The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will continue its operations during the government shutdown, according to a statement issued on October 1, 2025. The agency confirmed that it will keep processing benefits for railroad workers and retirees without interruption.
The RRB clarified that both Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment & Sickness benefits will be paid as scheduled. Field offices are set to remain open, although there may be reduced staffing levels. New claims and benefit applications will still be accepted.
This continuity is possible because the RRB receives funding from railroad payroll taxes rather than the federal government’s annual budget appropriations. As a result, the benefits provided to railroad workers are not affected by government shutdowns.
“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 on schedule, and unemployment or sickness claims can still be filed as usual. While RRB offices remain operational, they may have limited staff available.
TCU/IAM stated it would monitor developments and provide further updates if needed. Members with questions about their benefits or filing a claim are encouraged to visit www.rrb.gov or contact their local RRB office.
