Railroaders May Be Able to Get CARES Aid

Railroaders may be eligible for benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program that was established by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security.

The U.S. Department of Labor has advised the Railroad Retirement Board that PUA provisions do not prohibit railroaders from being eligible for benefits if they are not eligible for Railroad Unemployment Insurance Benefits.

A railroad labor union official said the RRB’s general counsel has found there is nothing in the RUIA that prohibits railroaders from receiving PUA benefits if they are not receiving RUIA benefits.

Tags: CARES Act, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Railroad Retirement Board, railroad unemployment insurance