In a recent release from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Labor Member John Bragg:
The RRB’s General Counsel has been advised by the DOL that nothing in the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provisions prohibit railroaders from being eligible for benefits if they qualify. The RRB’s General Counsel has also found that there is nothing in the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Benefits (RUIA) that prohibits railroaders from receiving PUA benefits if they are not receiving RUIA benefits.
It is recommend that if you have been denied RUIA benefits to check with the state unemployment services and see if you are eligible for PUA benefits.
Click here for the Unemployment Benefit Finder to find out the application process in each state.