RRB Operations to Continue During Government Shutdown

October 1, 2025 - We want to assure our TCU/IAM members that the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will remain open and continue to process benefits without interruption.

The RRB has confirmed that:

• Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment & Sickness benefits will be paid on time.
• RRB field offices will remain open, although staffing levels may be reduced.
• New claims and benefit applications will continue to be accepted.

This is possible because the RRB is funded by railroad payroll taxes, not through the government's annual budget appropriations. That means the vital benefits earned by railroad workers are protected from shutdown disruptions.

While other federal agencies may scale back operations during a shutdown, the RRB has made it clear that your retirement, unemployment, and sickness benefits are 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."

What Members Should Know:

• Your monthly retirement payments will arrive on schedule.
• You may continue to file unemployment or sickness claims as usual.
• RRB offices remain operational, though with limited staff.

TCU/IAM will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. If you have questions about your benefits or filing a claim, visit www.rrb.gov or contact your local RRB office.

View the RRB's press release here.