The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will continue its operations and process benefits as usual during the government shutdown, according to a recent announcement aimed at TCU/IAM members. The RRB confirmed that both Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment & Sickness benefits will be paid on time. Field offices will remain open, although there may be reduced staffing levels, and new claims and benefit applications will still be accepted.
The uninterrupted service is possible because the RRB is funded by railroad payroll taxes rather than through the federal government’s annual budget appropriations. This funding structure protects railroad workers’ benefits from disruptions caused by government shutdowns.
While other federal agencies may scale back their activities during a shutdown, the RRB emphasized that retirement, unemployment, and sickness benefits for railroad workers are secure. TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea stated, “Railroad workers and retirees should not have to worry about the stability of their earned benefits. 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 to arrive as scheduled. They can also file unemployment or sickness claims as usual, though they may experience limited staffing at RRB offices. TCU/IAM has pledged to monitor developments and provide updates as necessary. For questions regarding benefits or filing a claim, members are encouraged to visit www.rrb.gov or contact their local RRB office.
