Prepared by Public Affairs 312-751-4777
The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board announced that railroad
workers can now apply for railroad unemployment benefits over the Internet.
Employees can access this new service by visiting the Board's
Web site at www.rrb.gov and clicking on "MainLine Services" for directions on
establishing an RRB Internet Services account. Once employees establish their
online accounts, they will be able to apply for unemployment benefits, as well
as conduct other business with the Board, over the Internet. However, to ensure
security, employees must first go online to get a Password Request Code, which
they will receive by mail in about 7 to 10 days. Employees are encouraged to
establish online accounts while still employed so the account is ready if they
ever need to apply for these benefits or use other Internet services. Employees
who have already established online accounts do not need to do so again.
After an employee files an Internet application for unemployment
benefits, the Board will mail biweekly claim forms to the employee for
completion. Although employees will not be able to file their biweekly claims
over the Internet, the Board is planning to add this service and other online
services in the future.
The new service is part of the Board's plan to implement
comprehensive Internet services that will expand access to information and allow
the railroad public to conduct its business with the agency online. For those
who choose not to conduct business over the Internet, the Board's field offices
are available to answer in-person, telephone, and written inquiries.
Most Board offices are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30
p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays. Addresses and phone
numbers for all Board offices are available by calling the toll-free RRB Help
Line at 1-800-808-0772. The RRB Help Line is an automated telephone service
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Board office locations and phone
numbers can also be found on the Board's Web site.
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