There’s good news for SMART-TD members and retirees who are served by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board’s (RRB) Louisville, Ky. district office: in-person service restarts this upcoming Monday, June 29.

Due to staffing shortages, this location had been closed since March of 2025. Railroad employees and retirees residing in the Louisville area were forced to visit the Roanoke, Va. and other regional offices for in-person service over the past 15 months, resulting in lengthy drives.

The Louisville office serves nearly 100 Kentucky counties and seven counties in southern Indiana.

Because the office will only have one employee, please expect closures from time to time.

The Louisville office is located at the following address in the Mazzoli Federal Building:

600 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive
Suite 267
Louisville, KY 40202

Beginning June 29, the office will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Anyone wanting to schedule an in-person appointment is encouraged to e-mail Louisville@rrb.gov or call the agency’s toll-free number of (877) 772-5772. Because the office is in a federal building, security screening and a photo ID are required to enter.

To find the RRB field office that’s closest to you, visit RRB.gov, access the Field Office Locator from the home page, and click on the specific office on the map or from the drop-down menu. You can also enter your ZIP code to find the office that services your area.

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If you’re a railroad employee, you’ll probably notice some changes the next time you log into your myRRB account.

On June 4, 2026, the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) announced the redesign of myRRB, including a more modern, streamlined design and a traditional drop-down menu at the top of the screen that replaces the grid of tiles.

Users will first notice the changes when they sign into their account. A new section displays recent activity, keeping railroaders informed and prompting them to contact their RRB field office if they notice any suspicious activity to help protect their personal information.

In addition, myRRB is now more mobile-friendly, allowing users to access their accounts from a smartphone or tablet.

These myRRB updates are designed to improve the layout, usability, and overall navigation without sacrificing the functionality that users know and expect. The changes are also a precursor to future upgrades and service options, ensuring that myRRB is best suited for the digital age.

To make the transition as seamless as possible, myRRB has outlined what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and some of the most important new features…

What’s the Same?

• LOGIN.GOV – retired, former, and current railroad employees sign in with Login.gov.
• FUNCTIONALITY – all online services still available.

What’s Different?

• SIMPLIFIED NAVIGATION – streamlined main menu includes dropdown options for online services.
• MOBILE DEVICE FLEXIBILITY – responsive layout enables display to automatically adjust for proper fit on smartphones and tablets; main menu collapses to the side on mobile devices.
• MODERN DESIGN – implements U.S. Web Design System.
• ACCESSIBLE – complies with various requirements for federal web-based services.

Featured in the new design of myRRB – fundamental tools are emphasized with high level visibility:

• Recent account activity shown on the homepage
• Quick links at the bottom of the homepage
• Simplified footer with links back to RRB.gov website, including easy access to Field Office Locator and the toll-free phone number

Main Menu – spans across the top of myRRB after signing in, organized into categories for a simple path to each online service based on the user-type (either retired railroad employee or current/former railroad employee).

The images below show the new homepages for retired railroad employees and current and former railroad employees, giving you a preview of what you’ll see the next time you log in.

The post Meet the New myRRB appeared first on SMART Union.

The labor movement lost one of its steadfast champions with the passing of Jackie “Jack” Verlyn Shaver. For decades, Jack dedicated himself to the service of railroad workers, their families, and the principles of unionism that have guided generations of transportation employees.

Jack’s career of service stretched so far back that it predates not just SMART-TD but the United Transportation Union itself. He hired out on the railroad in the fall of 1960 as a member of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen Lodge 30. Since then, Jack has been known for carrying forward the values of solidarity, dignity, and brotherhood through every chapter of our union’s history. Through organizational changes, political battles, legislative fights, and countless challenges facing railroad workers, Jack remained committed to the same cause: protecting working people and strengthening the union that represented them.

For many in SMART-TD and its predecessor organizations, Jack was far more than a leader. He was a mentor. He understood that unions are not built by titles or offices, but by people willing to invest in the next generation. Whether it was a newly hired railroader learning the ropes or one of the labor movement’s most senior elected leaders, Jack always made time to share his knowledge, offer guidance, and encourage others to grow. His reputation as a trusted counselor extended throughout the union, including to former UTU President Al Chesser, who often relied on Jack’s judgment and experience.

As SMART-TD First Vice President Brent Leonard recalled, when he was a young railroader with strong opinions and sharp criticisms, Jack did not dismiss him. Instead, he challenged him to transform that energy into constructive leadership. That approach defined Jack’s character. He saw potential in others and believed it was his responsibility to help them develop it.

Former SMART-TD Illinois State Legislative Director and Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Joe Szabo remembered Jack as both a mentor and a father figure. When Szabo was a young State Director, Jack shared not only his knowledge of railroading, politics, and the legislative process, but also his wisdom about leadership itself. He encouraged others to grow, to serve, and to carry forward the mission of the union. His influence can be seen in the careers and accomplishments of countless leaders who followed in his footsteps.

Former Colorado State Director Rick Johnson described Jack as someone who changed the trajectory of lives. As a union brother and mentor, Jack was unapologetically committed to the workers he represented. His guiding principles were simple but unwavering: family, union, and safety. He understood that every legislative battle, every safety initiative, and every contract fight ultimately came down to protecting the livelihoods and well-being of working railroaders.

Current Colorado State Safety and Legislative Director Carl Smith echoed those sentiments, saying that Colorado, SMART-TD, and the entire rail labor movement lost a great leader in Jack Shaver. Smith noted that Jack demonstrated the right way to lead for decades, maintaining an unwavering focus on the safety and quality of life of his brothers and sisters above all else. That commitment was reflected in everything he accomplished throughout a long and distinguished career and remains an example for future generations of union leaders to follow.

Those who knew Jack consistently speak of his humility. Despite his accomplishments and decades of service as both the Colorado State Director and as the President of the National Association of State Directors, he never forgot where he came from. He expected leaders to carry themselves with dignity, to respect the members they served, and to remember that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. He believed in doing things the right way, even when it was not the easy way.

Jack Shaver leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured solely by positions held, years served, or legislative accomplishments. His true legacy lives on in the people he mentored, the workers he protected, and the principles he embodied. From the newest members entering the industry to the leaders entrusted with guiding our organization, generations of railroaders benefited from his counsel and example. The causes he fought for remain the causes we champion today. As we continue that work, we honor his memory by following the example he set: leading with humility, serving with integrity, and never forgetting where we came from.

Family, friends, and union brothers and sisters will have an opportunity to honor Jack’s life and legacy at a graveside service on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery, located at 4400 W. Kenyon Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80236. In recognition of Jack’s decades of service to railroad workers, SMART-TD, and the broader labor movement, all SMART-TD members who wish to attend are welcome to join in paying their respects and celebrating the life of a man whose leadership, mentorship, and commitment to working people left a lasting mark on our organization.

Rest in peace, Brother Shaver. Your life’s work helped move the line forward, and your legacy will continue to guide those who follow.

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Railroaders are encouraged to keep an eye on their mailboxes for an important form that’s set to arrive during the first half of June.

Prepared annually by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), a Form BA-6, Certificate of Service Months and Compensation, is sent to every railroad employee with creditable railroad compensation in the last calendar year. Specific instructions are available for reviewing the form.

The information is used to determine whether an employee qualifies for benefits and the amount of those benefits, so railroaders are urged to review their individual forms carefully to ensure that their records agree with what’s noted.

As a reminder, only annual earnings up to $176,100 are creditable for railroad retirement, the maximum amount shown on the form. The BA-6 also shows service credited on a month-by-month basis for 2024, 2023, and 2022, the employer(s) reporting the employee’s 2025 service and compensation, and the number of any additional service months deemed by the RRB.

Please note that the section marked “Employee Contributions” shows the difference between the railroad retirement payroll taxes paid as an employee under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act and the social security payroll taxes an employee would have paid if all of their creditable railroad service had been covered under the Social Security Act. The RRB does not collect or maintain payroll tax information, but this amount advises retired employees of their payroll tax contributions for federal income tax purposes.

There’s also a section in the lower-right corner of the form that designates whether the employee is eligible to claim unemployment or sickness benefits.

Form BA-6 also shows the number of months of verified military service creditable as service under the Railroad Retirement Act if the service was previously reported to the RRB. It’s recommended that employees submit proofs of age and/or military service in advance of their actual retirement to streamline the benefit application process and help prevent payment delays.

Formal protest requests need to be submitted in writing or on Form G-70, Protest Record of Service Months and Compensation. Requests for adjustments made by employees must be filed within four years of the date the service and/or compensation was to be reported. Protests filed outside of that window will not be considered timely.

If personal information (name, birthdate, address, etc.) is incorrect or incomplete, employees should notify their local RRB field office to have it corrected.

Railroad employees who have not received a Form BA-6 by July 1 or those who need a replacement are encouraged to contact an RRB field office by calling 1-877-772-5772. Callers can also request a statement of service and compensation through the number’s automated menu by selecting option 5 at the end of the recorded greeting. Statements can also be requested online by clicking the “Request Documents” button at RRB.gov/myRRB.

More detailed information about the Statements of Service are available on the RRB’s website.  

The post RRB’s Statements of Service Set to Arrive Soon appeared first on SMART Union.

Retired railroad workers can now update their address and direct deposit information online, saving valuable time as the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) works to modernize its systems for a digital world.

To do so, retirees must sign into myRRB at RRB.gov/myRRB and click on “Change my Address” to update their mailing address or “Manage My Direct Deposit” to add or update their direct deposit information. Please note that a Login.gov account is required to access all myRRB services, and the agency encourages all railroad employees to verify their identities with Login.gov.

In addition to these new features, myRRB also offers the ability to…

• Apply for unemployment benefits
• Claim unemployment benefits
• View unemployment/sickness account statement
• Claim sickness benefits
• Access unemployment/sickness tax documents
• View service and compensation history
• Get retirement benefits estimate

Create your account or sign in to access these features ►

These new online services are currently only available to retired railroad workers who receive a monthly annuity from the RRB. Retired spouses or other annuitants must contact their local RRB field office to make any changes to their address or direct deposit information.

The RRB says that this project emphasizes the agency’s commitment to improve performance, expand services, and strengthen cybersecurity.

The post New RRB Online Services Now Available appeared first on SMART Union.

Washington, D.C.— On February 5, 2026, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee underscored a critical message for SMART-TD members: Railroad Retirement remains a strong and valuable system, but chronic underfunding of the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) itself is creating unacceptable service delays that directly harm railroaders and their families.

The Good: RRB Is Much Stronger Than Social Security

Committee Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) emphasized the system’s long-term financial strength and sustainability, calling it a model for retirement security nationwide.

“The RRB’s trust fund is predicted to continue running smoothly and solvently for 75 years, which is the limit of our projections. It is the gold standard for sustainability.”

Lawmakers from both parties acknowledged that Railroad Retirement provides benefits that far exceed those available under Social Security, particularly for career railroaders.

During the hearing, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), the committee’s Ranking Member, remarked that, “Rail workers who have been on the job for 30 years and retire at the age of 60 receive more than $4,500 a month. That is the good news.”

For working SMART-TD members, this underscores that Railroad Retirement remains one of the strongest retirement systems in the country, rewarding long careers and supporting families in retirement.

The Bad: Chronic Underfunding and Lack of Service

While praising the benefit structure, Sen. Sanders delivered a blunt warning about the consequences of Congress failing to adequately fund the Railroad Retirement Board’s day-to-day office operations.

“The bad news, Mr. Chairman, is that the Railroad Retirement Board budget has been flat for several years. As a result of this insufficient funding, it takes an average of 470 days for the Railroad Retirement Board to determine if a worker is eligible to receive the assistance they need.”

And The Ugly: Real Life Emergencies Met With Long Delays

Those delays have serious consequences for active railroaders, particularly those dealing with injuries, illness, or sudden career interruptions.

Sanders also pointed to the erosion of in-person services, noting that rail workers are sometimes forced to wait up to two and a half hours on the phone to receive assistance. He added that many field offices in rail communities have been forced to shut down or substantially reduce their services.

Even when eligibility is eventually approved, workers are often left waiting far too long for relief.

“And even when it is determined that a worker is eligible to receive disability benefits, it can take 18 months or longer for them to receive those benefits. In my view, that is unacceptable.”

What This Means for SMART-TD Members Still Working

For active railroaders, the hearing confirmed several hard realities. Disability claims can take well over a year, leaving workers and their families in prolonged financial uncertainty. Field office closures and staffing shortages continue to limit access to knowledgeable, in-person assistance when it is needed most. These delays are not caused by the benefit system itself, but by years of flat funding for RRB administration despite growing workloads and increasing demands on the agency.

SMART-TD has consistently warned that underfunding RRB operations harms railroaders at their most vulnerable moments, and this hearing placed those concerns squarely on the congressional record.

What This Means for Retirees and Survivors

For retirees and survivors, the hearing offered both reassurance and caution. The Railroad Retirement system itself remains financially strong, with long-term solvency projections extending 75 years into the future. At the same time, service delays and reduced field office access can complicate survivor claims, benefit adjustments, and major life-event changes. Continued congressional attention is essential to ensure retirees can access the benefits they earned without unnecessary barriers.

Bottom Line for SMART-TD Railroaders

The Senate hearing made one thing unmistakably clear: Railroad Retirement works, and the trust fund is strong. However, the Railroad Retirement Board cannot properly serve railroaders without adequate staffing and funding. We all know that the RRB is self-funded out of our paychecks. The money is there and ready to fix the staffing and technology problems that prevent railroaders from accessing these important services. What the RRB and rail labor are asking is that Congress allow us permission to use these funds to fill the gaps.

SMART-TD will continue pressing Congress to fully fund RRB administrative operations, restore and strengthen field office access, and ensure no railroader or retiree is forced to wait months (or even years) for benefits they have already earned.

The post Senate Hearing Highlights the Good, the Bad, and The Ugly of RRB appeared first on SMART Union.

Less than a month after the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) announced that it had relocated its Cincinnati, Ohio and St. Paul, Minnesota field offices, another location is joining that list.  
 
As of October 17, SMART-TD members and retirees who are served by the Boston District Office can visit the new location at the following address: 
 
John W. McCormack Post Office and Courthouse 
5 Post Office Square, Suite 170044 
Boston, MA 02109 
 
The new office is located a few blocks away from its previous space and is more centrally situated in the downtown area.  

The new location provides a more central location in the downtown area just a few blocks away from the previous office. 
 
Offices are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and appointments, although not required, can be made by calling (877) 772-5772. To reach a field office via e-mail, visit RRB.gov, click on “Field Office Locator, and then select your local office for more details. 

By relocating to a government-owned building, the RRB says that it can save over $1 million over a 10-year period as opposed to leasing private office space.  

If you’re served by either the Cincinnati or St. Paul Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) field offices, please be advised that both have moved to new, nearby locations. Read on to learn why and get the new addresses.   

The post Another RRB Office Moves to New Location appeared first on SMART Union.

We have an important announcement for SMART-TD members and retirees who are served by either the Cincinnati, Ohio, or St. Paul, Minnesota field offices for the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

As of September 24, both locations have moved from private office space into federal buildings.

New RRB Office Locations:

• Cincinnati Field Office 
  John Weld Peck Federal Building 
  550 Main Street, Room 1-770 
  Cincinnati, OH 45202 
  
  
• St. Paul Field Office 
  Warren E. Burger Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse 
  316 Robert Street, Room 304 
  St. Paul, MN 55101 

Offices are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and appointments, although not required, can be made by calling (877) 772-5772. To reach a field office via e-mail, visit RRB.gov, click on “Field Office Locator, and then select your local office for more details.

By relocating to a government-owned building, the RRB says that it can save over $1 million over a 10-year period.  

The post Two RRB Field Offices Move to New Locations appeared first on SMART Union.

SMART TD is aware that the new federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has published a list of seven Regional Offices of the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) on their “Wall Of Receipts.” This means that they have decided to cancel the lease for these office locations as well as the leases of the buildings they are currently housed in.

The RRB offices that are scheduled to be closed are the following.

1. Mesa, Arizona
2. Joliet, Illinois
3. Wichita, Kansas
4. Scranton, Pennsylvania
5. Covina, California
6. Cincinnati, Ohio
7. Jacksonville, Florida

You can use this Link to DOGE’s website to view the posting. From this website, you can find all seven of the listed RRB offices under the Real Estate Section of the “Wall of Receipts.”

SMART-TD is working with the RRB on this issue. The RRB has applied for an exemption from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to keep these offices open, and that request is currently pending GSA’s decision.

Our union’s National Safety and Legislative Department is working very quickly on Capitol Hill to convey the importance of the railroad retirement system and your access to it. We are also letting those in Washington know that the money used to support the RRB is your direct employee contributions and not federal tax dollars.

As this situation develops, SMART-TD will keep you informed. 

The post DOGE to close seven RRB Regional Offices appeared first on SMART Union.

RRB News

No. 25-1

January 7, 2025

For Immediate Release

U.S. Railroad Retirement Board

Public Affairs                            312-751-4777

844 North Rush Street             312-751-7154 (fax)

Chicago, Illinois 60611-1275    RRB.gov

Law Ends Reduction of Railroad Unemployment and Sickness Benefits

A recently approved law ended the reduction of unemployment and sickness benefits paid to railroad employees due to a budget sequestration requirement. The Railroad Employee Equity and Fairness (REEF) Act was incorporated into the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, which the President signed on December 23, 2024.

The Budget Control Act of 2011, and subsequent sequestration orders to implement mandated cuts, required that railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits be reduced by a set percentage. This requirement was temporarily paused at the beginning of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but resumed on May 10, 2023. Since then, unemployment and sickness benefit amounts paid by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) have been reduced by 5.7 percent. The REEF Act eliminates that reduction and exempts railroad unemployment and sickness insurance benefits from sequestration.

The current daily benefit rate for unemployment and sickness insurance benefits is $94.00. Applying the sequestration reduction of 5.7 percent reduced the maximum benefit in a 2-week period from $940.00 to $886.42. Starting December 26, 2024, the full amount is being paid, except for any required income/payroll tax withholding or garnishment orders.

In addition, the new law applies retroactively to May 10, 2023, when sequestration resumed after the pandemic. Due to significant system programming required, there will be a delay in calculating and issuing retroactive payments. Claimants should monitor the agency website at RRB.gov for up-to-date information on progress related to retroactive payments. No action is required by claimants affected by this provision unless they have moved or changed banking information, in which case they can report the new information by calling the agency’s toll-free number at (877) 772-5772.

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