Far Rockaway Post Office to hand out mail where mailboxes, post offices remain inaccessible

How to change an address for temporary moves due to Sandy

Mail services in the hard-hit Rockaways will expand on Monday with general-delivery style distribution of mails for customers in seven local ZIP Codes to be provided in the Far Rockaway Main Post Office lobby between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm.
The Far Rockaway Main Post Office is located at 1836 Mott Avenue.

Postal officials note letters carriers from Inwood, Arverne, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park and Far Rockaway will relocate to the Main Post, which was fitted with generators on Sunday.  From that central site, they will  provide hand-to hand general-delivery service of all available for customers in ZIP Codes:
- 11691
- 11692
- 11693
- 11694
- 11096

The Far Rockaway Main Post Office will also provide handout of mails for post office box customers who use ZIP Codes 11690 and 11695.

Customers located in Breezy Point 11697 will have general delivery available at Kennedy's Restaurant, in Breezy Point.

In all locations, no mail will be released without proper identification.  This includes photo identification and identification bearing the address exactly as it appears on the check.    One form of ID meeting both requirements, such as a current driver’s license, is sufficient.

While post offices in Inwood, Arverne, Rockaway Beach and Rockaway Park will remain closed in the short term, postal officials note they will continue to expand street delivery within those ZIP codes as conditions improve.  

Customers with questions or concerns about their mail should 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

Need to change your address?
Postal customers who relocate, even temporarily, may opt to file a change of address to receive mail, postal officials advise.  There are three services that may help customers maintain a continuous flow of mail: a change of address, General Delivery or Premium Forwarding Service (PFS).

Option 1: Submit a Change of Address online or at your Post Office, which can be used for 15 days and up to one year. Mail is forwarded piece by piece.

Option 2: General Delivery allows your mail to be on hold for up to 30 days at the area’s main Post Office if you don’t have a permanent address. Pick up your mail at the local Post Office. Make sure senders use the ZIP Code for the area’s main Post Office. The ZIP+4 will indicate general delivery.

JOHN DOE
GENERAL DELIVERY
ANYTOWN NY 12345-9999

To find the main Post Office in any area, call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

Option 3: Premium Forwarding Service requires a fee and is a temporary service which can be used for 15 days or up to one year. The difference with this is that mail is rerouted to you weekly, not piece by piece. Most mail is bundled and sent to you every Wednesday via Priority Mail, our 2- to 3-day service. There is a fee but it is the fastest, most complete forwarding service.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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