No. The USPS Healing PTSD stamp is a semipostal fundraising stamp, not an ordinary Forever stamp. It remains valid postage, but its mailing value is the First-Class Mail one-ounce letter rate in effect when it was purchased; that value does not rise after later price changes.
How the Healing PTSD Stamp Works
USPS issued the Healing PTSD semipostal on December 2, 2019. Its purchase price combines two parts: the applicable one-ounce First-Class Mail postage and a fundraising differential. Net funds from the program are transferred to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to support PTSD-related work.
As of September 2026, USPS lists the stamp at $1.00. For a stamp purchased at that time, $0.82 is the postage value and the remainder is the fundraising differential before allowable USPS costs. The full $1.00 purchase price is not postage.
Healing PTSD vs. Forever Stamps
| Feature | Healing PTSD semipostal | Ordinary Forever stamp |
|---|---|---|
| Type | First-Class Mail semipostal | Forever postage |
| Purpose | Postage plus fundraising | Postage |
| Postage value | One-ounce letter rate when purchased | Current one-ounce letter rate when used |
| After a rate increase | Original postage value stays fixed | Value rises with the ordinary Forever rate |
Can You Still Use an Older PTSD Stamp?
Yes, if it is genuine, unused and undamaged. First identify when it was purchased and the one-ounce letter rate that applied then. Compare that value with the postage required on the day you mail the finished piece, and add valid postage for any shortfall.
If the purchase period is unknown, do not assume the current $1.00 retail price is its postal value. Ask USPS to confirm the value. The broader semipostal versus Forever guide explains this rule for all fundraising issues.
What the Stamp Looks Like
The official 2019 issue uses a photo illustration of a green plant sprouting from fallen leaves to represent healing, growth and hope. The wording includes “HEALING PTSD” and “+ FIRST-CLASS USA.” The plus sign is a useful clue that this is a semipostal issue rather than an ordinary Forever stamp.
When More Postage Is Required
Additional postage is needed when the stamp’s fixed postage value is below the current amount due. Extra weight, a nonmachinable letter, international mail or an extra service can also increase the required total. Use the completed envelope’s actual weight and dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the donation portion count as postage?
No. Only the one-ounce First-Class Mail value assigned at purchase counts toward postage. The fundraising differential cannot pay mailing charges.
Does a Healing PTSD stamp expire?
A genuine unused U.S. postage stamp generally remains valid, but this semipostal keeps its purchase-date postage value. It may need additional postage after a rate increase.
Can it be combined with other stamps?
Yes. You may combine it with other valid U.S. postage to reach the total required for the mailpiece.
Sources: USPS Healing PTSD product page; USPS semipostal program; USPS DMM 604.1.11; USPS 2019 stamp announcement. Product status and rules checked September 1, 2026.