New USPS Postmark Rules Create Potential for Big Problems
» Posted January 12, 2026 • Newsletters
Effective December 24, 2025, the United States Postal Service (USPS) made changes to the postmark process, shifting the postmark date from when mail is deposited to when it is first processed at a regional facility. While the postmark date was previously entered at local USPS facilities, the mail must now travel to a regional facility which may result in a delay of a day or more before being postmarked. Local USPS facility clerks can provide same-day postmarks pursuant to an in-person request, if needed.
This change may impact deadlines imposed for submissions to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and other courts as well as payments to claimants and their attorneys.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 34-9-100(e), “Any claim, notice, or appeal required by this chapter to be filed with the board shall be deemed filed on the earlier of: (1) The date such claim or notice is actually received by the board; or (2) The official postmark date such claim or notice was mailed to the board, properly addressed with postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail or statutory overnight delivery.”
Regarding weekly income payments, O.C.G.A. § 34-9-221 (b) provides, “Such weekly payments shall be considered to be paid when due when mailed from within the State of Georgia to the address specified by the employee or to the address of record according to the board. Such weekly payments shall be considered to be paid when due when mailed from outside the State of Georgia no later than three days prior to the due date to the address specified by the employee or the address of record according to the board. Such weekly payments shall be considered to be paid when due at the time they are made by electronic funds transfer to an account specified by the employee.” Failure to do so results in a 15% late penalty. Similarly, O.C.G.A. § 34-9-15 (b) provides payments pursuant to the terms of settlement must be mailed within 20 days (17 days if from out-of-state) of approval to avoid a 20% late penalty.To avoid penalties and fees from late fillings and payments, additional time may be needed if mailed via regular USPS. We strongly encourage clients to send time-sensitive items via certified mail (if USPS), FedEx, or UPS. Additionally, mailing items well before any deadline will help avoid issues. Please keep this change in mind as we enter 2026.