First, you need to have ten years of railroad service, (OR five to nine years of railroad service, if at least five years are after 1995, AND you have enough current credits under Social Security to be eligible to be considered eligible for Social Security disability) (TOTAL DISABILITY ANNUITY). Second, you must prove you cannot work due to a physical or mental impairment (If your are over the age of 50 and don’t have any transferable skills, and are not able to perform your past relevant work you may also be eligible).

Another program considers whether you cannot perform your “regular railroad occupation” due to an impairment AND you worked for a railroad in at least 12 of the 30 months immediately before the annuity beginning date, or 12 months in an earlier 30 month period if you had no regular employment outside of the railroad industry after the end of the 30 month period (OCCUPATIONAL DISABILITY ANNUITY). These benefits are payable at any age if you have 20 years of railroad service, or at age 60 if you have at least ten years.

As you can see, the regulations are quite complex and require an attorney with extensive expertise. Call us at 800-331-3530 for a free phone consultation regarding whether you may be eligible for Railroad Disability Benefits (RRB).