TCU Blog – Page 47 – TCUNION.ORG

Lifetime Maximum Increased for Members Covered Under The Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan

By giffordk@TCUnion.orgNovember 19, 2016Member Benefits, TCU Blog

The lifetime maximum under the negotiated medical plan for early retirees will increase by $6,200 from $151,600 to $157,800, effective January 1, 2017, due to automatic adjustments based on medical cost inflation. The change affects members enrolled in the Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan, GA-46000. This early retirement plan provides a

RRB Appeals Procedures

By giffordk@TCUnion.orgNovember 6, 2016Railroad Retirement, TCU Blog

Persons claiming retirement, disability, survivor, unemployment or sickness benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) have the right to appeal unfavorable determinations on their claims. The RRB released a questions and answers that describes the appeals process for persons whose claims under the Railroad Retirement Act or Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act are denied, or who

NJ Transit Under More Scrutiny

By aroucad@tcunion.orgOctober 24, 2016Legislative Outlook, TCU BlogNew Jersey Transit, railroad, tcu

After the tragic crash in Hoboken, NJ, the New Jersey Transit (NJT) commuter railroad has been under intense scrutiny from the general public, regulators and elected officials. A week ago, the New York Times published a long expose detailing the failures of Governor Christie’s administration in properly investing in the railroad: …Under the Christie administration, the

TCU Members Impacted by the Recent Flooding in North Carolina may Qualify for Relief from Union Plus

By giffordk@TCUnion.orgOctober 21, 2016Member Benefits, TCU Blog

Members impacted by the recent flooding in North Carolina may qualify for a $500 grant through the Union Plus Disaster Relief program. Union disaster relief grants are available to eligible members who have a Union Plus Credit Card; Union Plus Auto Insurance, or a Union Plus Mortgage, and reside in the following counties: Beaufort, Bertie,

Retiree Earnings Limits to Rise in 2017

By giffordk@TCUnion.orgOctober 21, 2016Railroad Retirement, TCU BlogRailroad Retirement

In a recent release from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB): Railroad retirement annuitants subject to earnings restrictions can earn more in 2017 without having their benefits reduced as a result of increases in earnings limits indexed to average national wage increases. Like social security benefits, some railroad retirement benefit payments are subject to deductions if

Let’s not Forget – Pence Voted Against Railroad Pensions in House

By giffordk@TCUnion.orgOctober 15, 2016Legislative Outlook, TCU Blog

I am addressing this to all railroad workers, retirees, widows, widowers and dependents who are covered under the Railroad Retirement Act. In 2001, on the floor of the House of Representatives, then Congressman Mike Pence, R-Ind., voted against the Railroad Retirement and Survivors Improvement Act. This was the bill that provided retirement at age 60

Union Plus Credit Card Sweepstakes

By giffordk@TCUnion.orgOctober 15, 2016Member Benefits, TCU Blog

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Union Plus and the Union Plus Credit Card Program, Capital One has planned the American Dream Sweepstakes campaign around rewarding approximately one million cardholders or non-cardholders who belong to a participating union, such as TCU/IAM. Prizes include $500 gift cards with 12 winners every week, and one $30,000 grand

Credit for Military Service under the Railroad Retirement Act

By giffordk@TCUnion.orgOctober 15, 2016Railroad Retirement, TCU Blog

Many railroad employees have at some time served in the Armed Forces of the United States. Under certain conditions, their military service may be credited as rail service under the Railroad Retirement Act. Click here to read the questions and answers with information on how military service may be credited towards railroad retirement benefits.

Reporting Events That Can Affect Railroad Retirement Benefits

By khernandeziamaworgSeptember 22, 2016Railroad Retirement, TCU Blog

Rights to benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act also carry responsibilities for reporting events that may affect the payment of these benefits to the employee or to members of the employee’s family. If these events are not reported, benefit over-payments can occur that have to be repaid, sometimes with interest and penalties. Events that can

Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Benefits Will Slightly Decrease Under Adjusted Sequestration Rate

By khernandeziamaworgSeptember 22, 2016Railroad Retirement, TCU Blog

Beginning October 1, 2016, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will reduce railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits by 6.9 percent, up from the current 6.8 percent reduction, as required by law. The adjusted reduction amount is based on revised projections of benefit claims and payments under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. It will remain

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