2026 archives
NRLCA Supplemental Insurance Benefits Special
Enrollment Period Extended Until Friday, May 15, 2026
Supplemental Insurance Benefits Special Enrollment Runs from March 1- May 15, 2026
REMINDER: The Special Enrollment period for the NRLCA Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and the Dental/Vision insurance programs is extended until this Friday, May 15. You choose the amount of coverage that is right for you and your family, and approval is guaranteed with no medical questions asked.
You are also eligible to apply for Disability and/or Life Insurance with underwriting by answering a few medical questions. No medical exams are required. It’s a perfect time to refresh, expand, or update your coverage.
For more information about these programs, please visit nrlca.benefithub.com. You can also contact Greater Insurance Service at 877-817-4801 for more information.
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EMA to Decrease 0.5 Cents Per Mile
Effective January 10, 2026
On December 18, 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the November 2025 Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Based on the release, the Equipment Maintenance Allowance (EMA) for rural carriers will decrease 0.5¢ to 97.0¢ per mile. This EMA rate will be effective January 10, 2026 (Pay Period 2026-03).
Rural Carriers
In accordance with the provisions of Article 9, Section 2.G.3 of the USPS/NRLCA National Agreement, effective January 10, 2026 (Pay Period 2026-03), the Equipment Maintenance Allowance (EMA) will decrease to 97.0¢ per mile, or a minimum of $38.80 per day, whichever is greater.
Auxiliary Rural Carriers, Rural Carrier Reliefs, Rural Carrier Associates, Rural Carrier Part Time Flexibles, and Auxiliary Assistance
Employees providing auxiliary assistance or serving auxiliary routes under the provisions of Article 9, Section 2.G.5, will receive EMA of 97.0¢ per mile or $10.30 per hour, whichever is greater. This EMA should not exceed the amount provided in the special EMA chart for route stops and miles.
This was the second opportunity for an EMA adjustment under the terms of the 2024-2027 USPS/NRLCA National Agreement. The next quarterly adjustment will occur after the release of the February 2026 Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) and will be effective the second full pay period after release of that index.
Our EMA is broken down into these percentages:
17% - Motor Vehicle Insurance
8% - Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair
3% - Motor Vehicle Parts & Equipment
24% - Motor Fuel
3% - Motor Vehicle Fees
45% - New & Used Motor Vehicles
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congratulations and much appreciation
The Association announces the retirement of District Representative Von Dykstra. We extend our sincere appreciation for his years of dedicated service and exemplary leadership in this role. While his presence will be deeply missed, we are pleased to announce that Angie Bishop has been promoted to District Representative. We are confident she will continue the tradition of excellence and provide strong leadership in the years ahead.
In addition, we extend our congratulations to Chris Laginess and Marcus Antoniak on their promotions to full-time Assistant District Representatives, as well as to Demoia Eatherly on his promotion to part-time Assistant District Representative. We are confident that each of them will serve with the same dedication and commitment that strengthens our organization.
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