Occupational Disability Benefits vs. Total Disability Benefits

There are two types of disability annuities available through the Railroad Retirement Board: Occupational Disability, and Total and Permanent Disability. Below is a brief summary outlining the differences between the two annuity types.

Occupational Disability AnnuityTotal and Permanent Disability Annuity
  • You are unable to work in your regular Railroad job
  • You are unable to work in any kind of regular job
  • You might be able to do other work
  • Stop all work, AND
  • Have a current connection with the Railroad, AND
  • No current connection with Railroad necessary
  • Either have 240 months of creditable Railroad service, OR be at least age 60 and have 120 months of creditable Railroad service, AND
  • Have 120 months of creditable Railroad service, AND
  • Be "permanently disabled" for work in your "regular railroad occupation"
  • Be "permanently disabled" for any kind of "regular work"

You should consult with your attorney in order to determine which annuity you are eligible for, and exactly what you must do in order to qualify for it.