 11 , are published as a handy guide for meeting the Debt Collection appeals criteria When the Postal Service issues a Letter of Debt Determination (sometimes called Letter of Demand) , the “Options Available to Employee” (appeal rights) must be attached. If not, you must immediately request this list of options or appeal rights, in writing, in person, or both. Request for Records. In accordance with Options Available, you must request from your postmaster or installation head , all documentation pertaining to your alleged debt , within 10 calendar days from receipt of Letter of Debt Determination . You should be provided with copies of records within 5 calendar days of the date your request is received by the Postal Service. Review of Records. After review of documentation, you need to forward to appropriate official listed in Options Available form, your Request for Reconsideration. Your request must be received by the Postal Service within 15 calendar days from the date you received requested records. You must submit Request for Reconsideration of Debt in writing to the postmaster or installation head, along with a written statement and supporting documentation indicating why you believe you are not indebted. You should provide all information in your possession relating to the debt so that the postmaster or installation head may make an informed determination. The reason for this is because the postmaster or installation head will use the material you provide (along with postal records) in deciding whether the Postal Service’s determination of the debt should be revised. Response to Reconsideration request. Within 15 days, issuing official responds to Reconsideration request and will either grant or deny the request. Involuntary Salary Offset. If the reconsideration is denied, the issuing office will issue a Notice of Involuntary Salary Offset. You then have 15 calendar days to file a petition for an oral hearing. The time frame of 15 days is critical. Petition for Hearing. To request a hearing on the Postal Service’s determination of the existence or amount of the debt , or on the Postal Service’s proposed involuntary offset schedule, you must file a written petition for a hearing with the RECORDER, JUDICIAL OFFICER DEPT, US POSTAL SERVICE, STE 600 , 2101 WILSON BLVD, ARLINGTON, VA 22201-3078. Petition must be filed on or before the 15th calendar day following receipt of Involuntary Salary Offset. A timely request for a hearing will stay (delay) the commencement of the collection of the debt. Important information that must be included in petition for an oral hearing: 1. The words,“Petition for Hearing Under the Debt Collection Act,” prominently captioned at the top of the first page; 2. Your name and your 3. Work and home address, and 4. Work and home telephone numbers, 5. Or other address and telephone number where you may be contacted about the hearing proceedings; 6. The date you received the “Notice of Involuntary Administrative Salary Offsets Under the Debt Collection Act,” and 7. A copy of the Notice; 8. A statement requesting an oral hearing; 9. A statement of the evidence you will produce which makes an oral hearing necessary, including 10. A list of witnesses you wish to present, with their complete addresses; 11. The proposed city for the hearing site, with 12. Justification for holding the hearing in that city; and 13. Recommended alternative dates for the hearing, which should be within 40 days from filing the Petition; 14. Copies of all records in your possession which relate to the debt; and 15. If you as t

FAQs

What must be attached when the Postal Service issues a Letter of Debt Determination?

The “Options Available to Employee” (appeal rights) must be attached. If it is not included, the employee must immediately request the list of options or appeal rights in writing, in person, or both.

How long does an employee have to request records after receiving the Letter of Debt Determination?

The employee must request all documentation pertaining to the alleged debt within 10 calendar days from receipt of the Letter of Debt Determination.

What information is required in the petition for an oral hearing, and when must it be filed?

The petition must be filed on or before the 15th calendar day following receipt of the Involuntary Salary Offset and must prominently include “Petition for Hearing Under the Debt Collection Act,” personal and contact details, receipt date of the offset notice, a request for oral hearing, evidence and witness information, hearing city justification, alternative hearing dates within 40 days, and copies of related records; hardship documentation may be required if claiming severe financial hardship.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Skyler