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Hurricane Harvey: RRB reminds rail workers of unemployment benefits


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 06 September 2017 - 02:14 PM

Progressive Railroading, 9/6/17:

 
Hurricane Harvey: RRB reminds rail workers of unemployment benefits

090617-Railroad-Retirement-Board-logo.jp

 

The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) last week notified rail employees who are out of work due to Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath that they may qualify for unemployment benefits.

To determine eligibility or file claims for benefits, affected railroaders can call RRB's telephone number or visit its website.

Railroad unemployment benefits normally are paid for four or more days without work in 14-day registration periods, RRB officials said in a press release.

 

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#2 CNJRoss

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Posted 06 September 2017 - 02:16 PM

Railroad Retirement Board news release:

 
RRB Advises Rail Workers Impacted by Hurricane Harvey
 
 August 2017
 
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NR1704.pdf  (51.81 KB)

 

 

The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is reminding rail employees out of work due to Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath that they may qualify for unemployment benefits. To determine eligibility or file claims for benefits, affected railroaders should call the RRB’s toll-free telephone number (1-877-772-5772) or visit the Unemployment benefits webpage. Rail workers who are out of work and without Internet or regular mail service may temporarily claim benefits by calling the RRB’s toll-free number until services are restored.

 

In order to file an application for benefits online, an individual must have an Internet Services Account with the agency. For security purposes, first-time users must obtain a unique password, which they can do by clicking on the link for requesting a Password Request Code (PRC) in Benefit Online Services.

 

Individuals who have already established an Internet Services Account and password can click Login at the top of the agency's home page for direct access to file applications and claims for biweekly unemployment benefits, as well as conduct other business with the RRB online. For rail workers without power or Internet access, the RRB encourages them to call the agency toll-free (1-877-772-5772).

 

Field Office Locator provides easy access to any field office webpage where the street address and other service information is posted, as well as the option to contact the office directly by using the feature labeled send a secure message. The agency’s toll-free number (1-877-772-5772) is equipped with an automated menu offering a variety of service options which include finding the street address for a local field office, getting information about claims and benefit payments, and being transferred to an office to speak with a representative or leave a message. Most RRB offices are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, except on Federal holidays.

 

Railroad unemployment benefits are normally paid for the number of days of unemployment over four in 14-day registration periods. The maximum daily benefit rate is currently $72. However, as a result of sequestration under the Budget Control Act of 2011, unemployment benefits are reduced by 6.9 percent through September 30, 2017, so the maximum benefit in a 2-week period is $670.32. Also, during the first 14-day claim period in a benefit year, benefits are payable for each day of unemployment in excess of seven, rather than four, which basically creates a one-week waiting period.

 

To qualify for normal railroad unemployment benefits in the benefit year that began July 1, 2017, an employee must have had railroad earnings of at least $3,673.50 in calendar year 2016, counting no more than $1,455 for any month. Those who were first employed in the rail industry in 2016 must also have at least five months of creditable railroad service in that year.

 

Under certain conditions, employees with at least 10 years of service who do not qualify on the basis of their 2016 earnings may still be able to receive benefits. For example, employees who received normal benefits in the benefit year that ended June 30, 2017, might still be eligible for extended benefits. In addition, 10-year employees may be eligible for accelerated benefits if they had rail earnings of at least $3,637.50 in 2017, not counting earnings of more than $1,455 a month.

 

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