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The importance of a current connection for Railroad Retirement benefits

(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, January 26, 2020) CHICAGO — Under the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA), a “current connection with the railroad industry” is one of the eligibility requirements for both the occupational disability and supplemental annuities payable by the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). It is also a factor in determining whether the RRB or…

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Unemployment and Sickness Benefit flexibilities under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA) during the COVID-19 virus outbreak

(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, January 5, 2021) CHICAGO — The RUIA provides for payment of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to eligible employees for days of unemployment and for the payment of sickness insurance (SI) benefits for days of sickness. Provided below are some frequently asked questions regarding those situations in which benefits are…

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Railroad Retirement and Unemployment Insurance taxes in 2021

(Source: U.S. Railroad Retirement Board press release, December 18, 2020) CHICAGO — The amounts of compensation subject to railroad retirement tier I and tier II payroll taxes will increase in 2021, while the tax rates on employers and employees will stay the same. In addition, unemployment insurance contribution rates paid by railroad employers will include a…

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Railroad Retirement benefits will see increase in 2021

(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, October 30, 2020) CHICAGO — Most railroad retirement annuities, like social security benefits, will increase in January 2021 due to a rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the third quarter of 2019 to the corresponding period of the current year. Cost-of-living increases are calculated in both the tier…

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Railroad retiree earnings limits set to increase in 2021

(Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, October 30, 2020) CHICAGO — Railroad retirement annuitants subject to earnings restrictions can earn more in 2021 without having their benefits reduced as a result of increases in earnings limits indexed to average national wage increases. Like social security benefits, some railroad retirement benefit payments are subject to deductions if…

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