The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is reminding rail employees out of work due to Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath that they may qualify for unemployment benefits. To determine eligibility or file claims for benefits, affected railroaders should call the RRB’s toll-free telephone number (1-877-772-5772) or visit the Unemployment benefits webpage. Rail workers who are
In a recent release from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB): Railroad Retirement benefits are based on months of service and earnings credits. Earnings are creditable up to certain annual maximums on the amount of compensation subject to railroad retirement taxes. Credit for a month of railroad service is earned for every month in which an
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is required by law to submit annual financial reports to Congress on the financial condition of the railroad retirement system and the railroad unemployment insurance system. These reports must also include recommendations for any financing changes which may be advisable in order to ensure the solvency of the systems. In
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, which provides two kinds of benefits for qualified railroaders: unemployment benefits for those who become unemployed but are ready, willing, and able to work; and sickness benefits for those who are unable to work because of sickness or injury. Sickness benefits are also payable
In their continuing effort to expand the resources available, on June 10 the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) launched a redesigned, more easily navigated website. While website visitors will experience more streamlined access to essential information, all relevant content and functionality will remain the same. Members may view the updated website features at www.rrb.gov. The
Monthly benefits may be payable under the Railroad Retirement Act to the surviving widow(er), children, and certain other dependents of a railroad employee if the employee was “insured” under that Act at the time of death. Lump-sum death benefits may also be payable to qualified survivors in some cases. Click here to view the questions
Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Release: Employers and employees covered by the Railroad Retirement Act pay higher retirement taxes than those covered by the Social Security Act, so that railroad retirement benefits remain higher than social security benefits, especially for “career” employees who have 30 or more years of service. The RRB has released a questions
In addition to the retirement annuities payable to employees, the Railroad Retirement Act, like the Social Security Act, also provides annuities for the spouses of retired employees. Payment of a spouse annuity is made directly to the wife or husband of the employee. Divorced spouses may also qualify for benefits. Click here to read the
RETRACTION: HERITAGE FOUNDATION NOT TARGETING RAILROAD RETIREMENT FOR REPEAL OR REINING IN On December 20, 2016, we posted on our website a statement that The Heritage Foundation (“Heritage”) included Railroad Retirement on a list of government programs that it sought to repeal or rein in. Heritage has contacted us and informed us that they are
Each year the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) holds informational conferences throughout the country to present an overview of the benefits provided under the Railroad Retirement Act to active members, retirees, and survivors. Informational Conferences are open to union officials only. The emphasis of these conferences is to provide an overview of the Board’s
