The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will continue its operations and process benefits as usual during the upcoming government shutdown, according to a statement released on October 1, 2025. The agency confirmed that both Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment & Sickness benefits will be paid on time. RRB field offices are expected to remain open, though there may be reduced staffing levels.
New claims and benefit applications will still be accepted throughout the shutdown period. This continuity is possible because the RRB receives funding from railroad payroll taxes rather than annual federal budget appropriations. As a result, benefits for railroad workers are not affected by disruptions in government funding.
Other federal agencies may experience scaled-back operations during a shutdown, but the RRB emphasized that retirement, unemployment, and sickness benefits for railroad employees remain 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.”
Members are advised that monthly retirement payments will continue to arrive as scheduled. They can also file unemployment or sickness claims as usual, although they may encounter limited staff at RRB offices.
TCU/IAM stated it would monitor developments and provide updates as necessary. For questions regarding benefits or filing claims, members are encouraged to visit www.rrb.gov or contact their local RRB office.
