Railroad Disability Advocacy from Freedom Disability
Railroad Disability Benefits for Railroad Workers
If you are a railroad employee with a medical condition that is preventing you from working, you could be eligible for disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board. Contact us now to find out if you qualify (866) 761-5942, or continue reading to learn more.
To be eligible for Railroad Disability benefits you must have a qualifying disabling medical condition that is preventing you from working to earn substantial gainful activity. There are two disability benefits you could qualify for:
- Railroad Total Disability
This benefit is for railroad workers with at least 10 years of railroad service, or five years of service after 1995, who are unable to work at any job.
- Railroad Occupational Disability
This benefit is for workers who are unable to do the type of work they generally perform for the railroad. It is payable to workers who are age 60 with 10 years of service, or at any age if the worker has at least 20 years of service and has a current connection to the railroad. This means that they must have worked for the railroad for at least 12 out of the last 30 months immediately preceding submitting an application for benefits.
Medical Proof Needed to Support Your Disability
If you are seeking Total or Occupational Railroad Disability benefits, you must provide the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) with significant medical evidence to support why you can’t work. You may additionally be required to undergo a medical exam with a doctor designated by the RRB.
Getting Approved for Railroad Disability Benefits
The RRB must determine, based on your medical history, if you can’t work, either at any job (Total Disability) or at your job with the railroad (Occupational Disability).
If the RRB denies your initial disability claim, you have the right to appeal that decision.
Three Stages of an Appeal
There are three stages to an appeal for railroad disability benefits:
- Stage One: Reconsideration
You have 60 days from the date of an initial denial notice to request that the Railroad Retirement Board reconsider the decision.
- Stage Two: Bureau of Hearings and Appeals
If you are denied again, you can appeal with the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals, which is independent from the group that issues initial and reconsideration decisions. Again, you have 60 days in which to file for a hearing. Your hearing may be in person or by telephone.
- Stage Three: Board Appeal
If you are again denied, you have 60 days in which to file a board appeal. At this stage, your case will be reviewed by a three-member board that generally does not allow new evidence.
Your Railroad Disability Compensation
When you are approved for Railroad Disability – the average benefit is $2,800 a month – you will be required to wait a mandatory five months before your monthly benefits begin. You will also be eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period from your entitlement date.
How Freedom Disability Can Help You
The advocates at Freedom Disability are expert at developing strong Railroad Disability cases from the initial application on through to all levels of an appeal.
Your Freedom Disability advocate will:
- Guide you through the railroad disability application process
- Gather medical records in support of your application
- Submit all forms and documentation on your behalf to the Railroad Retirement Board
- Develop your claim through all levels of an appeal if your case is initially denied
- Assist and support you all the way through to getting the Railroad Disability benefits you deserve
The Cost for Our Expert Advocacy Service
Our fee is 25 percent of the retroactive lump sum the Railroad Retirement Board owes you in back benefits. This fee is subject to approval by the Railroad Retirement Board.
Contact Freedom Disability to Get Started on Your Disability Claim
If you are a disabled railroad worker, click the link to contact Freedom Disability about our Railroad Disability Services or call us now (866) 761-5942.