The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has announced that it will continue its operations and process benefits without interruption during the upcoming government shutdown. This update was provided to members of the Transportation Communications Union/International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (TCU/IAM).
According to the RRB, railroad retirement, unemployment, and sickness benefits will be paid on time. Field offices are expected to remain open, although there may be a reduction in staffing levels. New claims and benefit applications will still be accepted.
The RRB’s ability to maintain services during a shutdown is due to its funding structure. Unlike many federal agencies that rely on annual budget appropriations from Congress, the RRB is funded by payroll taxes collected from railroad employers and employees. As a result, benefits for railroad workers are not affected by disruptions in government funding.
Other federal agencies may reduce their operations during a government shutdown, but the RRB has stated that retirement, unemployment, and sickness benefits for railroad workers are secure.
“Railroad workers and retirees should not have to worry about the stability of their earned benefits,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea. “The RRB is funded separately, and that ensures our members are protected even during these uncertain times.”
Members are advised that monthly retirement payments will arrive as scheduled, unemployment or sickness claims can continue to be filed as usual, and RRB offices remain operational with limited staff. The TCU/IAM will keep monitoring developments and provide further updates if needed.
For questions regarding benefits or filing a claim, members can visit www.rrb.gov or contact their local RRB office.
