Great news for railroad workers across the nation as the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is expected to increase sickness and unemployment benefits by the end of the year. The RRB is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for administering the Railroad Retirement System. This system provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to workers and families in the railroad industry, much like Social Security provides benefits for workers in other industries. These benefits are crucial for railroad workers who get sick or injured on the job, as they provide much-needed income if an employee cannot work due to an injury or illness.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2024 includes a provision that boosts unemployment and sick benefits to eligible railroad workers by 5.7%. That means railroad workers who are laid off or sidelined by a long-term illness or significant injury will receive $940 every two weeks instead of approximately $886. That’s an additional $107 per month. The increase reflects the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied to Social Security. This adjustment ensures that railroad workers’ benefits keep pace with inflation and rising living costs. This is important because railroad workers do not participate in the Social Security system and are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace injury. Instead, injured workers must bring a claim under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act to seek compensation for things like pain & suffering, lost wages, and medical bills.
Unfortunately, RRB benefits were wrongfully cut in 2011 through a Congressional budget agreement even though railroad workers’ benefits are not funded by the federal government. Instead, such benefits provided to railroad workers are completely paid for by railroad companies and workers themselves through paycheck deductions. Thankfully, the 5.7% increase in these benefits reflects payout levels that existed before the 2011 Congressional budget agreement. The House and Senate are expected to pass the NDAA, and the bill should be signed into law by the end of the year.
The attorneys at Doran & Murphy know how difficult it can be trying to make ends meet while sidelined by a railroad workplace injury and unable to work. We are here to help. Call us today for a free consultation.
