[United States Government Manual]
[September 15, 2009]
[Pages 493-496]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

844 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611-2092
Phone, 312-751-4777. Fax, 312-751-7154. Email, [email protected]. Internet, 
www.rrb.gov.
CHAIRMAN                                          Michael S. Schwartz
Labor Member                                      V.M. Speakman, Jr.
Management Member                                 Jerome F. Kever
Inspector General                                 Martin J. Dickman
Director, Administration and Senior Executive     Henry M. Valiulis
        Officer
Director, Equal Opportunity                       Lynn E. Cousins
Director, Human Resources                         Keith B. Earley
Supervisor, Public Affairs                        Anita J. Rogers
Supervisor, Acquisition Management                Paul T. Ahern
Facility Manager                                  Scott L. Rush
General Counsel                                   Steven A. Bartholow
Director, Legislative Affairs                     Margaret A. Lindsley
Director, Hearings and Appeals                    Karl T. Blank
Secretary to the Board                            Beatrice E. Ezerski
Chief Actuary                                     Frank J. Buzzi
Chief Information Officer                         Terri S. Morgan

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Chief Financial Officer                           Kenneth P. Boehne
Director, Programs                                Dorothy A. Isherwood
Director, Assessment and Training                 Catherine A. Leyser
Director, Field Service                           Martha M. Barringer
Director, Operations                              Robert J. Duda
Director, Policy and Systems                      Ronald Russo
Chief, Resource Management Center                 Janet M. Hallman

[For the Railroad Retirement Board statement of organization, see the 
        Code of Federal Regulations, Title 20, Part 200]

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The Railroad Retirement Board administers comprehensive retirement-
survivor and unemployment-sickness benefit programs for the Nation's 
railroad workers and their families.
The Railroad Retirement Board was originally established by the Railroad 
Retirement Act of 1934, as amended (45 U.S.C. 201--228z-1).
    The Board derives statutory authority from the Railroad Retirement 
Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231-231u) and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance 
Act (45 U.S.C. 351-369). It administers these acts and participates in 
the administration of the Social Security Act and the Health Insurance 
for the Aged Act insofar as they affect railroad retirement 
beneficiaries.
    The Board is composed of three members appointed by the President 
with the advice and consent of the Senate--one upon recommendations of 
representatives of employees; one upon recommendations of carriers; and 
one, the Chairman, as a public member.

Activities

The Railroad Retirement Act provides for the payment of annuities to 
individuals who have completed at least 10 years of creditable railroad 
service, or 5 years if performed after 1995, and have ceased compensated 
service upon their attainment of specified ages, or at any age if 
permanently disabled for all employment. In some circumstances 
occupational disability annuities or supplemental annuities are provided 
for career employees.
    A spouse's annuity is provided, under certain conditions, for the 
wife or husband of an employee annuitant. Divorced spouses may also 
qualify.
    Survivor annuities are awarded to the qualified spouses, children, 
and parents of deceased career employees, and various lump-sum benefits 
are also available under certain conditions.
    Benefits based upon qualifying railroad earnings in a preceding 1-
year period are provided under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act 
to individuals who are unemployed in a benefit year, but who are ready 
and willing to work, and to individuals who are unable to work because 
of sickness or injury.
    The Board maintains, through its field offices, a placement service 
for unemployed railroad personnel.

Sources of Information

Benefit Inquiries  The Board maintains direct contact with railroad 
employees and railroad retirement beneficiaries through its field 
offices located across the country. Field personnel explain benefit 
rights and responsibilities on an individual basis, assist employees in 
applying for benefits, and answer questions related to the benefit 
programs. The Board also relies on railroad labor groups and employers 
for assistance in keeping railroad personnel informed about its benefit 
programs.
    To locate the nearest field office, individuals should check with 
their rail employer or local union official. Information may also be 
obtained by calling the Board toll-free at 1-877-772-5772, or by 
visiting the Board's Web site at www.rrb.gov. Most offices are open to 
the public from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.


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Electronic Access  Railroad Retirement Board information is available 
online at www.rrb.gov.
Employment  Employment inquiries should be directed to the Bureau of 
Human Resources, Railroad Retirement Board, 844 North Rush Street, 
Chicago, IL 60611-2092. Phone, 312-751-4580. Email, [email protected].
Congressional and Legislative Assistance  Congressional offices making 
inquiries regarding constituents' claims should contact the Office of 
Administration, Congressional Inquiry Section. Phone, 312-751-4970. Fax, 
312-751-7154. Email, [email protected]. For information regarding legislative 
matters, contact the Office of Legislative Affairs, Suite 500, 1310 G 
Street NW., Washington, DC 20005-3004. Phone, 202-272-7742. Fax, 202-
272-7728. Email, [email protected].
Publications  General information pamphlets on benefit programs may be 
obtained from the Board's field offices or Chicago headquarters. 
Requests for annual reports or statistical data should be directed to 
Public Affairs at the Chicago headquarters. Phone, 312-751-4777. Fax, 
312-751-7154. Email, [email protected].
Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD)  The Board provides TDD 
services. Phone 312-751-4701 for beneficiary inquiries or 312-751-4334 
for equal opportunity inquiries.

For further information, contact Public Affairs, Railroad Retirement 
Board, 844 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611-2092. Phone, 312-751-
4777. Fax, 312-751-7154. Email, [email protected]. Internet, www.rrb.gov.

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