Events You Must Report

This section describes the different events that may affect your disability benefits. You should be aware of these different events and notify us immediately if any of them apply to you.

The events you should report can affect:

• the amount of your monthly payment; or
• the total amount that can be paid to you during the year; or
• whether you can continue to be paid at all; or
• whether your Medicare coverage can continue.

Keep this information handy and refer to this part occasionally to see if you need to report any event to the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).

The following events must be promptly reported to the RRB:

• If you work for any employer, railroad or nonrailroad, or perform any self-employment work.
• If your condition improves, or your doctor tells you that you are able to work.
• If you are confined in a jail, prison, or other penal institution or correctional facility due to a conviction for a criminal offense.

These events must be reported in addition to any other events you must report described in booklet RB-17, "Survivor Annuities".

How to Report an Event

If, at any time after you have completed your application, you find that one of the conditions explained in this booklet applies to you, you should immediately notify the RRB in writing. The notice should be sent to the RRB office at the address shown on the receipt for your application. However, if you wish, you may also call or visit that office.

When you report an event, be sure to include the following in your letter:

• Your railroad retirement claim number shown at the top of your application receipt.
• Your name (or the widow(er)’s name if you are reporting an event for her or him).
• The railroad employee’s name.
• A clear explanation of the event you are reporting.
• The exact date (month, day, year) the event occurred.

If you are reporting work, it is important that you also furnish the following:

• The kind of work you are doing.
• The name and address of your employer.
• How much you expect to earn each month.
• The period of time you expect to work.
• How many hours per week you work.