Based on the current environment surrounding the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, issues are arising that railroad employees need to be aware of. Members need to understand the current implications of all the requirements and the impact on their Railroad Retirement benefits and medical coverage.
The latest update of the questions and answers from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) that was established under the CARES Act as well as information pertaining to the $1,200 one-time economic relief payments.
In the update:
Questions #18 was added:
18. Q. If I am not eligible for or have been denied unemployment benefits under the RUIA, am I eligible for PUA benefits?
A. Possibly. The PUA program is administered by individual states, not the RRB. For eligibility information, and to find the application process in each state, visit the Unemployment Benefit Finder at https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/UnemploymentBenefits/Find-unemployment-Benefits.aspx
Also, the RRB advises in Question 19 that the $1,200 stimulus payments are the responsibility of the U.S. Department of Treasury and further information about those payments can be found at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
Should you have any questions, please contact the TCU Social Services Department at 301-840-8746.
Click here for the full questions and answers from the RRB.