The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) has announced that it will continue its operations and process benefits as usual during the upcoming government shutdown. The RRB confirmed that both Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment & Sickness benefits will be paid on time, and its field offices will remain open, although there may be reduced staffing.
According to the agency, new claims and benefit applications will still be accepted despite the shutdown. This continuity is possible because the RRB receives funding from railroad payroll taxes rather than through annual government appropriations. As a result, benefits for railroad workers are not affected by disruptions to the federal budget process.
Other federal agencies may reduce their services during a shutdown, but the RRB stated that retirement, unemployment, and sickness benefits for railroad workers remain 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 continue on schedule, unemployment or sickness claims can still be filed as usual, and RRB offices will stay operational with some limitations in staffing. TCU/IAM plans to monitor developments closely and provide further updates if needed. For more information or assistance with claims, members can visit www.rrb.gov or contact their local RRB office.
