Social Insurance for Railroad Workers

Railroad Retirement Benefits
CFDA 57.001 Active Direct Payment (Unrestricted)
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$15.11B FY2026
$14.55B
FY24
$14.68B
FY25
$15.11B
FY26*
* estimated

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 About 474,000 individuals received benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act.
FY2026 About 467,000 individuals are expected to receive benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act.

Program Objective

Provide income security for retired and disabled railroad workers, their family members, and survivors. Also, administer Medicare coverage for railroad workers and their family members.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Unrestricted by Individual Type

How to Apply

Award Procedure

The Railroad Retirement Board grants awards under the Railroad Retirement Act following, review by claims examiners and related staff. After review is completed, the applicant will receive notice by mail.

Decision Timeline

  • Appeal: From 30 to 60 days

Varies depending upon complexity of claim.

Program details & compliance

Description

The Railroad Retirement Act provides benefits equivalent to social security benefits (Tier 1) and benefits based solely on railroad service (Tier 2), also vested dual benefits, disability benefits for total or occupational related issues, and supplemental annuities for career railroaders. Benefits are also available for family members.

Mission Categories

Primary: Social Security and Insurance

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Under the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Act, benefits are provided for personal use of: (1) workers who retire because of age or disability, including supplemental annuities for career railroad employees; (2) eligible spouses and divorced spouses of retired employees; (3) surviving widows, widowers, divorced spouses, children, and dependent parents of deceased employees. In addition, the Railroad Retirement Board administers Medicare coverage for railroad retirement beneficiaries on the same basis as other eligible persons.

Required Documentation

Proof of age must be provided for retirement benefits. For spouse and survivor benefits, proof of marriage and familial relationship is required. Other proofs, such as military service, must also be submitted as required by law. Also, any change in address or eligibility (such as the death of a recipient, work status, excess earnings, marital/family status, medical condition or school attendance) should be promptly reported when it occurs. This program is excluded from coverage under 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
7 years

Formula

As amended.

Contacts

Lacey Pamer — Technical Writer-Editor
(312) 751-4932
844 North Rush Street, 4NE, Chicago, IL 60611-1275
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-04-06. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-28 07:23:36.