Under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA) you could qualify for benefits if you are unemployed. You can complete the application online at www.rrb.gov, with your PIN and Password.
Qualification requirements
Benefit year begins every July 1st, and you must have creditable railroad earnings for the base year. The base year determines an eligibility for benefits based on your earnings in the calendar year (July 1st base year).
For example, if the earnings needed in the Base Year is $3,325 (2.5 times the monthly compensation base of $1,330). First year of railroad work you must have at least 5 months of railroad service in the prior year.
Waiting period
Waiting period to receive unemployment benefits is 7 days and starts on your 1st claim within a benefit year. For example, with your 1st claim for railroad unemployment is 21 days, then you will be paid benefits for 14 days.
Also, keep in mind you have the option to file for unemployment for 5, 6, or 7 days, even if the waiting period will result in no payable benefits to you. The benefit of filing will be to satisfy the waiting period and if/when you are unemployed for consecutive days with the same benefit year the waiting period requirement will be met.
How long can I receive railroad unemployment benefits?
You can receive normal railroad unemployment benefits for 26 weeks (130 days) in a benefit year. The benefits received can not be more then your base year wages.
You may qualify for extended benefits if you have 10 years or more of railroad service, and you have used all of your normal railroad benefits. The extend period last for 65 days, and you must have not voluntarily quit or voluntarily retired.
What to expect daily railroad unemployment benefit rate
Your daily rate is 60% of the daily rate for your last railroad service job. The daily rate of pay is calculated on straight time not including any extra pay or overtime.
Eligibility for RR Unemployment Benefits:
- Must be unemployed and cannot receive compensation or wages for RR or non-railroad employment for the days you claim benefits.
- All part-time and full-time work will need to be reported to the Railroad Retirement Board for each claim of benefits.
- You must be able and willing to work, and activity looking for work.
- Your earnings in a claim period can not exceed the monthly compensation base for the base year.
- Unemployment applications must be filed within the first 30 days of unemployment, and you run the risk of losing benefits if you file late. Only one application is required in a claim year. A new claim form maybe required if you stop benefits a start them again within the same year.
Benefits are reduced if you are receiving the following:
- Social Security Benefits
- Retirement benefits or pay
- Worker’s compensation payments
- Or any social insurance payments
Disqualifications for RR Unemployment Benefits
If you receive separation pay or buyout you will not qualify for unemployment benefits. If you voluntarily quit, have a work restriction, you miss a turn in pool service, or perform any fulltime work you will not qualify for unemployment benefits.
Reconsideration and Waiver of Recovery
Requesting reconsideration is when you do not agree with an adverse decision. You have 60 days to respond in writing to the Railroad Retirement Board with the reason why you do not agree. Make sure to sign your name and include you SSI number on your request.
Waiver of recovery of your over payment maybe an option if you meet all three conditions:
- The amount of overpayment must be 10 times the current maximum daily benefit rate.
- You were not the cause of the overpayment
- And if the amount was recovered it would cause you undue financial hardship, and you will not be able to meet your ordinary and necessary living expenses.
Taxes for unemployment benefits
Paid Unemployment benefits are tracked and sent to you on Form 1099-G. This amount must be reported on your Federal income tax return.
Checking your benefits by phone or online
- Call the Railroad retirement board at 877-772-5772
- Select option 1 for the Helpline services, and 1 again for unemployment benefits menu.
- Also, for people that are deaf or hard of hearing can call 312-751-4701.
- Online access can be gained by the following steps
- www.rrb.gov, click Benefits, then unemployment, then myRRB and login into your existing PPW account or sign in with LOGIN.GOV
Once you are logged in go to Claim Unemployment Benefits
How has your experience been navigating Railroad unemployment? Are you considering filing?
