[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 [[Page 494]] 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] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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. [[Page 495]] [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] T217558.060 [[Page 496]] 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------