Rail sickness benefits now available online

November 2, 2010

Rail workers may now file biweekly claims for railroad sickness benefits directly online with the Railroad Retirement Board.

The agency said rail workers may now access this online service at www.rrb.gov by clicking on “Benefit Online Services.”

The RRB implemented a similar system for unemployment benefits in 2004.

First-time users must request a password request code (PRC), which they will receive by regular mail within 10 days. Those who have already established online accounts do not need to do so again.

Railroad employees who miss work due to illness or injury will still have to file a paper form that serves as their initial application for sickness benefits. Once the application is received, they will continue to receive paper-based claim forms, generally for specific 2-week periods, by regular mail.

However, they now have the option of filing the claims online in order to expedite processing and payment.