The Pony Up Act would require the United States Postal Service (USPS) to reimburse individuals who incur late-payment fees because mail-delivered bills or payments were delivered late by the USPS. When a bill, bill notice, or payment is delivered late due to USPS delays, the USPS would owe the affected person an amount equal to the late fees or penalties they were charged. The bill creates a claims process (online, by mail, or in-person submissions), provides an exception for unforeseen events (like major disasters), establishes an appeals process to a Judicial Officer, and requires the USPS to issue implementing regulations within 60 days of enactment. In addition, the act directs annual reporting on mail-delivery delays and commissions an Inspector General assessment on mail-prioritization.
Key Points
- 1USPS reimbursement obligation: If a bill or payment is delivered late due to USPS delays, the USPS must reimburse the fee or penalty the consumer paid as a result.
- 2How a claim works: Individuals can apply for reimbursement on a USPS website, by mail, or at a post office; the USPS determines appropriate submission methods and information.
- 3Definitions and timing: “Delivered late” is defined with specific timing rules for bills/notices and for payments, tying late delivery to when the mail was received by USPS and when it was delivered relative to the due date.
- 4Unforeseen circumstances exception: Delays caused by events outside USPS control (e.g., major disasters or presidentially declared emergencies) are not considered late deliveries under this act.
- 5Appeals and deadlines: If an application is denied or disputed, individuals can appeal to the Judicial Officer within 30 days; the Judicial Officer’s decision is final.
- 6Regulatory timeline: USPS must issue implementing regulations within 60 days of enactment.
- 7Reporting and oversight: The act requires an annual USPS-delivered-mail delays report with breakdowns by class of mail, presorted mail analysis, and an Inspector General (IG) assessment of whether USPS prioritizes certain mail differently; reports go to congressional committees.