United States Postal Service (USPS)

USPS is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the U.S., including its insular areas and associated states. It is one of just a few federal entities expressly allowed by the United States Constitution.

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If you sent a package inside the U.S. that was lost, damaged, or had broken or missing pieces and it was covered by insurance, learn how to file an “indemnity claim.” Your insurance may have been included with the USPS® service or purchased separately. Eligible items include:

  • Priority Mail Express® items and other insured mail
  • Collect on Delivery (COD) items
  • Registered Mail® items with insurance

How to File a Claim

Either the sender or the recipient may file a claim for insured mail that is lost, arrived damaged, or was missing contents. The person filing must have the original mailing receipt. Each claim must be filed within a certain time period and include proof of insurance, value, and damage. 

NOTE: These instructions do not include all the details and exceptions in the Postal Regulations in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM®).
Filing Indemnity Claims (DMM 609)

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Step 1: Check Filing Periods

Each mail service has a different filing period. The filing period is based on the mailing date on your receipt and whether your package arrived damaged. 

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Including the right documentation with your claim helps USPS® approve it more quickly. Save all your evidence documents until your claim is resolved. 

Step 3: File Your Claim

The fastest and easiest way to file your claim is online. If you cannot file a claim on USPS.com, you can start a claim process by mail. After you file, keep all your evidence documents until the claim is resolved. 

After You File – Next Steps

USPS Accounting Services determines whether to pay a claim in full or in part, or to deny a claim.

Claims Decisions

Due to COVID-19 impacts, USPS is experiencing delays in processing claims. Please allow additional time for your claims decision. You can also check Claim History in your USPS.com account for updates.

  • Claim processing times depend on whether an item is damaged or lost.
  • Claims for damaged items are usually processed more quickly than lost mail claims.
  • Before processing lost mail claims, USPS will first perform a Missing Mail Search.

Approved Claims

  • Your claim may be completely approved or approved in part. After your claim is approved, you should receive payment for the claim amount in 7-10 business days.
  • USPS does not pay a claim higher than an item’s actual value.

Denied Claims

  • Claims can be partially or fully denied.
  • Your decision letter will list the reasons for the denial.

Making an Appeal

If your refund was only partially paid or completely denied, you may file an appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision.

First Appeal

  • Submit your appeal the same way you submitted the original claim, whether online or by mail. You can start an online claim from your Claim History.
  • Focus your appeal on the reasons your claim was denied.
  • You may submit new documentation to support your appeal.

Final Appeal

If your appeal is denied, you can file a second appeal within 30 days of the date you received the appeal denial. Follow the same process for final review as for your first appeal.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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