Social Insurance for Railroad Workers

Provide income security for railroad workers who are unemployed or unable to work due to illness or injury.

The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act pays sickness and unemployment benefits to railroad workers and, in some cases, their family members, to assist with expenses of daily living.

Under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, an employee must have earned at least $4,737.50 in calendar year 2023 or $4,962.50 in 2024, counting no more than $1,895 for any one month in 2023 or $1,985 in 2024. Those who were first employed in the rail industry in 2023 or 2024 must also have had at least five months of creditable railroad service in that year.

Under the provisions of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, benefits are provided for personal use of: (1) unemployed workers; (2) workers who are sick or injured.

Under the provisions of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, benefits are provided for personal use of: (1) unemployed workers; (2) workers who are sick or injured.

Benefits are disbursed either as a one time payment or on a recurring monthly basis, provided eligibility is maintained. Payments for retirement and survivor benefits are made monthly, with limited occurrences allow for a lump sum survivor payment.

The Railroad Retirement Board makes awards under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act following review by claims examiners and related staff. After review is completed, the applicant will receive notice by mail. Unemployment and sickness benefits are released periodically as claims are filed/approved. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Payments released on a bi-weekly, periodic or lump-sum basis. Method of awarding/releasing assistance: Benefits are paid on a one-time or recurring basis as long as eligibility is maintained. The death of the recipient generally terminates payment of benefits.

Application for sickness benefits should be made to any office of the Railroad Retirement Board. Individuals can call 1-877-772-5772 to locate or contact the servicing office. Unemployment claims must be filed within 30 days from the date you became unemployed, or the first day for which you wish to claim benefits. Benefits may be lost if your application is filed late. Sickness applications can't be filed online. You must submit your Application for Sickness Benefits (Form SI-1a) to the RRB by mail or fax (713-405-2078) within 10 days from when you became sick or injured. However, applications received after 10 days but within 30 days of the first day for which you wish to claim benefits are generally considered timely filed if there's a good reason for the delay. If you're filing a late unemployment OR sickness application, include a signed statement explaining why you couldn't meet the required time frame.

Varies depending upon complexity of claim.

Initial appeals are handled by agency's Reconsideration Section, with a decision provided within 60 days. Subsequent appeals go to the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals, the Board and the U.S. Court of Appeals.