TITLE 45—RAILROADS
CHAPTER 1—SAFETY APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT ON RAILROAD ENGINES AND CARS, AND PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEES AND TRAVELERS
§§1 to 14. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379
Section 1, acts Mar. 2, 1893, ch. 196, §1, 27 Stat. 531; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(1)(A), 102 Stat. 630, related to use of power driving-wheel brakes and appliances for operating train-brake systems. See section 20302 of Title 49, Transportation.
Section 2, acts Mar. 2, 1893, ch. 196, §2, 27 Stat. 531; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(1)(B), 102 Stat. 630, related to use of cars not equipped with automatic couplers. See section 20302 of Title 49.
Section 3, acts Mar. 2, 1893, ch. 196, §3, 27 Stat. 531; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(1)(C), 102 Stat. 630, related to refusal to receive insufficiently equipped cars from connecting lines. See section 20302 of Title 49.
Section 4, acts Mar. 2, 1893, ch. 196, §4, 27 Stat. 531; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(A), 80 Stat. 939; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(1)(D), 102 Stat. 630, related to grab irons or handholds for security in coupling and uncoupling cars. See section 20302 of Title 49.
Section 5, acts Mar. 2, 1893, ch. 196, §5, 27 Stat. 531; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(1)(E), 102 Stat. 630, related to exclusion from traffic of freight cars not complying with prescribed standard for height of drawbars.
Section 6, acts Mar. 2, 1893, ch. 196, §6, 27 Stat. 532; Apr. 1, 1896, ch. 87, 29 Stat. 85; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §1, 62 Stat. 909; Aug. 14, 1957, Pub. L. 85–135, §1(1), 71 Stat. 352; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(A), 80 Stat. 939; July 8, 1976, Pub. L. 94–348, §3(a), 90 Stat. 818; Nov. 2, 1978, Pub. L. 95–574, §7(a), 92 Stat. 2461; Oct. 10, 1980, Pub. L. 96–423, §8(b), 94 Stat. 1814; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(1)(F), 102 Stat. 630; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, §§4(a)(1), (c)(3), 9(a)(3), 106 Stat. 973, 974, 977, related to use of cars in violation of sections 1 to 7 of this title and enforcement duties of United States attorneys and Secretary of Transportation. See sections 20301, 21302, and 21304 of Title 49, Transportation.
Section 7, acts Mar. 2, 1893, ch. 196, §8, 27 Stat. 532; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(1)(H), 102 Stat. 631, related to assumption of risk by railroad employees. See section 20304 of Title 49.
Section 8, acts Mar. 2, 1903, ch. 976, §1, 32 Stat. 943; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(2)(A), 102 Stat. 631, extended provisions of sections 1 to 7 of this title to include railroads in the Territories and the District of Columbia and to apply in other cases. See sections 20301, 20302, 20304, and 21302 of Title 49.
Section 9, acts Mar. 2, 1903, ch. 976, §2, 32 Stat. 943; Apr. 11, 1958, Pub. L. 85–375, 72 Stat. 86; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(B), 80 Stat. 939; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(2)(B), 102 Stat. 631, provided that locomotive engineers were to operate power and train brakes on not less than 50 percent of cars of trains operated with power or train brakes, and retained rules, standards, and instructions of Association of American Railroads for installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of such brakes. See sections 20301, 20302, and 21302 of Title 49.
Section 10, acts Mar. 2, 1903, ch. 976, §3, 32 Stat. 943; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §1, 62 Stat. 909; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(B), 80 Stat. 939; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(2)(C), 102 Stat. 631; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, §9(a)(4), 106 Stat. 977, related to continuation of duties, requirements, and liabilities specified under sections 1 to 7 of this title unless specifically amended by sections 8 to 10 of this title. See section 21302 of Title 49.
Section 11, acts Apr. 14, 1910, ch. 160, §2, 36 Stat. 298; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(3)(A), 102 Stat. 631, related to use of cars not equipped as required by sections 11 to 16 of this title. See section 20302 of Title 49.
Section 12, acts Apr. 14, 1910, ch. 160, §3, 36 Stat. 298; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(C), 80 Stat. 939; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(3)(B), 102 Stat. 631, continued to maintain designations of safety appliances by Secretary of Transportation as standards of equipment for railroad cars, unless changed by order of Secretary, and authorized Secretary to modify standard height of drawbars. See sections 20302 and 21302 of Title 49.
Section 13, acts Apr. 14, 1910, ch. 160, §4, 36 Stat. 299; Aug. 14, 1957, Pub. L. 85–135, §1(2), 71 Stat. 352; July 8, 1976, Pub. L. 94–348, §3(b), 90 Stat. 818; Nov. 2, 1978, Pub. L. 95–574, §7(b), 92 Stat. 2461; Jan. 14, 1983, Pub. L. 97–468, title VII, §704, 96 Stat. 2580; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(3)(C), 102 Stat. 632; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, §§4(a)(1), (c)(4), 9(a)(5), 106 Stat. 973, 974, 978, related to penalty for using cars not equipped as provided by sections 1 to 16 of this title, with provisos for hauling cars for repairs when equipment becomes defective, liability for death or injury to employees in connection with such hauling, and use of chains instead of drawbars in conducting such hauling. See sections 20303, 21302, and 21304 of Title 49.
Section 14, acts Apr. 14, 1910, ch. 160, §5, 36 Stat. 299; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(C), 80 Stat. 939; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(3)(D), 102 Stat. 632, related to liability for using cars with defective or insecure equipment. See section 21302 of Title 49.
§15. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–449, §7(b), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2444
Section, acts Apr. 14, 1910, ch. 160, §6, 36 Stat. 299; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(C), 80 Stat. 939, provided that it was the duty of the Secretary of Transportation to enforce the provisions of sections 11 to 16 of this title as to equipment of each car with safety appliances and that all powers theretofore granted to the Interstate Commerce Commission were extended to the Secretary for the purpose of such enforcement. See section 501(b) of Title 49, Transportation.
§16. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379
Section, acts Apr. 14, 1910, ch. 160, §1, 36 Stat. 298; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §13(3)(E), 102 Stat. 632, defined "railroad" as used in sections 1 to 16 of this title. See section 20102 of Title 49, Transportation.
§§17 to 21. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–468, title VII, §705, Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2580
Section 17, act May 30, 1908, ch. 225, §§1, 2, 35 Stat. 476, related to locomotives to be equipped with safety ash pans.
Section 18, acts May 30, 1908, ch. 225, §3, 35 Stat. 476; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §1, 62 Stat. 909; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(D), 80 Stat. 939, set forth penalties for violations and authorized United States attorneys to bring actions for enforcement of provisions.
Section 19, acts May 30, 1908, ch. 225, §4, 35 Stat. 476; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(D), 80 Stat. 939, provided for enforcement of the provisions of sections 17 to 21 of this title by the Secretary of Transportation.
Section 20, act May 30, 1908, ch. 225, §5, 35 Stat. 476, specified those to be included in the term "common carrier".
Section 21, act May 30, 1908, ch. 225, §6, 35 Stat. 476, provided that the provisions of sections 17 to 21 of this title not be applicable to locomotives on which an ash pan is not necessary.
§§22 to 43a. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379
Section 22, acts Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, §1, 36 Stat. 913; June 7, 1924, ch. 355, §1, 43 Stat. 659; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §14(1), 102 Stat. 632, defined "railroad" as used in sections 22 to 29 and 31 to 34 of this title. See section 20102 of Title 49, Transportation.
Section 23, acts Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, §2, 36 Stat. 913; Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 169, §1, 38 Stat. 1192; June 7, 1924, ch. 355, §2, 43 Stat. 659; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §14(2), 102 Stat. 632, made it unlawful for railroads to use locomotives and appurtenances unless they were safe and inspected in accordance with provisions of sections 22 to 29 and 31 to 34 of this title and tested as prescribed by rules and regulations. See section 20701 of Title 49.
Section 24, acts Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, §3, 36 Stat. 914; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, §1, 54 Stat. 148; May 27, 1947, ch. 85, §1, 61 Stat. 120; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, title XI, §1106(a), 63 Stat. 972; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §14(3), 102 Stat. 633, provided for appointment and salaries of a director of locomotive inspection and two assistant directors of locomotive inspection, and was previously omitted pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1965, eff. July 27, 1965, 30 F.R. 9351, 79 Stat. 1320, formerly set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, which abolished the offices of director of locomotive inspection, assistant directors of locomotive inspection, and district inspectors of locomotives. Acts June 26, 1918, ch. 105, 40 Stat. 616; June 7, 1924, ch. 355, §6, 43 Stat. 659; June 27, 1930, ch. 644, §1, 46 Stat. 822, which provided for the pay of chief inspector, assistant inspectors, and district directors of locomotives, and related to office allowances for each inspector, and which were cited as a credit to section 24, were repealed by Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 643, 646, 648.
Section 25, acts Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, §3, 36 Stat. 914; June 7, 1924, ch. 355, §3, 43 Stat. 659; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, §1, 54 Stat. 148; May 27, 1947, ch. 85, §1, 61 Stat. 120, provided for location of office of director of locomotive inspection in Washington, D.C., and for staffing of such office, and was previously omitted pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1965, formerly set out in the Appendix to Title 5.
Section 26, acts Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, §4, 36 Stat. 914; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, §1, 54 Stat. 148; May 27, 1947, ch. 85, §2, 61 Stat. 120, directed director of locomotive inspection to divide country into 50 locomotive boiler inspection districts so as to most effectively divide up work of inspector for each such district, and was previously omitted pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1965, formerly set out in the Appendix to Title 5, which abolished the offices of director of locomotive inspection, assistant directors of locomotive inspection, and district inspectors of locomotives, together with the function of the director of locomotive inspection with respect to dividing the country into districts. Acts June 26, 1918, ch. 105, 40 Stat. 616; June 27, 1930, ch. 644, §2, 46 Stat. 823, which were cited as a credit to section 26, were repealed by Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 643, 648.
Section 27, act Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, §4 (par), as added June 7, 1924, ch. 355, §4, 43 Stat. 659; amended Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, §1, 54 Stat. 148, authorized appointment of 15 additional boiler inspectors over and above number authorized by section 26 of this title as the needs of the service may require, and was previously omitted pursuant to Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1965, formerly set out in the Appendix to Title 5.
Section 28, acts Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, §5, 36 Stat. 914; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, §1, 54 Stat. 148; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(E), 80 Stat. 939; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §14(4), 102 Stat. 633, related to rules and instructions for inspection of locomotive boilers. See section 20702 of Title 49, Transportation.
Section 29, acts Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, §6, 36 Stat. 915; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, §1, 54 Stat. 148; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(E), 80 Stat. 939; Oct. 10, 1980, Pub. L. 96–423, §13, 94 Stat. 1816; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §14(5), 102 Stat. 633, related to duties of district inspectors to make railroads inspect and repair locomotive boilers and notify railroads when boilers were not in serviceable condition and provided that railroads could appeal to director of locomotive inspection to have boiler reexamined and could then appeal to Secretary of Transportation if district inspector's decision was sustained by director. See section 20702 of Title 49.
Section 30, acts Mar. 4, 1915, ch. 169, §2, 38 Stat. 1192; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, §2, 54 Stat. 148, related to powers, duties, and examinations of locomotive inspectors and provided that provisions of sections 22 to 29 and 31 to 34 of this title were applicable to all parts of locomotives and tenders. See sections 20701 to 20703 and 21302 of Title 49.
Section 31, acts Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, §7, 36 Stat. 916; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, §1, 54 Stat. 148; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(E), 80 Stat. 939, related to annual report of director of locomotive inspection to Secretary of Transportation.
Section 32, acts Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, §8, 36 Stat. 916; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, §1, 54 Stat. 148; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §14(6), 102 Stat. 633, required railroad to report accidents resulting from failure of locomotive boilers or appurtenances to director of locomotive inspection and to preserve disabled parts for inspection, investigation, and report by director. See section 20703 of Title 49, Transportation.
Section 33, acts Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, §8, 36 Stat. 916; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, §1, 54 Stat. 148; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(E), 80 Stat. 939; Jan. 3, 1975, Pub. L. 93–633, title III, §304, 88 Stat. 2168, related to reports by Secretary of Transportation of accident investigations conducted pursuant to section 32 of this title. See section 20703 of Title 49.
Section 34, acts Feb. 17, 1911, ch. 103, §9, 36 Stat. 916; Apr. 22, 1940, ch. 124, §1, 54 Stat. 148; Aug. 14, 1957, Pub. L. 85–135, §3, 71 Stat. 352; July 8, 1976, Pub. L. 94–348, §3(c), 90 Stat. 818; Nov. 2, 1978, Pub. L. 95–574, §7(c), 92 Stat. 2461; Oct. 10, 1980, Pub. L. 96–423, §8(c), 94 Stat. 1814; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §14(7), 102 Stat. 633; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, §§4(a)(1), (c)(7), 9(a)(8), 106 Stat. 973, 975, 978, related to penalty for willful violations of sections 22 to 29 and 31 to 34 of this title, or rules or regulations made thereunder, or any lawful order of any inspector, duty of United States attorney to sue for such violations, and duty of director of locomotive inspection to inform proper United States attorney of violations coming to his knowledge. See sections 21302 and 21304 of Title 49.
Section 35, acts June 30, 1906, No. 46, 34 Stat. 838; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(H), 80 Stat. 939, directed Secretary of Transportation to investigate and report on block-signal systems and appliances for automatic control of trains and empowered Secretary to obtain evidence to carry out and give effect to this provision.
Section 36, acts May 27, 1908, ch. 200, §1, 35 Stat. 325; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(I), 80 Stat. 939, related to investigation and testing by Secretary of Transportation of appliances or systems to promote safety of railway operation. See section 20504 of Title 49, Transportation.
Section 37, acts May 27, 1908, ch. 200, §1, 35 Stat. 325; Mar. 4, 1909, ch. 299, §1, 35 Stat. 965; Aug. 12, 1970, Pub. L. 91–375, §4(a), 84 Stat. 773, related to inspection of mail cars. See section 20305 of Title 49.
Section 38, acts May 6, 1910, ch. 208, §1, 36 Stat. 350; Sept. 13, 1960, Pub. L. 86–762, §1, 74 Stat. 903; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(K), 80 Stat. 939; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §15(1), 102 Stat. 633, related to duty of railroad to make monthly reports of railroad accidents to Secretary of Transportation and defined "railroad" for purposes of sections 38 to 43 of this title. See sections 20102 and 20901 of Title 49.
Section 39, acts May 6, 1910, ch. 208, §2, 36 Stat. 351; Jan. 3, 1975, Pub. L. 93–633, title II, §204(b), 88 Stat. 2166; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §15(2), 102 Stat. 634; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, §4(a)(3), 106 Stat. 973, related to penalty for failure of railroad to make report provided for in section 38 of this title. See sections 20901 and 21311 of Title 49.
Section 40, acts May 6, 1910, ch. 208, §3, 36 Stat. 351; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(K), 80 Stat. 939; Jan. 3, 1975, Pub. L. 93–633, title III, §304, 88 Stat. 2168; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §15(3), 102 Stat. 634, authorized Secretary of Transportation to investigate railroad accidents, with proviso that Secretary cooperate with State commissions in such investigations if convenient and make reports of such investigations when in the public interest. See section 20902 of Title 49.
Section 41, act May 6, 1910, ch. 208, §4, 36 Stat. 351, provided that reports required by sections 38 and 40 of this title were not admissible as evidence in suits for damages. See section 20903 of Title 49.
Section 42, acts May 6, 1910, ch. 208, §5, 36 Stat. 351; Sept. 13, 1960, Pub. L. 86–762, §2, 74 Stat. 904; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(1)(K), 80 Stat. 939, authorized Secretary of Transportation to prescribe rules, regulations, and forms for making reports as necessary to implement and effectuate purposes of sections 38 to 43 of this title.
Section 43, acts May 6, 1910, ch. 208, §7, 36 Stat. 351; Sept. 13, 1960, Pub. L. 86–762, §3, 74 Stat. 904; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §15(4), 102 Stat. 634; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, §§4(a)(1), (c)(5), 9(a)(6), 106 Stat. 973, 974, 978, related to penalty for willful violations by any person of sections 38 to 43 of this title or any rule, regulation, order, or standard issued under such sections or the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (formerly 45 U.S.C. §431 et seq.) and duty of United States attorney to sue for such violations. See sections 21302 and 21304 of Title 49, Transportation.
Section 43a, Pub. L. 100–342, §24, June 22, 1988, 102 Stat. 639, related to accident reports in which railroads assign human error as cause of accident or incident and provision that such reports contain an explanatory statement by employees involved. See section 20901 of Title 49.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
Act May 6, 1910, ch. 208, 36 Stat. 350, as amended, popularly known as the "Accident Reports Act", was classified to sections 38 to 43 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379.
§§44 to 46. Transferred
Editorial Notes
Codification
Sections 44 to 46 were transferred to sections 1201 to 1203, respectively, of former Title 49, Transportation, and were subsequently repealed and restated in section 80504 of Title 49, Transportation, by Pub. L. 103–272, §§1(e), 7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1358, 1379.
Section 44, acts Feb. 23, 1905, ch. 744, §1, 33 Stat. 743; June 13, 1957, Pub. L. 85–50, §1(1), 71 Stat. 69, related to awards for acts of heroism involving railroads or motor vehicles.
Section 45, act Feb. 23, 1905, ch. 744, §2, 33 Stat. 743, related to issuance of rosettes and ribbons.
Section 46, acts Feb. 23, 1905, ch. 744, §3, 33 Stat. 743; June 13, 1957, Pub. L. 85–50, §1(2), 71 Stat. 69, related to authorization of appropriations for carrying out sections 44 and 45 of this title.
CHAPTER 2—LIABILITY FOR INJURIES TO EMPLOYEES
§51. Liability of common carriers by railroad, in interstate or foreign commerce, for injuries to employees from negligence; employee defined
Every common carrier by railroad while engaging in commerce between any of the several States or Territories, or between any of the States and Territories, or between the District of Columbia and any of the States or Territories, or between the District of Columbia or any of the States or Territories and any foreign nation or nations, shall be liable in damages to any person suffering injury while he is employed by such carrier in such commerce, or, in case of the death of such employee, to his or her personal representative, for the benefit of the surviving widow or husband and children of such employee; and, if none, then of such employee's parents; and, if none, then of the next of kin dependent upon such employee, for such injury or death resulting in whole or in part from the negligence of any of the officers, agents, or employees of such carrier, or by reason of any defect or insufficiency, due to its negligence, in its cars, engines, appliances, machinery, track, roadbed, works, boats, wharves, or other equipment.
Any employee of a carrier, any part of whose duties as such employee shall be the furtherance of interstate or foreign commerce; or shall, in any way directly or closely and substantially, affect such commerce as above set forth shall, for the purposes of this chapter, be considered as being employed by such carrier in such commerce and shall be considered as entitled to the benefits of this chapter.
(Apr. 22, 1908, ch. 149, §1, 35 Stat. 65; Aug. 11, 1939, ch. 685, §1, 53 Stat. 1404.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1939—Act Aug. 11, 1939, inserted last par.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
The Act of Apr. 22, 1908, as amended, which comprises this chapter, is popularly known as the "Employers' Liability Act".
The following are also popularly known as Employers' Liability Acts:
June 11, 1906, ch. 3073, 34 Stat. 232 [Unconstitutional].
Apr. 5, 1910, ch. 143, 36 Stat. 291. See sections 56 and 59 of this title.
Aug. 11, 1939, ch. 685, 53 Stat. 1404. See sections 51, 54, 56, and 60 of this title.
§52. Carriers in Territories or other possessions of United States
Every common carrier by railroad in the Territories, the District of Columbia, the Panama Canal Zone, or other possessions of the United States shall be liable in damages to any person suffering injury while he is employed by such carrier in any of said jurisdictions, or, in case of the death of such employee, to his or her personal representative, for the benefit of the surviving widow or husband and children of such employee; and, if none, then of such employee's parents; and, if none, then of the next of kin dependent upon such employee, for such injury or death resulting in whole or in part from the negligence of any of the officers, agents, or employees of such carrier, or by reason of any defect or insufficiency, due to its negligence, in its cars, engines, appliances, machinery, track, roadbed, works, boats, wharves, or other equipment.
(Apr. 22, 1908, ch. 149, §2, 35 Stat. 65.)
§53. Contributory negligence; diminution of damages
In all actions on and after April 22, 1908 brought against any such common carrier by railroad under or by virtue of any of the provisions of this chapter to recover damages for personal injuries to an employee, or where such injuries have resulted in his death, the fact that the employee may have been guilty of contributory negligence shall not bar a recovery, but the damages shall be diminished by the jury in proportion to the amount of negligence attributable to such employee: Provided, That no such employee who may be injured or killed shall be held to have been guilty of contributory negligence in any case where the violation by such common carrier of any statute enacted for the safety of employees contributed to the injury or death of such employee.
(Apr. 22, 1908, ch. 149, §3, 35 Stat. 66.)
§54. Assumption of risks of employment
In any action brought against any common carrier under or by virtue of any of the provisions of this chapter to recover damages for injuries to, or the death of, any of its employees, such employee shall not be held to have assumed the risks of his employment in any case where such injury or death resulted in whole or in part from the negligence of any of the officers, agents, or employees of such carrier; and no employee shall be held to have assumed the risks of his employment in any case where the violation by such common carrier of any statute enacted for the safety of employees contributed to the injury or death of such employee.
(Apr. 22, 1908, ch. 149, §4, 35 Stat. 66; Aug. 11, 1939, ch. 685, §1, 53 Stat. 1404.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1939—Act Aug. 11, 1939, inserted "where such injury or death resulted in whole or in part from the negligence of any of the officers, agents, or employees of such carrier; and no employee shall be held to have assumed the risks of his employment in any case" after "of his employment in any case".
§54a. Certain Federal and State regulations deemed statutory authority
A regulation, standard, or requirement in force, or prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation under chapter 201 of title 49 or by a State agency that is participating in investigative and surveillance activities under section 20105 of title 49, is deemed to be a statute under sections 53 and 54 of this title.
(Apr. 22, 1908, ch. 149, §4A, as added Pub. L. 103–272, §4(i), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1365.)
§55. Contract, rule, regulation, or device exempting from liability; set-off
Any contract, rule, regulation, or device whatsoever, the purpose or intent of which shall be to enable any common carrier to exempt itself from any liability created by this chapter, shall to that extent be void: Provided, That in any action brought against any such common carrier under or by virtue of any of the provisions of this chapter, such common carrier may set off therein any sum it has contributed or paid to any insurance, relief benefit, or indemnity that may have been paid to the injured employee or the person entitled thereto on account of the injury or death for which said action was brought.
(Apr. 22, 1908, ch. 149, §5, 35 Stat. 66.)
§56. Actions; limitation; concurrent jurisdiction of courts
No action shall be maintained under this chapter unless commenced within three years from the day the cause of action accrued.
Under this chapter an action may be brought in a district court of the United States, in the district of the residence of the defendant, or in which the cause of action arose, or in which the defendant shall be doing business at the time of commencing such action. The jurisdiction of the courts of the United States under this chapter shall be concurrent with that of the courts of the several States.
(Apr. 22, 1908, ch. 149, §6, 35 Stat. 66; Apr. 5, 1910, ch. 143, §1, 36 Stat. 291; Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, §291, 36 Stat. 1167; Aug. 11, 1939, ch. 685, §2, 53 Stat. 1404; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §18, 62 Stat. 989.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
The first par. of this section is from act Apr. 22, 1908.
The second par. of this section is from act Apr. 5, 1910.
Amendments
1948—Act June 25, 1948, struck out provision in last sentence relating to removal of actions.
1939—Act Aug. 11, 1939, changed limitation in first sentence from two to three years.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"District court" substituted in text for "circuit court" to conform to act Mar. 3, 1911, which transferred powers and duties of circuit courts to district courts.
Effective Date of 1948 Amendment
Act June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §38, 62 Stat. 992, provided that the amendment made by that act is effective Sept. 1, 1948.
§57. Who included in term "common carrier"
The term "common carrier" as used in this chapter shall include the receiver or receivers or other persons or corporations charged with the duty of the management and operation of the business of a common carrier.
(Apr. 22, 1908, ch. 149, §7, 35 Stat. 66.)
§58. Duty or liability of common carriers and rights of employees under other acts not impaired
Nothing in this chapter shall be held to limit the duty or liability of common carriers or to impair the rights of their employees under any other Act or Acts of Congress.
(Apr. 22, 1908, ch. 149, §8, 35 Stat. 66.)
§59. Survival of right of action of person injured
Any right of action given by this chapter to a person suffering injury shall survive to his or her personal representative, for the benefit of the surviving widow or husband and children of such employee, and, if none, then of such employee's parents; and, if none, then of the next of kin dependent upon such employee, but in such cases there shall be only one recovery for the same injury.
(Apr. 22, 1908, ch. 149, §9, as added Apr. 5, 1910, ch. 143, §2, 36 Stat. 291.)
§60. Penalty for suppression of voluntary information incident to accidents; separability
Any contract, rule, regulation, or device whatsoever, the purpose, intent, or effect of which shall be to prevent employees of any common carrier from furnishing voluntarily information to a person in interest as to the facts incident to the injury or death of any employee, shall be void, and whoever, by threat, intimidation, order, rule, contract, regulation, or device whatsoever, shall attempt to prevent any person from furnishing voluntarily such information to a person in interest, or whoever discharges or otherwise disciplines or attempts to discipline any employee for furnishing voluntarily such information to a person in interest, shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment, for each offense: Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be construed to void any contract, rule, or regulation with respect to any information contained in the files of the carrier, or other privileged or confidential reports.
If any provision of this chapter is declared unconstitutional or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of the chapter and the applicability of such provision to other persons and circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
(Apr. 22, 1908, ch. 149, §10, as added Aug. 11, 1939, ch. 685, §3, 53 Stat. 1404.)
CHAPTER 3—HOURS OF SERVICE OF EMPLOYEES
§§61 to 64b. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379
Section 61, acts Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2939, §1, 34 Stat. 1415; Dec. 26, 1969, Pub. L. 91–169, §1, 83 Stat. 463; July 8, 1976, Pub. L. 94–348, §4(c), 90 Stat. 818; Nov. 2, 1978, Pub. L. 95–574, §§5, 6, 92 Stat. 2461; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §16(1), 102 Stat. 634, provided that this chapter applied to any railroad and defined "railroad", "employee", "time on duty", and "designated terminal" for purposes of this chapter. See sections 20102, 21101, and 21103 of Title 49, Transportation.
Section 62, acts Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2939, §2, 34 Stat. 1416; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(2), 80 Stat. 939; Dec. 26, 1969, Pub. L. 91–169, §1, 83 Stat. 463; July 8, 1976, Pub. L. 94–348, §4(a), (b), 90 Stat. 818; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §§16(2), 19(b)(1), 102 Stat. 634, 638, related to limitations on employees' hours of service, determination of number of hours an employee is on duty, additional duty for crew of wreck or relief trains during emergencies, and inapplicability of this section when provisions of section 63 of this title applied, and defined "employees" for purpose of subsec. (a)(3) of this section. See sections 21103, 21105, and 21106 of Title 49.
Section 63, acts Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2939, §3, 34 Stat. 1416; May 4, 1916, ch. 109, §1, 39 Stat. 61; Aug. 14, 1957, Pub. L. 85–135, §2, 71 Stat. 352; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(2), 80 Stat. 939; Dec. 26, 1969, Pub. L. 91–169, §1, 83 Stat. 464; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §16(3), 102 Stat. 635, related to dispatchers' hours of service. See section 21105 of Title 49.
Section 63a, acts Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2939, §3A, as added July 8, 1976, Pub. L. 94–348, §4(d), 90 Stat. 819; amended Nov. 2, 1978, Pub. L. 95–574, §4(a), (b), 92 Stat. 2459, 2460; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §16(4), 102 Stat. 635, related to signal system employees' hours of service. See sections 21102, 21104 to 21107, and 21303 of Title 49.
Section 64, acts Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2939, §4, 34 Stat. 1417; Oct. 15, 1966, Pub. L. 89–670, §6(e)(2), 80 Stat. 939; Dec. 26, 1969, Pub. L. 91–169, §1, 83 Stat. 464; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §16(5), 102 Stat. 635, provided that time on duty requirements of this chapter were maximum permissible hours of service, but shorter periods were proper subjects for collective bargaining. See section 21107 of Title 49.
Section 64a, acts Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2939, §5, 34 Stat. 1417; Dec. 26, 1969, Pub. L. 91–169, §1, 83 Stat. 464; July 8, 1976, Pub. L. 94–348, §4(e), 90 Stat. 819; Oct. 10, 1980, Pub. L. 96–423, §12, 94 Stat. 1816; June 22, 1988, Pub. L. 100–342, §16(6), 102 Stat. 635; Sept. 3, 1992, Pub. L. 102–365, §§4(a)(2), (c)(2), 9(a)(2), 106 Stat. 973, 974, 977, related to manner of enforcing this chapter concerning hours of service of employees. See sections 21102, 21303, and 21304 of Title 49.
Section 64b, act Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2939, §6, as added Dec. 26, 1969, Pub. L. 91–169, §1, 83 Stat. 465, provided that Secretary of Transportation was to have duty to carry out provisions of this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
Act Mar. 4, 1907, ch. 2939, 34 Stat. 1415, which enacted this chapter and which was repealed by Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379, was popularly known as the "Hours of Service Act".
§§65, 66. Repealed. Pub. L. 104–287, §10(b), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3401
Section 65, act Sept. 3, 5, 1916, ch. 436, §1, 39 Stat. 721, established eight hour work day for employees of railroads. See section 28301 of Title 49, Transportation.
Section 66, act Sept. 3, 5, 1916, ch. 436, §4, 39 Stat. 722, provided penalty for violation of section 65 of this title. See section 28302 of Title 49, Transportation.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
Act Sept. 3, 5, 1916, ch. 436, 39 Stat. 721, which enacted sections 65 and 66 of this title, was popularly known as the "Adamson Law".
CHAPTER 4—CARE OF ANIMALS IN TRANSIT
§§71 to 74. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379
Section 71, act June 29, 1906, ch. 3594, §1, 34 Stat. 607, related to transportation of animals, provided maximum time for their confinement while in transit, unloading for rest and feeding, and included special provision for unloading sheep. See section 80502 of Title 49, Transportation.
Section 72, act June 29, 1906, ch. 3594, §2, 34 Stat. 608, provided that animals in transit were to be fed and watered by or at expense of owner and that railroad was to have a lien upon such animals for food, care, and custody. See section 80502 of Title 49.
Section 73, act June 29, 1906, ch. 3594, §3, 34 Stat. 608, provided penalty for failure to comply with provisions of sections 71 and 72 of this title with proviso that provisions regarding unloading of animals would not apply when animals in transit had proper food, water, space, and opportunity to rest. See section 80502 of Title 49.
Section 74, acts June 29, 1906, ch. 3594, §4, 34 Stat. 608; Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, §291, 36 Stat. 1167, provided that penalty created by section 73 of this title was recoverable by civil action and that United States attorneys had duty to prosecute violations of this chapter. See section 80502 of Title 49.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Short Title
Act June 29, 1906, ch. 3594, 34 Stat. 607, which enacted this chapter and which was repealed by Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379, was popularly known as the "Live Stock Transportation Act" and also as the "Cruelty to Animals Act", "Twenty-Eight Hour Law", and "Food and Rest Law".
§§75, 76. Transferred
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section 75, acts Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 521, §1, 26 Stat. 833; May 28, 1928, ch. 824, 45 Stat. 789, relating to rules as to accommodations for export animals, was transferred to section 466a of Title 46, Shipping, and subsequently repealed and reenacted as section 3901 of Title 46 by Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 500. Section 3901 of Title 46 was subsequently repealed by Pub. L. 107–171, title X, §10418(a)(20), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 508.
Section 76, acts Mar. 3, 1891, ch. 521, §2, 26 Stat. 833; May 28, 1928, ch. 824, 45 Stat. 790, relating to penalties for rule violations, was transferred to section 466b of Title 46, and subsequently repealed and reenacted as section 3902 of Title 46 by Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 500. Section 3902 of Title 46 was subsequently repealed by Pub. L. 107–171, title X, §10418(a)(20), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 508.
CHAPTER 5—GOVERNMENT-AIDED RAILROADS
§§81 to 92. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379
Section 81, R.S. §5256; Nov. 6, 1978, Pub. L. 95–598, title III, §322(g), 92 Stat. 2679, related to Union Pacific Railroad Company, its books, records, correspondence, other documents, dividends, stock issuance, mortgages or pledges, and directors or officers.
Section 82, R.S. §5257, provided for connection of other roads with Union Pacific Railroad or any of its branches.
Section 83, acts July 2, 1864, ch. 216, §15, 13 Stat. 362; June 20, 1874, ch. 331, 18 Stat. 111; Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, §291, 36 Stat. 1167, provided that companies authorized by Pacific Railroad Acts to construct railroads were required to operate roads and telegraphs as one continuous line and to afford equal advantages and facilities as to rates, time, and transportation to the other companies without discrimination.
Section 84, R.S. §5258, authorized interstate transport by railroads.
Section 85, R.S. §5259, related to compensation of directors, engineers, commissioners, or other agents appointed by the United States to examine roads or to act in conjunction with other officers of railroads or other corporations receiving land grants or other subsidies.
Section 86, R.S. §5260, related to withholding by Secretary of the Treasury of payments to certain railroads.
Section 87, R.S. §5261; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §4, 62 Stat. 986; Apr. 2, 1982, Pub. L. 97–164, title I, §161(8), 96 Stat. 49; Oct. 29, 1992, Pub. L. 102–572, title IX, §902(b)(2), 106 Stat. 4516, provided that companies from whom payments for freight and transportation had been withheld under provisions of section 86 of this title could sue in Court of Federal Claims.
Section 88, R.S. §5262; Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, §291, 36 Stat. 1167, related to jurisdiction of proper United States district court to hear and determine all cases of mandamus to compel Union Pacific Railroad Company to operate its road.
Section 89, acts June 22, 1874, ch. 414, 18 Stat. 200; Mar. 3, 1911, ch. 231, §291, 36 Stat. 1167, directed Secretary of the Treasury to require that railroad companies, their successors and assigns, pay United States a percentage of net earnings as provided for by law.
Section 90, act Mar. 3, 1879, ch. 183, §1, 20 Stat. 420, authorized Secretary of the Treasury to settle accounts of Union Pacific, Central Pacific, Kansas Pacific, Western Pacific, and Sioux City and Pacific Railroad Companies for services provided to Government in transporting the Army and mails.
Section 91, act Mar. 3, 1897, ch. 386, 29 Stat. 663, provided that provisions of section 90 of this title were extended and made applicable to Navy and Marine Corps transportation.
Section 92, act Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 831, §1, 31 Stat. 1023, authorized and directed Secretary of the Treasury to settle claims stemming from Government transportation over non-bond-aided lines.
§92a. Repealed. Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §53, 70A Stat. 641
Section 92a, acts Feb. 14, 1933, ch. 51, 47 Stat. 800; Mar. 2, 1933, ch. 187, 47 Stat. 1424, related to compensation of certain railroads for transportation of property and troops of United States. See section 10721 of Title 49, Transportation.
Prior to repeal, section was classified to section 1375b of former Title 10, Army and Air Force.
§93. Transferred
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section, act Apr. 30, 1908, ch. 153, 35 Stat. 73, relating to transportation of Indian goods and supplies, was transferred to section 443b of Title 25, Indians, prior to editorial reclassification as a note under section 1457 of Title 43, Public Lands.
§§94, 95. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379
Section 94, act Mar. 3, 1887, ch. 345, §4, 24 Stat. 491, authorized Secretary of the Treasury, whenever deemed necessary by President, to redeem liens, mortgages, or other incumbrances paramount to right, title, or interest of United States in railroad property.
Section 95, act Mar. 3, 1887, ch. 345, §5, 24 Stat. 492, related to permissible investments of sinking funds held to secure debts of railroad companies to United States.
CHAPTER 6—MEDIATION, CONCILIATION, AND ARBITRATION IN CONTROVERSIES BETWEEN CARRIERS AND EMPLOYEES
§§101 to 125. Repealed. May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §14, 44 Stat. 587
Section 101, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §1, 38 Stat. 103, related to carriers and shipping affected by application of provisions of this chapter. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 102, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §1, 38 Stat. 103, defined "railroad" and "transportation" as used throughout this chapter. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 103, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §1, 38 Stat. 103, related to employees affected by application of provisions of this chapter. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 104, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §1, 38 Stat. 103, defined "employer" and "employee" as used throughout this chapter. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 105, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §2, 38 Stat. 104, related to submission of controversies to the Board of Mediation and Conciliation for adjustment. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 106, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §2, 38 Stat. 104, related to proffer of services by board in public interest in urgent cases. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 107, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §2, 38 Stat. 104, related to application of board's opinions as to meaning of agreement after mediation. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 108, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §3, 38 Stat. 104, related to submission of controversies to board of arbitrators and selection of members. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 109, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §4, 38 Stat. 105, related to requirements for a valid agreement to arbitrate under terms of this chapter. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 110, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §5, 38 Stat. 106, related to authority of arbitrators for purposes of this chapter and arbitration hereunder. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 111, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §6, 38 Stat. 106, related to acknowledgement and filing of an agreement of arbitration under this chapter. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 112, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §6, 38 Stat. 106, related to written notification of appointment to be submitted to selected arbitrators. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 113, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §6, 38 Stat. 106, related to notice to Board of Mediation and Conciliation by selected arbitrators. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 114, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §6, 38 Stat. 106, related to reconvention of board of arbitration when desired by parties. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 115, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §7, 38 Stat. 106, related to organization and procedure of board of arbitration under this chapter. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 116, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §7, 38 Stat. 106, related to particular papers bearing on mediation or arbitration under former law. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 117, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §8, 38 Stat. 107, related to time when an award under this chapter was to be operative. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 118, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §8, 38 Stat. 107, related to procedure for appeal to former circuit court of appeals under this chapter. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 119, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §8, 38 Stat. 107, related to finality of a determination of former circuit court of appeals. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 120, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §8, 38 Stat. 107, related to judgment on exception to award and judgment by agreement. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 121, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §8, 38 Stat. 107, related to compulsory labor under this chapter. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 122, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §9, 38 Stat. 107, related to rights of employees under Federal court receivers. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 123, acts July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §10, 38 Stat. 108; June 5, 1920, ch. 235, §1, 41 Stat. 886, related to pay and expenses of arbitrators. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 124, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §11, 38 Stat. 108, related to constitution of United States Board of Mediation and Conciliation. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 125, act July 15, 1913, ch. 6, §11, 38 Stat. 108, related to repeal of certain prior law.
§126. Repealed. Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379
Section, act Dec. 15, 1921, ch. 1, §1, 42 Stat. 328, abolished offices of Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Mediation and Conciliation.
CHAPTER 7—ADJUSTMENT BOARDS AND LABOR BOARDS
§§131 to 146. Repealed. May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §14, 44 Stat. 587
Section 131, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §300, 41 Stat. 469, defined terms for purposes of this chapter. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 132, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §301, 41 Stat. 469, related to disputes between carriers and their officers, agents, and employees. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 133, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §302, 41 Stat. 469, related to establishment of railroad boards of labor adjustment. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 134, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §303, 41 Stat. 469, related to duty of boards to hear and decide disputes. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 135, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §304, 41 Stat. 470, related to establishment and composition of Railroad Labor Board. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 136, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §305, 41 Stat. 470, related to selection of members of board by President. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 137, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §306, 41 Stat. 470, related to effect of subsequent ineligibility of certain members. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 138, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §306, 41 Stat. 470, related to terms of office, salary, and removal from office of board members. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 139, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §307, 41 Stat. 470, related to disputes within jurisdiction of board. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 140, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §308, 41 Stat. 472, related to certain powers and duties of board. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 141, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §309, 41 Stat. 472, related to right to hearing by a party in dispute. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 142, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §310, 41 Stat. 472, related to certain procedural powers of board. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 143, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §311, 41 Stat. 472, related to access to books, accounts, and records. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 144, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §313, 41 Stat. 473, related to determination of violations of decisions of board. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 145, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §314, 41 Stat. 473, related to appointment and salary of Secretary of Board. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
Section 146, act Feb. 28, 1920, ch. 91, §316, 41 Stat. 474, related to jurisdiction of adjustment or labor board as excluding mediation board. See section 151 et seq. of this title.
CHAPTER 8—RAILWAY LABOR
SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBCHAPTER II—CARRIERS BY AIR
SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS
§151. Definitions; short title
When used in this chapter and for the purposes of this chapter—
First. The term "carrier" includes any railroad subject to the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board, any express company that would have been subject to subtitle IV of title 49, as of December 31, 1995,,1 and any company which is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by or under common control with any carrier by railroad and which operates any equipment or facilities or performs any service (other than trucking service) in connection with the transportation, receipt, delivery, elevation, transfer in transit, refrigeration or icing, storage, and handling of property transported by railroad, and any receiver, trustee, or other individual or body, judicial or otherwise, when in the possession of the business of any such "carrier": Provided, however, That the term "carrier" shall not include any street, interurban, or suburban electric railway, unless such railway is operating as a part of a general steam-railroad system of transportation, but shall not exclude any part of the general steam-railroad system of transportation now or hereafter operated by any other motive power. The Surface Transportation Board is authorized and directed upon request of the Mediation Board or upon complaint of any party interested to determine after hearing whether any line operated by electric power falls within the terms of this proviso. The term "carrier" shall not include any company by reason of its being engaged in the mining of coal, the supplying of coal to a carrier where delivery is not beyond the mine tipple, and the operation of equipment or facilities therefor, or in any of such activities.
Second. The term "Adjustment Board" means the National Railroad Adjustment Board created by this chapter.
Third. The term "Mediation Board" means the National Mediation Board created by this chapter.
Fourth. The term "commerce" means commerce among the several States or between any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia and any foreign nation, or between any Territory or the District of Columbia and any State, or between any Territory and any other Territory, or between any Territory and the District of Columbia, or within any Territory or the District of Columbia, or between points in the same State but through any other State or any Territory or the District of Columbia or any foreign nation.
Fifth. The term "employee" as used herein includes every person in the service of a carrier (subject to its continuing authority to supervise and direct the manner of rendition of his service) who performs any work defined as that of an employee or subordinate official in the orders of the Surface Transportation Board now in effect, and as the same may be amended or interpreted by orders hereafter entered by the Board pursuant to the authority which is conferred upon it to enter orders amending or interpreting such existing orders: Provided, however, That no occupational classification made by order of the Surface Transportation Board shall be construed to define the crafts according to which railway employees may be organized by their voluntary action, nor shall the jurisdiction or powers of such employee organizations be regarded as in any way limited or defined by the provisions of this chapter or by the orders of the Board.
The term "employee" shall not include any individual while such individual is engaged in the physical operations consisting of the mining of coal, the preparation of coal, the handling (other than movement by rail with standard railroad locomotives) of coal not beyond the mine tipple, or the loading of coal at the tipple.
Sixth. The term "representative" means any person or persons, labor union, organization, or corporation designated either by a carrier or group of carriers or by its or their employees, to act for it or them.
Seventh. The term "district court" includes the United States District Court for the District of Columbia; and the term "court of appeals" includes the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
This chapter may be cited as the "Railway Labor Act."
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §1, 44 Stat. 577; June 7, 1934, ch. 426, 48 Stat. 926; June 21, 1934, ch. 691, §1, 48 Stat. 1185; June 25, 1936, ch. 804, 49 Stat. 1921; Aug. 13, 1940, ch. 664, §§2, 3, 54 Stat. 785, 786; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §32(a), (b), 62 Stat. 991; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §127, 63 Stat. 107; Pub. L. 104–88, title III, §322, Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 950; Pub. L. 104–264, title XII, §1223, Oct. 9, 1996, 110 Stat. 3287.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning act May 20, 1926, ch. 347, 44 Stat. 577, known as the Railway Labor Act, which enacted this chapter and amended sections 225 and 348 of former Title 28, Judicial Code and Judiciary. Sections 225 and 348 of former Title 28 were repealed by section 39 of act June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 992, section 1 of which enacted Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure. Section 225 of former Title 28 was reenacted as sections 1291 to 1294 of Title 28. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see this section and Tables.
Codification
Provisions of act Aug. 13, 1940, §2, similar to those comprising par. First of this section, limiting the term "employer" as applied to mining, etc., of coal, were formerly contained in section 228a of this title. Provisions of section 3 of the act, similar to those comprising par. Fifth of this section, limiting the term "employee" as applied to mining, etc., of coal, were formerly contained in sections 228a, 261, and 351 of this title, and section 1532 of former Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, 1939.
As originally enacted, par. Seventh contained references to the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia. Act June 25, 1936 substituted "the district court of the United States for the District of Columbia" for "the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia", and act June 25, 1948, as amended by act May 24, 1949, substituted "United States District Court for the District of Columbia" for "district court of the United States for the District of Columbia".
As originally enacted, par. Seventh contained references to the "circuit court of appeals". Act June 25, 1948, as amended by act May 24, 1949, substituted "court of appeals" for "circuit court of appeals".
As originally enacted, par. Seventh contained references to the "Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia". Act June 7, 1934, substituted "United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia" for "Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia".
Amendments
1996—Par. First. Pub. L. 104–264 inserted ", any express company that would have been subject to subtitle IV of title 49, as of December 31, 1995," after "Board" the first place it appeared.
1995—Par. First. Pub. L. 104–88, §322(1), (2), substituted "railroad subject to the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board" for "express company, sleeping-car company, carrier by railroad, subject to the Interstate Commerce Act" and "Surface Transportation Board" for "Interstate Commerce Commission".
Par. Fifth. Pub. L. 104–88, §322(2), (3), substituted "Surface Transportation Board" for "Interstate Commerce Commission" in two places and "Board" for "Commission" in two places.
1940—Act Aug. 13, 1940, inserted last sentence of par. First, and second par. of par. Fifth.
1934—Act June 21, 1934, added par. Sixth and redesignated provisions formerly set out as par. Sixth as Seventh.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Except as otherwise specifically provided, amendment by Pub. L. 104–264 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1996, and not to be construed as affecting funds made available for a fiscal year ending before Oct. 1, 1996, see section 3 of Pub. L. 104–264, set out as a note under section 106 of Title 49, Transportation.
Effective Date of 1995 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–88 effective Jan. 1, 1996, see section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1301 of Title 49, Transportation.
Restriction on Establishment of New Annuities or Pensions
Pub. L. 91–215, §7, Mar. 17, 1970, 84 Stat. 72, provided that: "No carrier and no representative of employees, as defined in section 1 of the Railway Labor Act [this section], shall, before April 1, 1974, utilize any of the procedures of such Act [this chapter], to seek to make any changes in the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228a et seq. of this title] for supplemental annuities or to establish any new class of pensions or annuities, other than annuities payable out of the Railroad Retirement Account provided under section 15(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [subsection (a) of section 228o of this title], to become effective prior to July 1, 1974; nor shall any such carrier or representative of employees until July 1, 1974, engage in any strike or lockout to seek to make any such changes or to establish any such new class of pensions or annuities: Provided, That nothing in this section shall inhibit any carrier or representative of employees from seeking any change with respect to benefits payable out of the Railroad Retirement Account provided under section 15(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [subsection (a) of section 228o of this title]."
Social Insurance and Labor Relations of Railroad Coal-Mining Employees; Retroactive Operation of Act August 13, 1940; Effect on Payments, Rights, etc.
Act Aug. 13, 1940, ch. 664, §§4–7, 54 Stat. 786, 787, as amended by Reorg. Plan No. 2 of 1946, §4, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7873, 60 Stat. 1095, with regard to the operation and effect of the laws amended, provided:
"
"(b) No person (as defined in the Carriers Taxing Act of 1937 [section 261 et seq. of this title]) shall be entitled, by reason of the provisions of this Act, to a refund of, or relief from liability for, any income or excise taxes paid or accrued, pursuant to the provisions of the Carriers Taxing Act of 1937 or subchapter B of chapter 9 of the Internal Revenue Code [section 1500 et seq. of former Title 26, Internal Revenue Code of 1939], prior to the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 1940] by reason of employment in the service of any carrier by railroad subject to part I of the Interstate Commerce Act [former 49 U.S.C. 1 et seq.], but any individual who has been employed in such service of any carrier by railroad subject to part I of the Interstate Commerce Act as is excluded by the amendments made by this Act from coverage under the Carriers Taxing Act of 1937 and subchapter B of chapter 9 of the Internal Revenue Code, and who has paid income taxes under the provisions of such Act or subchapter, and any carrier by railroad subject to part I of the Interstate Commerce Act which has paid excise taxes under the provisions of the Carriers Taxing Act of 1937 or subchapter B of chapter 9 of the Internal Revenue Code, may, upon making proper application therefor to the Bureau of Internal Revenue [now Internal Revenue Service], have the amount of taxes so paid applied in reduction of such tax liability with respect to employment, as may, by reason of the amendments made by this Act, accrue against them under the provisions of title VIII of the Social Security Act [section 1001 et seq. of Title 42] or the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (subchapter A of chapter 9 of the Internal Revenue Code) [section 1400 et seq. of former Title 26].
"(c) Nothing contained in this Act shall operate (1) to affect any annuity, pension, or death benefit granted under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1935 [section 215 et seq. of this title] or the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228a et seq. of this title], prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 1940], or (2) to include any of the services on the basis of which any such annuity or pension was granted, as employment within the meaning of section 210(b) of the Social Security Act or section 209(b) of such Act, as amended [sections 410(b) and 409(b), respectively, of Title 42]. In any case in which a death benefit alone has been granted, the amount of such death benefit attributable to services, coverage of which is affected by this Act, shall be deemed to have been paid to the deceased under section 204 of the Social Security Act [section 404 of Title 42] in effect prior to January 1, 1940, and deductions shall be made from any insurance benefit or benefits payable under the Social Security Act, as amended [section 301 et seq. of Title 42], with respect to wages paid to an individual for such services until such deductions total the amount of such death benefit attributable to such services.
"(d) Nothing contained in this Act shall operate to affect the benefit rights of any individual under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act [section 351 et seq. of this title] for any day of unemployment (as defined in section 1(k) of such Act [section 351(k) of this title]) occurring prior to the date of enactment of this Act. [Aug. 13, 1940]
"
"
"
"(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1601(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code [section 1601(a)(3) of former Title 26, Internal Revenue Code of 1939], the credit allowable under section 1601(a) against the tax imposed by section 1600 for the calendar year 1939 shall not be disallowed or reduced by reason of the payment into a State unemployment fund after January 31, 1940, of contributions with respect to services affected by this Act performed during the period July 1, 1939, to December 31, 1939, inclusive, with respect to which services amounts have been paid as contributions under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act [section 351 et seq. of this title] prior to the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 1940]: Provided, That this subsection shall be applicable only if the contributions with respect to such services are paid into the State unemployment fund before the ninetieth day after the date of enactment of this Act."
§151a. General purposes
The purposes of the chapter are: (1) To avoid any interruption to commerce or to the operation of any carrier engaged therein; (2) to forbid any limitation upon freedom of association among employees or any denial, as a condition of employment or otherwise, of the right of employees to join a labor organization; (3) to provide for the complete independence of carriers and of employees in the matter of self-organization to carry out the purposes of this chapter; (4) to provide for the prompt and orderly settlement of all disputes concerning rates of pay, rules, or working conditions; (5) to provide for the prompt and orderly settlement of all disputes growing out of grievances or out of the interpretation or application of agreements covering rates of pay, rules, or working conditions.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §2, 44 Stat. 577; June 21, 1934, ch. 691, §2, 48 Stat. 1186.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section is comprised of the first sentence of section 2 of act May 20, 1926, as added in the general amendment of section 2 by act June 21, 1934. The remainder of section 2 of act May 20, 1926, is classified to section 152 of this title.
Amendments
1934—Act June 21, 1934, amended section 2 of act May 20, 1926, generally, adding the text of this section.
§152. General duties
First. Duty of carriers and employees to settle disputes
It shall be the duty of all carriers, their officers, agents, and employees to exert every reasonable effort to make and maintain agreements concerning rates of pay, rules, and working conditions, and to settle all disputes, whether arising out of the application of such agreements or otherwise, in order to avoid any interruption to commerce or to the operation of any carrier growing out of any dispute between the carrier and the employees thereof.
Second. Consideration of disputes by representatives
All disputes between a carrier or carriers and its or their employees shall be considered, and, if possible, decided, with all expedition, in conference between representatives designated and authorized so to confer, respectively, by the carrier or carriers and by the employees thereof interested in the dispute.
Third. Designation of representatives
Representatives, for the purposes of this chapter, shall be designated by the respective parties without interference, influence, or coercion by either party over the designation of representatives by the other; and neither party shall in any way interfere with, influence, or coerce the other in its choice of representatives. Representatives of employees for the purposes of this chapter need not be persons in the employ of the carrier, and no carrier shall, by interference, influence, or coercion seek in any manner to prevent the designation by its employees as their representatives of those who or which are not employees of the carrier.
Fourth. Organization and collective bargaining; freedom from interference by carrier; assistance in organizing or maintaining organization by carrier forbidden; deduction of dues from wages forbidden
Employees shall have the right to organize and bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing. The majority of any craft or class of employees shall have the right to determine who shall be the representative of the craft or class for the purposes of this chapter. No carrier, its officers, or agents shall deny or in any way question the right of its employees to join, organize, or assist in organizing the labor organization of their choice, and it shall be unlawful for any carrier to interfere in any way with the organization of its employees, or to use the funds of the carrier in maintaining or assisting or contributing to any labor organization, labor representative, or other agency of collective bargaining, or in performing any work therefor, or to influence or coerce employees in an effort to induce them to join or remain or not to join or remain members of any labor organization, or to deduct from the wages of employees any dues, fees, assessments, or other contributions payable to labor organizations, or to collect or to assist in the collection of any such dues, fees, assessments, or other contributions: Provided, That nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit a carrier from permitting an employee, individually, or local representatives of employees from conferring with management during working hours without loss of time, or to prohibit a carrier from furnishing free transportation to its employees while engaged in the business of a labor organization.
Fifth. Agreements to join or not to join labor organizations forbidden
No carrier, its officers, or agents shall require any person seeking employment to sign any contract or agreement promising to join or not to join a labor organization; and if any such contract has been enforced prior to the effective date of this chapter, then such carrier shall notify the employees by an appropriate order that such contract has been discarded and is no longer binding on them in any way.
Sixth. Conference of representatives; time; place; private agreements
In case of a dispute between a carrier or carriers and its or their employees, arising out of grievances or out of the interpretation or application of agreements concerning rates of pay, rules, or working conditions, it shall be the duty of the designated representative or representatives of such carrier or carriers and of such employees, within ten days after the receipt of notice of a desire on the part of either party to confer in respect to such dispute, to specify a time and place at which such conference shall be held: Provided, (1) That the place so specified shall be situated upon the line of the carrier involved or as otherwise mutually agreed upon; and (2) that the time so specified shall allow the designated conferees reasonable opportunity to reach such place of conference, but shall not exceed twenty days from the receipt of such notice: And provided further, That nothing in this chapter shall be construed to supersede the provisions of any agreement (as to conferences) then in effect between the parties.
Seventh. Change in pay, rules, or working conditions contrary to agreement or to section 156 forbidden
No carrier, its officers, or agents shall change the rates of pay, rules, or working conditions of its employees, as a class, as embodied in agreements except in the manner prescribed in such agreements or in section 156 of this title.
Eighth. Notices of manner of settlement of disputes; posting
Every carrier shall notify its employees by printed notices in such form and posted at such times and places as shall be specified by the Mediation Board that all disputes between the carrier and its employees will be handled in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, and in such notices there shall be printed verbatim, in large type, the third, fourth, and fifth paragraphs of this section. The provisions of said paragraphs are made a part of the contract of employment between the carrier and each employee, and shall be held binding upon the parties, regardless of any other express or implied agreements between them.
Ninth. Disputes as to identity of representatives; designation by Mediation Board; secret elections
If any dispute shall arise among a carrier's employees as to who are the representatives of such employees designated and authorized in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, it shall be the duty of the Mediation Board, upon request of either party to the dispute, to investigate such dispute and to certify to both parties, in writing, within thirty days after the receipt of the invocation of its services, the name or names of the individuals or organizations that have been designated and authorized to represent the employees involved in the dispute, and certify the same to the carrier. Upon receipt of such certification the carrier shall treat with the representative so certified as the representative of the craft or class for the purposes of this chapter. In such an investigation, the Mediation Board shall be authorized to take a secret ballot of the employees involved, or to utilize any other appropriate method of ascertaining the names of their duly designated and authorized representatives in such manner as shall insure the choice of representatives by the employees without interference, influence, or coercion exercised by the carrier. In the conduct of any election for the purposes herein indicated the Board shall designate who may participate in the election and establish the rules to govern the election, or may appoint a committee of three neutral persons who after hearing shall within ten days designate the employees who may participate in the election. In any such election for which there are 3 or more options (including the option of not being represented by any labor organization) on the ballot and no such option receives a majority of the valid votes cast, the Mediation Board shall arrange for a second election between the options receiving the largest and the second largest number of votes. The Board shall have access to and have power to make copies of the books and records of the carriers to obtain and utilize such information as may be deemed necessary by it to carry out the purposes and provisions of this paragraph.
Tenth. Violations; prosecution and penalties
The willful failure or refusal of any carrier, its officers or agents, to comply with the terms of the third, fourth, fifth, seventh, or eighth paragraph of this section shall be a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof the carrier, officer, or agent offending shall be subject to a fine of not less than $1,000, nor more than $20,000, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both fine and imprisonment, for each offense, and each day during which such carrier, officer, or agent shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with the terms of the said paragraphs of this section shall constitute a separate offense. It shall be the duty of any United States attorney to whom any duly designated representative of a carrier's employees may apply to institute in the proper court and to prosecute under the direction of the Attorney General of the United States, all necessary proceedings for the enforcement of the provisions of this section, and for the punishment of all violations thereof and the costs and expenses of such prosecution shall be paid out of the appropriation for the expenses of the courts of the United States: Provided, That nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require an individual employee to render labor or service without his consent, nor shall anything in this chapter be construed to make the quitting of his labor by an individual employee an illegal act; nor shall any court issue any process to compel the performance by an individual employee of such labor or service, without his consent.
Eleventh. Union security agreements; check-off
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, or of any other statute or law of the United States, or Territory thereof, or of any State, any carrier or carriers as defined in this chapter and a labor organization or labor organizations duly designated and authorized to represent employees in accordance with the requirements of this chapter shall be permitted—
(a) to make agreements, requiring, as a condition of continued employment, that within sixty days following the beginning of such employment, or the effective date of such agreements, whichever is the later, all employees shall become members of the labor organization representing their craft or class: Provided, That no such agreement shall require such condition of employment with respect to employees to whom membership is not available upon the same terms and conditions as are generally applicable to any other member or with respect to employees to whom membership was denied or terminated for any reason other than the failure of the employee to tender the periodic dues, initiation fees, and assessments (not including fines and penalties) uniformly required as a condition of acquiring or retaining membership.
(b) to make agreements providing for the deduction by such carrier or carriers from the wages of its or their employees in a craft or class and payment to the labor organization representing the craft or class of such employees, of any periodic dues, initiation fees, and assessments (not including fines and penalties) uniformly required as a condition of acquiring or retaining membership: Provided, That no such agreement shall be effective with respect to any individual employee until he shall have furnished the employer with a written assignment to the labor organization of such membership dues, initiation fees, and assessments, which shall be revocable in writing after the expiration of one year or upon the termination date of the applicable collective agreement, whichever occurs sooner.
(c) The requirement of membership in a labor organization in an agreement made pursuant to subparagraph (a) of this paragraph shall be satisfied, as to both a present or future employee in engine, train, yard, or hostling service, that is, an employee engaged in any of the services or capacities covered in the First division of paragraph (h) of section 153 of this title defining the jurisdictional scope of the First Division of the National Railroad Adjustment Board, if said employee shall hold or acquire membership in any one of the labor organizations, national in scope, organized in accordance with this chapter and admitting to membership employees of a craft or class in any of said services; and no agreement made pursuant to subparagraph (b) of this paragraph shall provide for deductions from his wages for periodic dues, initiation fees, or assessments payable to any labor organization other than that in which he holds membership: Provided, however, That as to an employee in any of said services on a particular carrier at the effective date of any such agreement on a carrier, who is not a member of any one of the labor organizations, national in scope, organized in accordance with this chapter and admitting to membership employees of a craft or class in any of said services, such employee, as a condition of continuing his employment, may be required to become a member of the organization representing the craft in which he is employed on the effective date of the first agreement applicable to him: Provided, further, That nothing herein or in any such agreement or agreements shall prevent an employee from changing membership from one organization to another organization admitting to membership employees of a craft or class in any of said services.
(d) Any provisions in paragraphs Fourth and Fifth of this section in conflict herewith are to the extent of such conflict amended.
Twelfth. Showing of interest for representation elections
The Mediation Board, upon receipt of an application requesting that an organization or individual be certified as the representative of any craft or class of employees, shall not direct an election or use any other method to determine who shall be the representative of such craft or class unless the Mediation Board determines that the application is supported by a showing of interest from not less than 50 percent of the employees in the craft or class.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §2, 44 Stat. 577; June 21, 1934, ch. 691, §2, 48 Stat. 1186; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §1, 62 Stat. 909; Jan. 10, 1951, ch. 1220, 64 Stat. 1238; Pub. L. 112–95, title X, §§1002, 1003, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 146, 147.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The effective date of this chapter, referred to in par. Fifth, probably means May 20, 1926, the date of approval of act May 20, 1926, ch. 347, 44 Stat. 577.
Codification
Section is comprised of pars. designated First to Twelfth of section 2 of act May 20, 1926. The remainder of section 2 of act May 20, 1926, is classified to section 151a of this title.
Amendments
2012—Pub. L. 112–95, §1002, in par. Ninth, inserted after fourth sentence "In any such election for which there are 3 or more options (including the option of not being represented by any labor organization) on the ballot and no such option receives a majority of the valid votes cast, the Mediation Board shall arrange for a second election between the options receiving the largest and the second largest number of votes."
Pub. L. 112–95, §1003, added par. Twelfth.
1951—Act Jan. 10, 1951, added par. Eleventh.
1934—Act June 21, 1934, substituted "by the carrier or carriers" for "by the carriers" in par. Second, generally amended pars. Third, Fourth, and Fifth, and added pars. Sixth to Tenth.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
Act June 25, 1948, eff. Sept. 1, 1948, substituted "United States attorney" for "district attorney of the United States". See section 541 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, and Historical and Revision Notes thereunder.
§153. National Railroad Adjustment Board
First. Establishment; composition; powers and duties; divisions; hearings and awards; judicial review
There is established a Board, to be known as the "National Railroad Adjustment Board", the members of which shall be selected within thirty days after June 21, 1934, and it is provided—
(a) That the said Adjustment Board shall consist of thirty-four members, seventeen of whom shall be selected by the carriers and seventeen by such labor organizations of the employees, national in scope, as have been or may be organized in accordance with the provisions of sections 151a and 152 of this title.
(b) The carriers, acting each through its board of directors or its receiver or receivers, trustee or trustees, or through an officer or officers designated for that purpose by such board, trustee or trustees, or receiver or receivers, shall prescribe the rules under which its representatives shall be selected and shall select the representatives of the carriers on the Adjustment Board and designate the division on which each such representative shall serve, but no carrier or system of carriers shall have more than one voting representative on any division of the Board.
(c) Except as provided in the second paragraph of subsection (h) of this section, the national labor organizations, as defined in paragraph (a) of this section, acting each through the chief executive or other medium designated by the organization or association thereof, shall prescribe the rules under which the labor members of the Adjustment Board shall be selected and shall select such members and designate the division on which each member shall serve; but no labor organization shall have more than one voting representative on any division of the Board.
(d) In case of a permanent or temporary vacancy on the Adjustment Board, the vacancy shall be filled by selection in the same manner as in the original selection.
(e) If either the carriers or the labor organizations of the employees fail to select and designate representatives to the Adjustment Board, as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, respectively, within sixty days after June 21, 1934, in case of any original appointment to office of a member of the Adjustment Board, or in case of a vacancy in any such office within thirty days after such vacancy occurs, the Mediation Board shall thereupon directly make the appointment and shall select an individual associated in interest with the carriers or the group of labor organizations of employees, whichever he is to represent.
(f) In the event a dispute arises as to the right of any national labor organization to participate as per paragraph (c) of this section in the selection and designation of the labor members of the Adjustment Board, the Secretary of Labor shall investigate the claim of such labor organization to participate, and if such claim in the judgment of the Secretary of Labor has merit, the Secretary shall notify the Mediation Board accordingly, and within ten days after receipt of such advice the Mediation Board shall request those national labor organizations duly qualified as per paragraph (c) of this section to participate in the selection and designation of the labor members of the Adjustment Board to select a representative. Such representative, together with a representative likewise designated by the claimant, and a third or neutral party designated by the Mediation Board, constituting a board of three, shall within thirty days after the appointment of the neutral member, investigate the claims of the labor organization desiring participation and decide whether or not it was organized in accordance with sections 151a and 152 of this title and is otherwise properly qualified to participate in the selection of the labor members of the Adjustment Board, and the findings of such boards of three shall be final and binding.
(g) Each member of the Adjustment Board shall be compensated by the party or parties he is to represent. Each third or neutral party selected under the provisions of paragraph (f) of this section shall receive from the Mediation Board such compensation as the Mediation Board may fix, together with his necessary traveling expenses and expenses actually incurred for subsistence, or per diem allowance in lieu thereof, subject to the provisions of law applicable thereto, while serving as such third or neutral party.
(h) The said Adjustment Board shall be composed of four divisions, whose proceedings shall be independent of one another, and the said divisions as well as the number of their members shall be as follows:
First division: To have jurisdiction over disputes involving train- and yard-service employees of carriers; that is, engineers, firemen, hostlers, and outside hostler helpers, conductors, trainmen, and yard-service employees. This division shall consist of eight members, four of whom shall be selected and designated by the carriers and four of whom shall be selected and designated by the labor organizations, national in scope and organized in accordance with sections 151a and 152 of this title and which represent employees in engine, train, yard, or hostling service: Provided, however, That each labor organization shall select and designate two members on the First Division and that no labor organization shall have more than one vote in any proceedings of the First Division or in the adoption of any award with respect to any dispute submitted to the First Division: Provided further, however, That the carrier members of the First Division shall cast no more than two votes in any proceedings of the division or in the adoption of any award with respect to any dispute submitted to the First Division.
Second division: To have jurisdiction over disputes involving machinists, boilermakers, blacksmiths, sheet-metal workers, electrical workers, carmen, the helpers and apprentices of all the foregoing, coach cleaners, power-house employees, and railroad-shop laborers. This division shall consist of ten members, five of whom shall be selected by the carriers and five by the national labor organizations of the employees.
Third division: To have jurisdiction over disputes involving station, tower, and telegraph employees, train dispatchers, maintenance-of-way men, clerical employees, freight handlers, express, station, and store employees, signal men, sleeping-car conductors, sleeping-car porters, and maids and dining-car employees. This division shall consist of ten members, five of whom shall be selected by the carriers and five by the national labor organizations of employees.
Fourth division: To have jurisdiction over disputes involving employees of carriers directly or indirectly engaged in transportation of passengers or property by water, and all other employees of carriers over which jurisdiction is not given to the first, second, and third divisions. This division shall consist of six members, three of whom shall be selected by the carriers and three by the national labor organizations of the employees.
(i) The disputes between an employee or group of employees and a carrier or carriers growing out of grievances or out of the interpretation or application of agreements concerning rates of pay, rules, or working conditions, including cases pending and unadjusted on June 21, 1934, shall be handled in the usual manner up to and including the chief operating officer of the carrier designated to handle such disputes; but, failing to reach an adjustment in this manner, the disputes may be referred by petition of the parties or by either party to the appropriate division of the Adjustment Board with a full statement of the facts and all supporting data bearing upon the disputes.
(j) Parties may be heard either in person, by counsel, or by other representatives, as they may respectively elect, and the several divisions of the Adjustment Board shall give due notice of all hearings to the employee or employees and the carrier or carriers involved in any disputes submitted to them.
(k) Any division of the Adjustment Board shall have authority to empower two or more of its members to conduct hearings and make findings upon disputes, when properly submitted, at any place designated by the division: Provided, however, That except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, final awards as to any such dispute must be made by the entire division as hereinafter provided.
(l) Upon failure of any division to agree upon an award because of a deadlock or inability to secure a majority vote of the division members, as provided in paragraph (n) of this section, then such division shall forthwith agree upon and select a neutral person, to be known as "referee", to sit with the division as a member thereof, and make an award. Should the division fail to agree upon and select a referee within ten days of the date of the deadlock or inability to secure a majority vote, then the division, or any member thereof, or the parties or either party to the dispute may certify that fact to the Mediation Board, which Board shall, within ten days from the date of receiving such certificate, select and name the referee to sit with the division as a member thereof and make an award. The Mediation Board shall be bound by the same provisions in the appointment of these neutral referees as are provided elsewhere in this chapter for the appointment of arbitrators and shall fix and pay the compensation of such referees.
(m) The awards of the several divisions of the Adjustment Board shall be stated in writing. A copy of the awards shall be furnished to the respective parties to the controversy, and the awards shall be final and binding upon both parties to the dispute. In case a dispute arises involving an interpretation of the award, the division of the board upon request of either party shall interpret the award in the light of the dispute.
(n) A majority vote of all members of the division of the Adjustment Board eligible to vote shall be competent to make an award with respect to any dispute submitted to it.
(o) In case of an award by any division of the Adjustment Board in favor of petitioner, the division of the Board shall make an order, directed to the carrier, to make the award effective and, if the award includes a requirement for the payment of money, to pay to the employee the sum to which he is entitled under the award on or before a day named. In the event any division determines that an award favorable to the petitioner should not be made in any dispute referred to it, the division shall make an order to the petitioner stating such determination.
(p) If a carrier does not comply with an order of a division of the Adjustment Board within the time limit in such order, the petitioner, or any person for whose benefit such order was made, may file in the District Court of the United States for the district in which he resides or in which is located the principal operating office of the carrier, or through which the carrier operates, a petition setting forth briefly the causes for which he claims relief, and the order of the division of the Adjustment Board in the premises. Such suit in the District Court of the United States shall proceed in all respects as other civil suits, except that on the trial of such suit the findings and order of the division of the Adjustment Board shall be conclusive on the parties, and except that the petitioner shall not be liable for costs in the district court nor for costs at any subsequent stage of the proceedings, unless they accrue upon his appeal, and such costs shall be paid out of the appropriation for the expenses of the courts of the United States. If the petitioner shall finally prevail he shall be allowed a reasonable attorney's fee, to be taxed and collected as a part of the costs of the suit. The district courts are empowered, under the rules of the court governing actions at law, to make such order and enter such judgment, by writ of mandamus or otherwise, as may be appropriate to enforce or set aside the order of the division of the Adjustment Board: Provided, however, That such order may not be set aside except for failure of the division to comply with the requirements of this chapter, for failure of the order to conform, or confine itself, to matters within the scope of the division's jurisdiction, or for fraud or corruption by a member of the division making the order.
(q) If any employee or group of employees, or any carrier, is aggrieved by the failure of any division of the Adjustment Board to make an award in a dispute referred to it, or is aggrieved by any of the terms of an award or by the failure of the division to include certain terms in such award, then such employee or group of employees or carrier may file in any United States district court in which a petition under paragraph (p) could be filed, a petition for review of the division's order. A copy of the petition shall be forthwith transmitted by the clerk of the court to the Adjustment Board. The Adjustment Board shall file in the court the record of the proceedings on which it based its action. The court shall have jurisdiction to affirm the order of the division, or to set it aside, in whole or in part, or it may remand the proceedings to the division for such further action as it may direct. On such review, the findings and order of the division shall be conclusive on the parties, except that the order of the division may be set aside, in whole or in part, or remanded to the division, for failure of the division to comply with the requirements of this chapter, for failure of the order to conform, or confine itself, to matters within the scope of the division's jurisdiction, or for fraud or corruption by a member of the division making the order. The judgment of the court shall be subject to review as provided in sections 1291 and 1254 of title 28.
(r) All actions at law based upon the provisions of this section shall be begun within two years from the time the cause of action accrues under the award of the division of the Adjustment Board, and not after.
(s) The several divisions of the Adjustment Board shall maintain headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, meet regularly, and continue in session so long as there is pending before the division any matter within its jurisdiction which has been submitted for its consideration and which has not been disposed of.
(t) Whenever practicable, the several divisions or subdivisions of the Adjustment Board shall be supplied with suitable quarters in any Federal building located at its place of meeting.
(u) The Adjustment Board may, subject to the approval of the Mediation Board, employ and fix the compensations of such assistants as it deems necessary in carrying on its proceedings. The compensation of such employees shall be paid by the Mediation Board.
(v) The Adjustment Board shall meet within forty days after June 21, 1934, and adopt such rules as it deems necessary to control proceedings before the respective divisions and not in conflict with the provisions of this section. Immediately following the meeting of the entire Board and the adoption of such rules, the respective divisions shall meet and organize by the selection of a chairman, a vice chairman, and a secretary. Thereafter each division shall annually designate one of its members to act as chairman and one of its members to act as vice chairman: Provided, however, That the chairmanship and vice-chairmanship of any division shall alternate as between the groups, so that both the chairmanship and vice-chairmanship shall be held alternately by a representative of the carriers and a representative of the employees. In case of a vacancy, such vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term by the selection of a successor from the same group.
(w) Each division of the Adjustment Board shall annually prepare and submit a report of its activities to the Mediation Board, and the substance of such report shall be included in the annual report of the Mediation Board to the Congress of the United States. The reports of each division of the Adjustment Board and the annual report of the Mediation Board shall state in detail all cases heard, all actions taken, the names, salaries, and duties of all agencies, employees, and officers receiving compensation from the United States under the authority of this chapter, and an account of all moneys appropriated by Congress pursuant to the authority conferred by this chapter and disbursed by such agencies, employees, and officers.
(x) Any division of the Adjustment Board shall have authority, in its discretion, to establish regional adjustment boards to act in its place and stead for such limited period as such division may determine to be necessary. Carrier members of such regional boards shall be designated in keeping with rules devised for this purpose by the carrier members of the Adjustment Board and the labor members shall be designated in keeping with rules devised for this purpose by the labor members of the Adjustment Board. Any such regional board shall, during the time for which it is appointed, have the same authority to conduct hearings, make findings upon disputes and adopt the same procedure as the division of the Adjustment Board appointing it, and its decisions shall be enforceable to the same extent and under the same processes. A neutral person, as referee, shall be appointed for service in connection with any such regional adjustment board in the same circumstances and manner as provided in paragraph (l) hereof, with respect to a division of the Adjustment Board.
Second. System, group, or regional boards: establishment by voluntary agreement; special adjustment boards: establishment, composition, designation of representatives by Mediation Board, neutral member, compensation, quorum, finality and enforcement of awards
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent any individual carrier, system, or group of carriers and any class or classes of its or their employees, all acting through their representatives, selected in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, from mutually agreeing to the establishment of system, group, or regional boards of adjustment for the purpose of adjusting and deciding disputes of the character specified in this section. In the event that either party to such a system, group, or regional board of adjustment is dissatisfied with such arrangement, it may upon ninety days' notice to the other party elect to come under the jurisdiction of the Adjustment Board.
If written request is made upon any individual carrier by the representative of any craft or class of employees of such carrier for the establishment of a special board of adjustment to resolve disputes otherwise referable to the Adjustment Board, or any dispute which has been pending before the Adjustment Board for twelve months from the date the dispute (claim) is received by the Board, or if any carrier makes such a request upon any such representative, the carrier or the representative upon whom such request is made shall join in an agreement establishing such a board within thirty days from the date such request is made. The cases which may be considered by such board shall be defined in the agreement establishing it. Such board shall consist of one person designated by the carrier and one person designated by the representative of the employees. If such carrier or such representative fails to agree upon the establishment of such a board as provided herein, or to exercise its rights to designate a member of the board, the carrier or representative making the request for the establishment of the special board may request the Mediation Board to designate a member of the special board on behalf of the carrier or representative upon whom such request was made. Upon receipt of a request for such designation the Mediation Board shall promptly make such designation and shall select an individual associated in interest with the carrier or representative he is to represent, who, with the member appointed by the carrier or representative requesting the establishment of the special board, shall constitute the board. Each member of the board shall be compensated by the party he is to represent. The members of the board so designated shall determine all matters not previously agreed upon by the carrier and the representative of the employees with respect to the establishment and jurisdiction of the board. If they are unable to agree such matters shall be determined by a neutral member of the board selected or appointed and compensated in the same manner as is hereinafter provided with respect to situations where the members of the board are unable to agree upon an award. Such neutral member shall cease to be a member of the board when he has determined such matters. If with respect to any dispute or group of disputes the members of the board designated by the carrier and the representative are unable to agree upon an award disposing of the dispute or group of disputes they shall by mutual agreement select a neutral person to be a member of the board for the consideration and disposition of such dispute or group of disputes. In the event the members of the board designated by the parties are unable, within ten days after their failure to agree upon an award, to agree upon the selection of such neutral person, either member of the board may request the Mediation Board to appoint such neutral person and upon receipt of such request the Mediation Board shall promptly make such appointment. The neutral person so selected or appointed shall be compensated and reimbursed for expenses by the Mediation Board. Any two members of the board shall be competent to render an award. Such awards shall be final and binding upon both parties to the dispute and if in favor of the petitioner, shall direct the other party to comply therewith on or before the day named. Compliance with such awards shall be enforcible by proceedings in the United States district courts in the same manner and subject to the same provisions that apply to proceedings for enforcement of compliance with awards of the Adjustment Board.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §3, 44 Stat. 578; June 21, 1934, ch. 691, §3, 48 Stat. 1189; Pub. L. 89–456, §§1, 2, June 20, 1966, 80 Stat. 208, 209; Pub. L. 91–234, §§1–6, Apr. 23, 1970, 84 Stat. 199, 200.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1970—Par. First, (a). Pub. L. 91–234, §1, substituted "thirty-four members, seventeen of whom shall be selected by the carriers and seventeen" for "thirty-six members, eighteen of whom shall be selected by the carriers and eighteen".
Par. First, (b). Pub. L. 91–234, §2, provided that no carrier or system of carriers have more than one voting representative on any division of the National Railroad Adjustment Board.
Par. First, (c). Pub. L. 91–234, §3, inserted "Except as provided in the second paragraph of subsection (h) of this section" before "the national labor organizations", and provided that no labor organization have more than one voting representative on any division of the National Railroad Adjustment Board.
Par. First, (h). Pub. L. 91–234, §4, decreased number of members on First division of Board from ten to eight members, with an accompanying decrease of five to four as number of members of such Board elected respectively by the carriers and by the national labor organizations satisfying the enumerated requirements, and set forth provisos which limited voting by each labor organization or carrier member in any proceedings of the division or in adoption of any award.
Par. First, (k). Pub. L. 91–234, §5, inserted "except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section" after proviso.
Par. First, (n). Pub. L. 91–234, §6, inserted "eligible to vote" after "Adjustment Board".
1966—Par. First, (m). Pub. L. 89–456, §2(a), struck out ", except insofar as they shall contain a money award" from second sentence.
Par. First, (o). Pub. L. 89–456, §2(b), inserted provision for a division to make an order to the petitioner stating that an award favorable to the petitioner should not be made in any dispute referred to it.
Par. First, (p). Pub. L. 89–456, §2(c), (d), substituted in second sentence "conclusive on the parties" for "prima facie evidence of the facts therein stated" and inserted in last sentence reasons for setting aside orders of a division of the Adjustment Board, respectively.
Par. First, (q) to (x). Pub. L. 89–456, §2(e), added par. (q) and redesignated former pars. (q) to (w) as (r) to (x), respectively.
Par. Second. Pub. L. 89–456, §1, provided for establishment of special adjustment boards upon request of employees or carriers to resolve disputes otherwise referable to the Adjustment Board and made awards of such boards final.
1934—Act June 21, 1934, amended provisions comprising this section generally.
§154. National Mediation Board
First. Board of Mediation abolished; National Mediation Board established; composition; term of office; qualifications; salaries; removal
The Board of Mediation is abolished, effective thirty days from June 21, 1934, and the members, secretary, officers, assistants, employees, and agents thereof, in office upon June 21, 1934, shall continue to function and receive their salaries for a period of thirty days from such date in the same manner as though this chapter had not been passed. There is established, as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government, a board to be known as the "National Mediation Board", to be composed of three members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, not more than two of whom shall be of the same political party. Each member of the Mediation Board in office on January 1, 1965, shall be deemed to have been appointed for a term of office which shall expire on July 1 of the year his term would have otherwise expired. The terms of office of all successors shall expire three years after the expiration of the terms for which their predecessors were appointed; but any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the unexpired term of his predecessor. Vacancies in the Board shall not impair the powers nor affect the duties of the Board nor of the remaining members of the Board. Two of the members in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the Board. Each member of the Board shall receive necessary traveling and subsistence expenses, or per diem allowance in lieu thereof, subject to the provisions of law applicable thereto, while away from the principal office of the Board on business required by this chapter. No person in the employment of or who is pecuniarily or otherwise interested in any organization of employees or any carrier shall enter upon the duties of or continue to be a member of the Board. Upon the expiration of his term of office a member shall continue to serve until his successor is appointed and shall have qualified.
All cases referred to the Board of Mediation and unsettled on June 21, 1934, shall be handled to conclusion by the Mediation Board.
A member of the Board may be removed by the President for inefficiency, neglect of duty, malfeasance in office, or ineligibility, but for no other cause.
Second. Chairman; principal office; delegation of powers; oaths; seal; report
The Mediation Board shall annually designate a member to act as chairman. The Board shall maintain its principal office in the District of Columbia, but it may meet at any other place whenever it deems it necessary so to do. The Board may designate one or more of its members to exercise the functions of the Board in mediation proceedings. Each member of the Board shall have power to administer oaths and affirmations. The Board shall have a seal which shall be judicially noticed. The Board shall make an annual report to Congress.
Third. Appointment of experts and other employees; salaries of employees; expenditures
The Mediation Board may (1) subject to the provisions of the civil service laws, appoint such experts and assistants to act in a confidential capacity and such other officers and employees as are essential to the effective transaction of the work of the Board; (2) in accordance with chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, fix the salaries of such experts, assistants, officers, and employees; and (3) make such expenditures (including expenditures for rent and personal services at the seat of government and elsewhere, for law books, periodicals, and books of reference, and for printing and binding, and including expenditures for salaries and compensation, necessary traveling expenses and expenses actually incurred for subsistence, and other necessary expenses of the Mediation Board, Adjustment Board, Regional Adjustment Boards established under paragraph (w) of section 153 of this title, and boards of arbitration, in accordance with the provisions of this section and sections 153 and 157 of this title, respectively), as may be necessary for the execution of the functions vested in the Board, in the Adjustment Board and in the boards of arbitration, and as may be provided for by the Congress from time to time. All expenditures of the Board shall be allowed and paid on the presentation of itemized vouchers therefor approved by the chairman.
Fourth. Delegation of powers and duties
The Mediation Board is authorized by its order to assign, or refer, any portion of its work, business, or functions arising under this chapter or any other Act of Congress, or referred to it by Congress or either branch thereof, to an individual member of the Board or to an employee or employees of the Board to be designated by such order for action thereon, and by its order at any time to amend, modify, supplement, or rescind any such assignment or reference. All such orders shall take effect forthwith and remain in effect until otherwise ordered by the Board. In conformity with and subject to the order or orders of the Mediation Board in the premises, [and] such individual member of the Board or employee designated shall have power and authority to act as to any of said work, business, or functions so assigned or referred to him for action by the Board.
Fifth. Transfer of officers and employees of Board of Mediation; transfer of appropriation
All officers and employees of the Board of Mediation (except the members thereof, whose offices are abolished) whose services in the judgment of the Mediation Board are necessary to the efficient operation of the Board are transferred to the Board, without change in classification or compensation; except that the Board may provide for the adjustment of such classification or compensation to conform to the duties to which such officers and employees may be assigned.
All unexpended appropriations for the operation of the Board of Mediation that are available at the time of the abolition of the Board of Mediation shall be transferred to the Mediation Board and shall be available for its use for salaries and other authorized expenditures.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §4, 44 Stat. 579; June 21, 1934, ch. 691, §4, 48 Stat. 1193; Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, title XI, §1106(a), 63 Stat. 972; Pub. L. 88–542, Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 748.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
In par. First, provisions that prescribed the basis compensation of members of the Board were omitted to conform to the provisions of the Executive Schedule. See sections 5314 and 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.
In par. Third, "subject to the provisions of the civil service laws, appoint such experts and assistants to act in a confidential capacity and such other officers and employees" substituted for "appoint such experts and assistants to act in a confidential capacity and, subject to the provisions of the civil-service laws, such other officers and employees". All such appointments are now subject to the civil service laws unless specifically excepted by such laws or by laws enacted subsequent to Executive Order 8743, Apr. 23, 1941, issued by the President pursuant to the Act of Nov. 26, 1940, ch. 919, title I, §1, 54 Stat. 1211, which covered most excepted positions into the classified (competitive) civil service. The Order is set out as a note under section 3301 of Title 5.
In par. Third, "chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5" substituted for "the Classification Act of 1949, as amended" on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, §7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5.
Amendments
1964—Par. First. Pub. L. 88–542 inserted sentences providing that each member of the Board in office on Jan. 1, 1965, shall be deemed to have been appointed for a term of office which shall expire on July 1 of the year his term would have otherwise expired, and that upon the expiration of his term of office a member shall continue to serve until his successor is appointed and shall have qualified, and struck out provisions which related to terms of office of members first appointed.
1949—Par. First. Act Oct. 15, 1949, increased basic rate of compensation for members of the board to $15,000 per year.
Par. Third. Act Oct. 28, 1949, substituted "Classification Act of 1949" for "Classification Act of 1923".
1934—Act June 21, 1934, amended section generally.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Repeals
Act Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, cited as a credit to this section, was repealed (subject to a savings clause) by Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, §8, 80 Stat. 632, 655.
Termination of Reporting Requirements
For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of provisions in par. Second relating to the requirement that the Board make an annual report to Congress, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and the 6th item on page 184 of House Document No. 103–7.
§155. Functions of Mediation Board
First. Disputes within jurisdiction of Mediation Board
The parties, or either party, to a dispute between an employee or group of employees and a carrier may invoke the services of the Mediation Board in any of the following cases:
(a) A dispute concerning changes in rates of pay, rules, or working conditions not adjusted by the parties in conference.
(b) Any other dispute not referable to the National Railroad Adjustment Board and not adjusted in conference between the parties or where conferences are refused.
The Mediation Board may proffer its services in case any labor emergency is found by it to exist at any time.
In either event the said Board shall promptly put itself in communication with the parties to such controversy, and shall use its best efforts, by mediation, to bring them to agreement. If such efforts to bring about an amicable settlement through mediation shall be unsuccessful, the said Board shall at once endeavor as its final required action (except as provided in paragraph third of this section and in section 160 of this title) to induce the parties to submit their controversy to arbitration, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
If arbitration at the request of the Board shall be refused by one or both parties, the Board shall at once notify both parties in writing that its mediatory efforts have failed and for thirty days thereafter, unless in the intervening period the parties agree to arbitration, or an emergency board shall be created under section 160 of this title, no change shall be made in the rates of pay, rules, or working conditions or established practices in effect prior to the time the dispute arose.
Second. Interpretation of agreement
In any case in which a controversy arises over the meaning or the application of any agreement reached through mediation under the provisions of this chapter, either party to the said agreement, or both, may apply to the Mediation Board for an interpretation of the meaning or application of such agreement. The said Board shall upon receipt of such request notify the parties to the controversy, and after a hearing of both sides give its interpretation within thirty days.
Third. Duties of Board with respect to arbitration of disputes; arbitrators; acknowledgment of agreement; notice to arbitrators; reconvening of arbitrators; filing contracts with Board; custody of records and documents
The Mediation Board shall have the following duties with respect to the arbitration of disputes under section 157 of this title:
(a) On failure of the arbitrators named by the parties to agree on the remaining arbitrator or arbitrators within the time set by section 157 of this title, it shall be the duty of the Mediation Board to name such remaining arbitrator or arbitrators. It shall be the duty of the Board in naming such arbitrator or arbitrators to appoint only those whom the Board shall deem wholly disinterested in the controversy to be arbitrated and impartial and without bias as between the parties to such arbitration. Should, however, the Board name an arbitrator or arbitrators not so disinterested and impartial, then, upon proper investigation and presentation of the facts, the Board shall promptly remove such arbitrator.
If an arbitrator named by the Mediation Board, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, shall be removed by such Board as provided by this chapter, or if such an arbitrator refuses or is unable to serve, it shall be the duty of the Mediation Board, promptly, to select another arbitrator, in the same manner as provided in this chapter for an original appointment by the Mediation Board.
(b) Any member of the Mediation Board is authorized to take the acknowledgement of an agreement to arbitrate under this chapter. When so acknowledged, or when acknowledged by the parties before a notary public or the clerk of a district court or a court of appeals of the United States, such agreement to arbitrate shall be delivered to a member of said Board or transmitted to said Board, to be filed in its office.
(c) When an agreement to arbitrate has been filed with the Mediation Board, or with one of its members, as provided by this section, and when the said Board has been furnished the names of the arbitrators chosen by the parties to the controversy it shall be the duty of the Board to cause a notice in writing to be served upon said arbitrators, notifying them of their appointment, requesting them to meet promptly to name the remaining arbitrator or arbitrators necessary to complete the Board of Arbitration, and advising them of the period within which, as provided by the agreement to arbitrate, they are empowered to name such arbitrator or arbitrators.
(d) Either party to an arbitration desiring the reconvening of a board of arbitration to pass upon any controversy arising over the meaning or application of an award may so notify the Mediation Board in writing, stating in such notice the question or questions to be submitted to such reconvened Board. The Mediation Board shall thereupon promptly communicate with the members of the Board of Arbitration, or a subcommittee of such Board appointed for such purpose pursuant to a provision in the agreement to arbitrate, and arrange for the reconvening of said Board of Arbitration or subcommittee, and shall notify the respective parties to the controversy of the time and place at which the Board, or the subcommittee, will meet for hearings upon the matters in controversy to be submitted to it. No evidence other than that contained in the record filed with the original award shall be received or considered by such reconvened Board or subcommittee, except such evidence as may be necessary to illustrate the interpretations suggested by the parties. If any member of the original Board is unable or unwilling to serve on such reconvened Board or subcommittee thereof, another arbitrator shall be named in the same manner and with the same powers and duties as such original arbitrator.
(e) Within sixty days after June 21, 1934, every carrier shall file with the Mediation Board a copy of each contract with its employees in effect on the 1st day of April 1934, covering rates of pay, rules, and working conditions. If no contract with any craft or class of its employees has been entered into, the carrier shall file with the Mediation Board a statement of that fact, including also a statement of the rates of pay, rules, and working conditions applicable in dealing with such craft or class. When any new contract is executed or change is made in an existing contract with any class or craft of its employees covering rates of pay, rules, or working conditions, or in those rates of pay, rules, and working conditions of employees not covered by contract, the carrier shall file the same with the Mediation Board within thirty days after such new contract or change in existing contract has been executed or rates of pay, rules, and working conditions have been made effective.
(f) The Mediation Board shall be the custodian of all papers and documents heretofore filed with or transferred to the Board of Mediation bearing upon the settlement, adjustment, or determination of disputes between carriers and their employees or upon mediation or arbitration proceedings held under or pursuant to the provisions of any Act of Congress in respect thereto; and the President is authorized to designate a custodian of the records and property of the Board of Mediation until the transfer and delivery of such records to the Mediation Board and to require the transfer and delivery to the Mediation Board of any and all such papers and documents filed with it or in its possession.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §5, 44 Stat. 580; June 21, 1934, ch. 691, §5, 48 Stat. 1195; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §32(a), 62 Stat. 991; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §127, 63 Stat. 107.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
As originally enacted, par. Third (b) contained a reference to the "circuit court of appeals". Act June 25, 1948, as amended by act May 24, 1949 substituted "court of appeals" for "circuit court of appeals".
Amendments
1934—Act June 21, 1934, amended generally par. First and par. Third, (e) and (f).
§156. Procedure in changing rates of pay, rules, and working conditions
Carriers and representatives of the employees shall give at least thirty days' written notice of an intended change in agreements affecting rates of pay, rules, or working conditions, and the time and place for the beginning of conference between the representatives of the parties interested in such intended changes shall be agreed upon within ten days after the receipt of said notice, and said time shall be within the thirty days provided in the notice. In every case where such notice of intended change has been given, or conferences are being held with reference thereto, or the services of the Mediation Board have been requested by either party, or said Board has proffered its services, rates of pay, rules, or working conditions shall not be altered by the carrier until the controversy has been finally acted upon, as required by section 155 of this title, by the Mediation Board, unless a period of ten days has elapsed after termination of conferences without request for or proffer of the services of the Mediation Board.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §6, 44 Stat. 582; June 21, 1934, ch. 691, §6, 48 Stat. 1197.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1934—Act June 21, 1934, inserted "in agreements" after "intended change" in text, struck out provision formerly contained in text concerning changes requested by more than one class, and substituted "Mediation Board" for "Board of Mediation" wherever appearing.
Executive Documents
Wage and Salary Adjustments
Ex. Ord. No. 9299, eff. Feb. 4, 1943, 8 F.R. 1669, provided procedure with respect to wage and salary adjustments for employees subject to this chapter.
§157. Arbitration
First. Submission of controversy to arbitration
Whenever a controversy shall arise between a carrier or carriers and its or their employees which is not settled either in conference between representatives of the parties or by the appropriate adjustment board or through mediation, in the manner provided in sections 151—156 of this title such controversy may, by agreement of the parties to such controversy, be submitted to the arbitration of a board of three (or, if the parties to the controversy so stipulate, of six) persons: Provided, however, That the failure or refusal of either party to submit a controversy to arbitration shall not be construed as a violation of any legal obligation imposed upon such party by the terms of this chapter or otherwise.
Second. Manner of selecting board of arbitration
Such board of arbitration shall be chosen in the following manner:
(a) In the case of a board of three the carrier or carriers and the representatives of the employees, parties respectively to the agreement to arbitrate, shall each name one arbitrator; the two arbitrators thus chosen shall select a third arbitrator. If the arbitrators chosen by the parties shall fail to name the third arbitrator within five days after their first meeting, such third arbitrator shall be named by the Mediation Board.
(b) In the case of a board of six the carrier or carriers and the representatives of the employees, parties respectively to the agreement to arbitrate, shall each name two arbitrators; the four arbitrators thus chosen shall, by a majority vote, select the remaining two arbitrators. If the arbitrators chosen by the parties shall fail to name the two arbitrators within fifteen days after their first meeting, the said two arbitrators, or as many of them as have not been named, shall be named by the Mediation Board.
Third. Board of arbitration; organization; compensation; procedure
(a) Notice of selection or failure to select arbitrators
When the arbitrators selected by the respective parties have agreed upon the remaining arbitrator or arbitrators, they shall notify the Mediation Board; and, in the event of their failure to agree upon any or upon all of the necessary arbitrators within the period fixed by this chapter, they shall, at the expiration of such period, notify the Mediation Board of the arbitrators selected, if any, or of their failure to make or to complete such selection.
(b) Organization of board; procedure
The board of arbitration shall organize and select its own chairman and make all necessary rules for conducting its hearings: Provided, however, That the board of arbitration shall be bound to give the parties to the controversy a full and fair hearing, which shall include an opportunity to present evidence in support of their claims, and an opportunity to present their case in person, by counsel, or by other representative as they may respectively elect.
(c) Duty to reconvene; questions considered
Upon notice from the Mediation Board that the parties, or either party, to an arbitration desire the reconvening of the board of arbitration (or a subcommittee of such board of arbitration appointed for such purpose pursuant to the agreement to arbitrate) to pass upon any controversy over the meaning or application of their award, the board, or its subcommittee, shall at once reconvene. No question other than, or in addition to, the questions relating to the meaning or application of the award, submitted by the party or parties in writing, shall be considered by the reconvened board of arbitration or its subcommittee.
Such rulings shall be acknowledged by such board or subcommittee thereof in the same manner, and filed in the same district court clerk's office, as the original award and become a part thereof.
(d) Competency of arbitrators
No arbitrator, except those chosen by the Mediation Board, shall be incompetent to act as an arbitrator because of his interest in the controversy to be arbitrated, or because of his connection with or partiality to either of the parties to the arbitration.
(e) Compensation and expenses
Each member of any board of arbitration created under the provisions of this chapter named by either party to the arbitration shall be compensated by the party naming him. Each arbitrator selected by the arbitrators or named by the Mediation Board shall receive from the Mediation Board such compensation as the Mediation Board may fix, together with his necessary traveling expenses and expenses actually incurred for subsistence, while serving as an arbitrator.
(f) Award; disposition of original and copies
The board of arbitration shall furnish a certified copy of its award to the respective parties to the controversy, and shall transmit the original, together with the papers and proceedings and a transcript of the evidence taken at the hearings, certified under the hands of at least a majority of the arbitrators, to the clerk of the district court of the United States for the district wherein the controversy arose or the arbitration is entered into, to be filed in said clerk's office as hereinafter provided. The said board shall also furnish a certified copy of its award, and the papers and proceedings, including testimony relating thereto, to the Mediation Board to be filed in its office; and in addition a certified copy of its award shall be filed in the office of the Interstate Commerce Commission: Provided, however, That such award shall not be construed to diminish or extinguish any of the powers or duties of the Interstate Commerce Commission, under subtitle IV of title 49.
(g) Compensation of assistants to board of arbitration; expenses; quarters
A board of arbitration may, subject to the approval of the Mediation Board, employ and fix the compensation of such assistants as it deems necessary in carrying on the arbitration proceedings. The compensation of such employees, together with their necessary traveling expenses and expenses actually incurred for subsistence, while so employed, and the necessary expenses of boards of arbitration, shall be paid by the Mediation Board.
Whenever practicable, the board shall be supplied with suitable quarters in any Federal building located at its place of meeting or at any place where the board may conduct its proceedings or deliberations.
(h) Testimony before board; oaths; attendance of witnesses; production of documents; subpoenas; fees
All testimony before said board shall be given under oath or affirmation, and any member of the board shall have the power to administer oaths or affirmations. The board of arbitration, or any member thereof, shall have the power to require the attendance of witnesses and the production of such books, papers, contracts, agreements, and documents as may be deemed by the board of arbitration material to a just determination of the matters submitted to its arbitration, and may for that purpose request the clerk of the district court of the United States for the district wherein said arbitration is being conducted to issue the necessary subpoenas, and upon such request the said clerk or his duly authorized deputy shall be, and he is, authorized, and it shall be his duty, to issue such subpoenas.
Any witness appearing before a board of arbitration shall receive the same fees and mileage as witnesses in courts of the United States, to be paid by the party securing the subpoena.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §7, 44 Stat. 582; June 21, 1934, ch. 691, §7, 48 Stat. 1197; Pub. L. 91–452, title II, §238, Oct. 15, 1970, 84 Stat. 930.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
In par. Third (f), "subtitle IV of title 49" substituted for "the Interstate Commerce Act, as amended [49 U.S.C. 1 et seq.]" on authority of Pub. L. 95–473, §3(b), Oct. 17, 1978, 92 Stat. 1466, the first section of which enacted subtitle IV of Title 49, Transportation.
Amendments
1970—Par. Third, (h). Pub. L. 91–452 struck out provisions authorizing board to invoke aid of the United States courts to compel witnesses to attend and testify and to produce such books, papers, contracts, agreements, and documents to same extent and under same conditions and penalties as provided for in the Interstate Commerce Act.
1934—Act June 21, 1934, substituted "Mediation Board" for "Board of Mediation" wherever appearing.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1970 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 91–452 effective on sixtieth day following Oct. 15, 1970, and not to affect any immunity to which any individual is entitled under this section by reason of any testimony given before sixtieth day following Oct. 15, 1970, see section 260 of Pub. L. 91–452, set out as an Effective Date; Savings Provision note under section 6001 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure.
Abolition of Interstate Commerce Commission and Transfer of Functions
Interstate Commerce Commission abolished and functions of Commission transferred, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 104–88, to Surface Transportation Board effective Jan. 1, 1996, by section 1302 of Title 49, Transportation, and section 101 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as a note under section 1301 of Title 49. References to Interstate Commerce Commission deemed to refer to Surface Transportation Board, a member or employee of the Board, or Secretary of Transportation, as appropriate, see section 205 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as a note under section 1301 of Title 49.
Work Rules Dispute
Pub. L. 88–108, Aug. 28, 1963, 77 Stat. 132, provided:
"[
"
"
"
"
"
"
"(a) In making any award under this joint resolution the arbitration board established under section 2 shall give due consideration to the effect of the proposed award upon adequate and safe transportation service to the public and upon the interests of the carrier and employees affected, giving due consideration to the narrowing of the areas of disagreement which has been accomplished in bargaining and mediation.
"(b) The obligations imposed by this joint resolution, upon suit by the Attorney General, shall be enforcible through such orders as may be necessary by any court of the United States having jurisdiction of any of the parties.
"
"
§158. Agreement to arbitrate; form and contents; signatures and acknowledgment; revocation
The agreement to arbitrate—
(a) Shall be in writing;
(b) Shall stipulate that the arbitration is had under the provisions of this chapter;
(c) Shall state whether the board of arbitration is to consist of three or of six members;
(d) Shall be signed by the duly accredited representatives of the carrier or carriers and the employees, parties respectively to the agreement to arbitrate, and shall be acknowledged by said parties before a notary public, the clerk of a district court or court of appeals of the United States, or before a member of the Mediation Board, and, when so acknowledged, shall be filed in the office of the Mediation Board;
(e) Shall state specifically the questions to be submitted to the said board for decision; and that, in its award or awards, the said board shall confine itself strictly to decisions as to the questions so specifically submitted to it;
(f) Shall provide that the questions, or any one or more of them, submitted by the parties to the board of arbitration may be withdrawn from arbitration on notice to that effect signed by the duly accredited representatives of all the parties and served on the board of arbitration;
(g) Shall stipulate that the signatures of a majority of said board of arbitration affixed to their award shall be competent to constitute a valid and binding award;
(h) Shall fix a period from the date of the appointment of the arbitrator or arbitrators necessary to complete the board (as provided for in the agreement) within which the said board shall commence its hearings;
(i) Shall fix a period from the beginning of the hearings within which the said board shall make and file its award: Provided, That the parties may agree at any time upon an extension of this period;
(j) Shall provide for the date from which the award shall become effective and shall fix the period during which the award shall continue in force;
(k) Shall provide that the award of the board of arbitration and the evidence of the proceedings before the board relating thereto, when certified under the hands of at least a majority of the arbitrators, shall be filed in the clerk's office of the district court of the United States for the district wherein the controversy arose or the arbitration was entered into, which district shall be designated in the agreement; and, when so filed, such award and proceedings shall constitute the full and complete record of the arbitration;
(l) Shall provide that the award, when so filed, shall be final and conclusive upon the parties as to the facts determined by said award and as to the merits of the controversy decided;
(m) Shall provide that any difference arising as to the meaning, or the application of the provisions, of an award made by a board of arbitration shall be referred back for a ruling to the same board, or, by agreement, to a subcommittee of such board; and that such ruling, when acknowledged in the same manner, and filed in the same district court clerk's office, as the original award, shall be a part of and shall have the same force and effect as such original award; and
(n) Shall provide that the respective parties to the award will each faithfully execute the same.
The said agreement to arbitrate, when properly signed and acknowledged as herein provided, shall not be revoked by a party to such agreement: Provided, however, That such agreement to arbitrate may at any time be revoked and canceled by the written agreement of both parties, signed by their duly accredited representatives, and (if no board of arbitration has yet been constituted under the agreement) delivered to the Mediation Board or any member thereof; or, if the board of arbitration has been constituted as provided by this chapter, delivered to such board of arbitration.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §8, 44 Stat. 584; June 21, 1934, ch. 691, §7, 48 Stat. 1197; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §32(a), 62 Stat. 991; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §127, 63 Stat. 107.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
As originally enacted, par. (d) contained a reference to the "circuit court of appeals". Act June 25, 1948, as amended by act May 24, 1949, substituted "court of appeals" for "circuit court of appeals".
Amendments
1934—Act June 21, 1934, substituted "Mediation Board" for "Board of Mediation" wherever appearing.
§159. Award and judgment thereon; effect of chapter on individual employee
First. Filing of award
The award of a board of arbitration, having been acknowledged as herein provided, shall be filed in the clerk's office of the district court designated in the agreement to arbitrate.
Second. Conclusiveness of award; judgment
An award acknowledged and filed as herein provided shall be conclusive on the parties as to the merits and facts of the controversy submitted to arbitration, and unless, within ten days after the filing of the award, a petition to impeach the award, on the grounds hereinafter set forth, shall be filed in the clerk's office of the court in which the award has been filed, the court shall enter judgment on the award, which judgment shall be final and conclusive on the parties.
Third. Impeachment of award; grounds
Such petition for the impeachment or contesting of any award so filed shall be entertained by the court only on one or more of the following grounds:
(a) That the award plainly does not conform to the substantive requirements laid down by this chapter for such awards, or that the proceedings were not substantially in conformity with this chapter;
(b) That the award does not conform, nor confine itself, to the stipulations of the agreement to arbitrate; or
(c) That a member of the board of arbitration rendering the award was guilty of fraud or corruption; or that a party to the arbitration practiced fraud or corruption which fraud or corruption affected the result of the arbitration: Provided, however, That no court shall entertain any such petition on the ground that an award is invalid for uncertainty; in such case the proper remedy shall be a submission of such award to a reconvened board, or subcommittee thereof, for interpretation, as provided by this chapter: Provided further, That an award contested as herein provided shall be construed liberally by the court, with a view to favoring its validity, and that no award shall be set aside for trivial irregularity or clerical error, going only to form and not to substance.
Fourth. Effect of partial invalidity of award
If the court shall determine that a part of the award is invalid on some ground or grounds designated in this section as a ground of invalidity, but shall determine that a part of the award is valid, the court shall set aside the entire award: Provided, however, That, if the parties shall agree thereto, and if such valid and invalid parts are separable, the court shall set aside the invalid part, and order judgment to stand as to the valid part.
Fifth. Appeal; record
At the expiration of 10 days from the decision of the district court upon the petition filed as aforesaid, final judgment shall be entered in accordance with said decision, unless during said 10 days either party shall appeal therefrom to the court of appeals. In such case only such portion of the record shall be transmitted to the appellate court as is necessary to the proper understanding and consideration of the questions of law presented by said petition and to be decided.
Sixth. Finality of decision of court of appeals
The determination of said court of appeals upon said questions shall be final, and, being certified by the clerk thereof to said district court, judgment pursuant thereto shall thereupon be entered by said district court.
Seventh. Judgment where petitioner's contentions are sustained
If the petitioner's contentions are finally sustained, judgment shall be entered setting aside the award in whole or, if the parties so agree, in part; but in such case the parties may agree upon a judgment to be entered disposing of the subject matter of the controversy, which judgment when entered shall have the same force and effect as judgment entered upon an award.
Eighth. Duty of employee to render service without consent; right to quit
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require an individual employee to render labor or service without his consent, nor shall anything in this chapter be construed to make the quitting of his labor or service by an individual employee an illegal act; nor shall any court issue any process to compel the performance by an individual employee of such labor or service, without his consent.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §9, 44 Stat. 585; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, §32(a), 62 Stat. 991; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §127, 63 Stat. 107.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
As originally enacted, pars. Fifth and Sixth contained references to the "circuit court of appeals". Act June 25, 1948, as amended by act May 24, 1949, substituted "court of appeals" for "circuit court of appeals".
§159a. Special procedure for commuter service
(a) Applicability of provisions
Except as provided in section 590(h) 1 of this title, the provisions of this section shall apply to any dispute subject to this chapter between a publicly funded and publicly operated carrier providing rail commuter service (including the Amtrak Commuter Services Corporation) and its employees.
(b) Request for establishment of emergency board
If a dispute between the parties described in subsection (a) is not adjusted under the foregoing provisions of this chapter and the President does not, under section 160 of this title, create an emergency board to investigate and report on such dispute, then any party to the dispute or the Governor of any State through which the service that is the subject of the dispute is operated may request the President to establish such an emergency board.
(c) Establishment of emergency board
(1) Upon the request of a party or a Governor under subsection (b), the President shall create an emergency board to investigate and report on the dispute in accordance with section 160 of this title. For purposes of this subsection, the period during which no change, except by agreement, shall be made by the parties in the conditions out of which the dispute arose shall be 120 days from the day of the creation of such emergency board.
(2) If the President, in his discretion, creates a board to investigate and report on a dispute between the parties described in subsection (a), the provisions of this section shall apply to the same extent as if such board had been created pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(d) Public hearing by National Mediation Board upon failure of emergency board to effectuate settlement of dispute
Within 60 days after the creation of an emergency board under this section, if there has been no settlement between the parties, the National Mediation Board shall conduct a public hearing on the dispute at which each party shall appear and provide testimony setting forth the reasons it has not accepted the recommendations of the emergency board for settlement of the dispute.
(e) Establishment of second emergency board
If no settlement in the dispute is reached at the end of the 120-day period beginning on the date of the creation of the emergency board, any party to the dispute or the Governor of any State through which the service that is the subject of the dispute is operated may request the President to establish another emergency board, in which case the President shall establish such emergency board.
(f) Submission of final offers to second emergency board by parties
Within 30 days after creation of a board under subsection (e), the parties to the dispute shall submit to the board final offers for settlement of the dispute.
(g) Report of second emergency board
Within 30 days after the submission of final offers under subsection (f), the emergency board shall submit a report to the President setting forth its selection of the most reasonable offer.
(h) Maintenance of status quo during dispute period
From the time a request to establish a board is made under subsection (e) until 60 days after such board makes its report under subsection (g), no change, except by agreement, shall be made by the parties in the conditions out of which the dispute arose.
(i) Work stoppages by employees subsequent to carrier offer selected; eligibility of employees for benefits
If the emergency board selects the final offer submitted by the carrier and, after the expiration of the 60-day period described in subsection (h), the employees of such carrier engage in any work stoppage arising out of the dispute, such employees shall not be eligible during the period of such work stoppage for benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act [45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.].
(j) Work stoppages by employees subsequent to employees offer selected; eligibility of employer for benefits
If the emergency board selects the final offer submitted by the employees and, after the expiration of the 60-day period described in subsection (h), the carrier refuses to accept the final offer submitted by the employees and the employees of such carrier engage in any work stoppage arising out of the dispute, the carrier shall not participate in any benefits of any agreement between carriers which is designed to provide benefits to such carriers during a work stoppage.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §9A, as added Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1157, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 681.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 590(h) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a), was repealed by Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379.
The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, referred to in subsec. (i), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 680, 52 Stat. 1094, which is classified principally to chapter 11 (§351 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 367 of this title and Tables.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective Aug. 13, 1981, see section 1169 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.
1 See References in Text note below.
§160. Emergency board
If a dispute between a carrier and its employees be not adjusted under the foregoing provisions of this chapter and should, in the judgment of the Mediation Board, threaten substantially to interrupt interstate commerce to a degree such as to deprive any section of the country of essential transportation service, the Mediation Board shall notify the President, who may thereupon, in his discretion, create a board to investigate and report respecting such dispute. Such board shall be composed of such number of persons as to the President may seem desirable: Provided, however, That no member appointed shall be pecuniarily or otherwise interested in any organization of employees or any carrier. The compensation of the members of any such board shall be fixed by the President. Such board shall be created separately in each instance and it shall investigate promptly the facts as to the dispute and make a report thereon to the President within thirty days from the date of its creation.
There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the expenses of such board, including the compensation and the necessary traveling expenses and expenses actually incurred for subsistence, of the members of the board. All expenditures of the board shall be allowed and paid on the presentation of itemized vouchers therefor approved by the chairman.
After the creation of such board and for thirty days after such board has made its report to the President, no change, except by agreement, shall be made by the parties to the controversy in the conditions out of which the dispute arose.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §10, 44 Stat. 586; June 21, 1934, ch. 691, §7, 48 Stat. 1197.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1934—Act June 21, 1934, substituted "Mediation Board" for "Board of Mediation" wherever appearing.
§160a. Rules and regulations
(a) In general
The Mediation Board shall have the authority from time to time to make, amend, and rescind, in the manner prescribed by section 553 of title 5, and after opportunity for a public hearing, such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
(b) Application
The requirements of subsection (a) shall not apply to any rule or proposed rule to which the third sentence of section 553(b) of title 5 applies.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §10A, as added Pub. L. 112–95, title X, §1001, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 146.)
§161. Effect of partial invalidity of chapter
If any provision of this chapter, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter, and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §11, 44 Stat. 587.)
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Separability; Repeal of Inconsistent Provisions
Act June 21, 1934, ch. 691, §8, 48 Stat. 1197, provided that: "If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Act [amending sections 151 to 158, 160, and 162 of this title] is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Act. All Acts or parts of Acts inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed."
§162. Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for expenditure by the Mediation Board in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §12, 44 Stat. 587; June 21, 1934, ch. 691, §7, 48 Stat. 1197.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1934—Act June 21, 1934, substituted "Mediation Board" for "Board of Mediation".
§163. Repeal of prior legislation; exception
Chapters 6 and 7 of this title, providing for mediation, conciliation, and arbitration, and all Acts and parts of Acts in conflict with the provisions of this chapter are repealed, except that the members, secretary, officers, employees, and agents of the Railroad Labor Board, in office on May 20, 1926, shall receive their salaries for a period of 30 days from such date, in the same manner as though this chapter had not been passed.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §14, 44 Stat. 587.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Chapters 6 and 7 of this title, referred to in text, were in the original references to the act of July 15, 1913, and title III of the Transportation Act, 1920, respectively.
§164. Repealed. Oct. 10, 1940, ch. 851, §4, 54 Stat. 1111
Section, act Feb. 11, 1927, ch. 104, §1, 44 Stat. 1072, related to advertisements for proposals for purchases or services rendered for Board of Mediation, including arbitration boards.
§165. Evaluation and audit of Mediation Board
(a) Evaluation and audit of Mediation Board
(1) In general
In order to promote economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in the administration of the programs, operations, and activities of the Mediation Board, the Comptroller General of the United States shall evaluate and audit the programs and expenditures of the Mediation Board. Such an evaluation and audit shall be conducted not less frequently than every 2 years, but may be conducted as determined necessary by the Comptroller General or the appropriate congressional committees.
(2) Responsibility of Comptroller General
In carrying out the evaluation and audit required under paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall evaluate and audit the programs, operations, and activities of the Mediation Board, including, at a minimum—
(A) information management and security, including privacy protection of personally identifiable information;
(B) resource management;
(C) workforce development;
(D) procurement and contracting planning, practices, and policies;
(E) the extent to which the Mediation Board follows leading practices in selected management areas; and
(F) the processes the Mediation Board follows to address challenges in—
(i) initial investigations of applications requesting that an organization or individual be certified as the representative of any craft or class of employees;
(ii) determining and certifying representatives of employees; and
(iii) ensuring that the process occurs without interference, influence, or coercion.
(b) Immediate review of certification procedures
Not later than 180 days after February 14, 2012, the Comptroller General shall review the processes applied by the Mediation Board to certify or decertify representation of employees by a labor organization and make recommendations to the Board and appropriate congressional committees regarding actions that may be taken by the Board or Congress to ensure that the processes are fair and reasonable for all parties. Such review shall be conducted separately from any evaluation and audit under subsection (a) and shall include, at a minimum—
(1) an evaluation of the existing processes and changes to such processes that have occurred since the establishment of the Mediation Board and whether those changes are consistent with congressional intent; and
(2) a description of the extent to which such processes are consistent with similar processes applied to other Federal or State agencies with jurisdiction over labor relations, and an evaluation of any justifications for any discrepancies between the processes of the Mediation Board and such similar Federal or State processes.
(c) Appropriate congressional committee defined
In this section, the term "appropriate congressional committees" means the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §15, as added Pub. L. 112–95, title X, §1004, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 147.)
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Biannual GAO Audit
Pub. L. 118–63, title II, §218(o), May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1057, provided that: "Any provision of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112–95) [see Short Title of 2012 Amendment note set out under section 40101 of Title 49, Transportation], including any amendment made by such Act, that requires the Comptroller General [of the United States] to conduct an audit (including a recurring audit) shall have no force or effect."
SUBCHAPTER II—CARRIERS BY AIR
§181. Application of subchapter I to carriers by air
All of the provisions of subchapter I of this chapter except section 153 of this title are extended to and shall cover every common carrier by air engaged in interstate or foreign commerce, and every carrier by air transporting mail for or under contract with the United States Government, and every air pilot or other person who performs any work as an employee or subordinate official of such carrier or carriers, subject to its or their continuing authority to supervise and direct the manner of rendition of his service.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §201, as added Apr. 10, 1936, ch. 166, 49 Stat. 1189.)
§182. Duties, penalties, benefits, and privileges of subchapter I applicable
The duties, requirements, penalties, benefits, and privileges prescribed and established by the provisions of subchapter I of this chapter except section 153 of this title shall apply to said carriers by air and their employees in the same manner and to the same extent as though such carriers and their employees were specifically included within the definition of "carrier" and "employee", respectively, in section 151 of this title.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §202, as added Apr. 10, 1936, ch. 166, 49 Stat. 1189.)
§183. Disputes within jurisdiction of Mediation Board
The parties or either party to a dispute between an employee or a group of employees and a carrier or carriers by air may invoke the services of the National Mediation Board and the jurisdiction of said Mediation Board is extended to any of the following cases:
(a) A dispute concerning changes in rates of pay, rules, or working conditions not adjusted by the parties in conference.
(b) Any other dispute not referable to an adjustment board, as hereinafter provided, and not adjusted in conference between the parties, or where conferences are refused.
The National Mediation Board may proffer its services in case any labor emergency is found by it to exist at any time.
The services of the Mediation Board may be invoked in a case under this subchapter in the same manner and to the same extent as are the disputes covered by section 155 of this title.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §203, as added Apr. 10, 1936, ch. 166, 49 Stat. 1189.)
§184. System, group, or regional boards of adjustment
The disputes between an employee or group of employees and a carrier or carriers by air growing out of grievances, or out of the interpretation or application of agreements concerning rates of pay, rules, or working conditions, including cases pending and unadjusted on April 10, 1936 before the National Labor Relations Board, shall be handled in the usual manner up to and including the chief operating officer of the carrier designated to handle such disputes; but, failing to reach an adjustment in this manner, the disputes may be referred by petition of the parties or by either party to an appropriate adjustment board, as hereinafter provided, with a full statement of the facts and supporting data bearing upon the disputes.
It shall be the duty of every carrier and of its employees, acting through their representatives, selected in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter, to establish a board of adjustment of jurisdiction not exceeding the jurisdiction which may be lawfully exercised by system, group, or regional boards of adjustment, under the authority of section 153 of this title.
Such boards of adjustment may be established by agreement between employees and carriers either on any individual carrier, or system, or group of carriers by air and any class or classes of its or their employees; or pending the establishment of a permanent National Board of Adjustment as hereinafter provided. Nothing in this chapter shall prevent said carriers by air, or any class or classes of their employees, both acting through their representatives selected in accordance with provisions of this subchapter, from mutually agreeing to the establishment of a National Board of Adjustment of temporary duration and of similarly limited jurisdiction.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §204, as added Apr. 10, 1936, ch. 166, 49 Stat. 1189.)
§185. National Air Transport Adjustment Board
When, in the judgment of the National Mediation Board, it shall be necessary to have a permanent national board of adjustment in order to provide for the prompt and orderly settlement of disputes between said carriers by air, or any of them, and its or their employees, growing out of grievances or out of the interpretation or application of agreements between said carriers by air or any of them, and any class or classes of its or their employees, covering rates of pay, rules, or working conditions, the National Mediation Board is empowered and directed, by its order duly made, published, and served, to direct the said carriers by air and such labor organizations of their employees, national in scope, as have been or may be recognized in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, to select and designate four representatives who shall constitute a board which shall be known as the "National Air Transport Adjustment Board." Two members of said National Air Transport Adjustment Board shall be selected by said carriers by air and two members by the said labor organizations of the employees, within thirty days after the date of the order of the National Mediation Board, in the manner and by the procedure prescribed by section 153 of this title for the selection and designation of members of the National Railroad Adjustment Board. The National Air Transport Adjustment Board shall meet within forty days after the date of the order of the National Mediation Board directing the selection and designation of its members and shall organize and adopt rules for conducting its proceedings, in the manner prescribed in section 153 of this title. Vacancies in membership or office shall be filled, members shall be appointed in case of failure of the carriers or of labor organizations of the employees to select and designate representatives, members of the National Air Transport Adjustment Board shall be compensated, hearings shall be held, findings and awards made, stated, served, and enforced, and the number and compensation of any necessary assistants shall be determined and the compensation of such employees shall be paid, all in the same manner and to the same extent as provided with reference to the National Railroad Adjustment Board by section 153 of this title. The powers and duties prescribed and established by the provisions of section 153 of this title with reference to the National Railroad Adjustment Board and the several divisions thereof are conferred upon and shall be exercised and performed in like manner and to the same extent by the said National Air Transport Adjustment Board, not exceeding, however, the jurisdiction conferred upon said National Air Transport Adjustment Board by the provisions of this subchapter. From and after the organization of the National Air Transport Adjustment Board, if any system, group, or regional board of adjustment established by any carrier or carriers by air and any class or classes of its or their employees is not satisfactory to either party thereto, the said party, upon ninety days' notice to the other party, may elect to come under the jurisdiction of the National Air Transport Adjustment Board.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §205, as added Apr. 10, 1936, ch. 166, 49 Stat. 1190.)
§186. Omitted
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section, act May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §206, as added Apr. 10, 1936, ch. 166, 49 Stat. 1191, transferred certain pending cases before National Labor Relations Board to Mediation Board.
§187. Separability
If any provision of this subchapter or application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of such sections and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §207, as added Apr. 10, 1936, ch. 166, 49 Stat. 1191.)
§188. Authorization of appropriations
There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for expenditure by the Mediation Board in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.
(May 20, 1926, ch. 347, §208, as added Apr. 10, 1936, ch. 166, 49 Stat. 1191.)
CHAPTER 9—RETIREMENT OF RAILROAD EMPLOYEES
SUBCHAPTER I—RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT OF 1934
SUBCHAPTER II—RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT OF 1935
SUBCHAPTER III—RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT OF 1937
SUBCHAPTER IV—RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT OF 1974
SUBCHAPTER I—RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT OF 1934
§§201 to 208. Omitted
Editorial Notes
Codification
Sections 201 to 208, sections 1 to 8, respectively, of act June 27, 1934, ch. 868, §1, 48 Stat. 1283–1286, were omitted pursuant to the decision in the case of Railroad Retirement Board v. Alton R. Co. (Dist. of Col., 1935), 295 U.S. 330, 55 S.Ct. 758, 79 L.Ed. 1468, declaring this subchapter unconstitutional.
Section 201 defined terms for purposes of this subchapter.
Section 202 stated purposes of this subchapter and required a special report to be sent from the Railroad Retirement Board to the President.
Section 203 related to annuities paid under this subchapter.
Section 204 related to compulsory retirement.
Section 205 related to employee contributions.
Section 206 related to existing pension systems.
Section 207 related to employee representatives.
Section 208 related to retirement fund established under this subchapter.
Provisions relating to refund of sums paid by railroads and other carriers of the United States under this subchapter were contained in act June 1, 1938, ch. 315, §§1, 2, 52 Stat. 608.
§209. Repealed. Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 649
Section, act June 27, 1934, ch. 868, §9, 48 Stat. 1287, established a Railroad Retirement Board and set out its functions.
§§210 to 214. Omitted
Editorial Notes
Codification
Sections 210 to 214, sections 10 to 14, respectively, of act June 27, 1934, ch. 868, §10, 48 Stat. 1288, 1289, were omitted as unconstitutional. See section 201 of this title.
Section 210 related to jurisdiction of certain courts.
Section 211 related to exemption of annuities or death payments from legal process.
Section 212 related to penalties for missed payments by carriers and has been omitted from the Code as unconstitutional.
Section 213 related to certain other penalties.
Section 214 related to separability of provisions.
SUBCHAPTER II—RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT OF 1935
Editorial Notes
Codification
This subchapter was comprised of act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §§1–14, 49 Stat. 967 to 973, known as the Railroad Retirement Act of 1935, and was amended in its entirety and completely revised by act June 24, 1937, ch. 382, 50 Stat. 307. The act, as amended and revised, was redesignated the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 and was classified to subchapter III of this chapter. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1935 continued in effect with respect to individuals granted annuities prior to enactment of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937. It was specifically amended by act June 11, 1940, ch. 307, §2, 54 Stat. 264, and by act Aug. 13, 1940, ch. 664, §§2, 3, 54 Stat. 785.
§§215 to 228. Omitted
Editorial Notes
Codification
Sections 215 to 228 were omitted pursuant to the amendment and revision of act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812 by act June 24, 1937, ch. 382, 50 Stat. 307, known as the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937.
Section 215, acts Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §1, 49 Stat. 967; June 11, 1940, ch. 307, §2, 54 Stat. 264; Aug. 13, 1940, ch. 664, §§2, 3, 54 Stat. 780, defined terms for purposes of this subchapter.
Section 216, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §2, 49 Stat. 968, related to reductions in annuities of employees working beyond age sixty-five.
Section 217, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §3, 49 Stat. 969, related to employees eligible for annuities under this subchapter.
Section 218, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §4, 49 Stat. 969, related to annuities to representatives under this subchapter.
Section 219, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §5, 49 Stat. 970, related to death payments under this subchapter.
Section 220, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §6, 49 Stat. 970, related to establishment of Railroad Retirement Board.
Section 221, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §7, 49 Stat. 971, related to issuance of a special report on retirement system by Board.
Section 222, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §8, 49 Stat. 972, related to establishment of Investigation Commission.
Section 223, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §9, 49 Stat. 973, related to court jurisdiction under this subchapter.
Section 224, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §10, 49 Stat. 973, related to assignability of annuity payments.
Section 225, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §11, 49 Stat. 973, related to penalties under this subchapter.
Section 226, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §12, 49 Stat. 973, related to separability of provisions.
Section 227, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §13, 49 Stat. 973, related to authorization of appropriations under this subchapter.
Section 228, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §14, 49 Stat. 973, related to short title of this subchapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effect of Amendments to Section 215 of This Title
Act June 11, 1940, ch. 307, §2, 54 Stat. 264, provided that the amendment of section 215 of this title by act June 11, 1940, was to have the same effect as if it had been part of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1935 from its enactment on Aug. 29, 1935.
Short Title; Continuation and Effect of Railroad Retirement Act of 1935
Act June 24, 1937, ch. 382, §§201–205, 50 Stat. 318, 319, as amended by acts Oct. 8, 1940, ch. 757, title VI, pt. II, 54 Stat. 1014; Apr. 8, 1942, ch. 227, §10, 56 Stat. 207; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–700, title I, §111, 80 Stat. 1085, provided that act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §§1 to 14, 49 Stat. 967 to 973, comprising subchapter II of this chapter, as in effect prior to amendment by act June 24, 1937, was to be known as the Railroad Retirement Act of 1935 and that such act, as amended by act June 24, 1937, was to be known as the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, set out transitional provisions for adjudication of claims under both the Railroad Retirement Acts of 1935 and 1937, and provided that the enactment of act June 24, 1937 was to have no effect on members of the Railroad Retirement Board in office on June 24, 1937, except that persons experienced in railroad service were to be retained in the employ of the Board, even if unqualified for service under the civil service law and rules, where the Board determined that they possessed the necessary qualifications.
SUBCHAPTER III—RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT OF 1937
Editorial Notes
Codification
This subchapter was comprised of act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, as restated by act June 24, 1937, ch. 382, 50 Stat. 307, known as the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 was amended in its entirety and completely revised by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305, effective Jan. 1, 1975. The act, as amended and revised by Pub. L. 93–445, was redesignated the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 and is classified to subchapter IV of this chapter.
§§228a to 228c–1. Omitted
Editorial Notes
Codification
Sections 228a to 228c–1 were omitted pursuant to the amendment and revision of act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305, known as the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974.
Section 228a, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §1, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 307; amended June 11, 1940, ch. 307, §1, 54 Stat. 264; Aug. 13, 1940, ch. 664, §§1, 3, 54 Stat. 785, 786; Oct. 10, 1940, ch. 842, §25, 54 Stat. 1100; Apr. 8, 1942, ch. 227, §13, 56 Stat. 209; July 31, 1946, ch. 709, §§1, 2, 201 to 204, 60 Stat. 722, 725 to 727; Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632, §1, 65 Stat. 683; July 18, 1952, ch. 945, §6(d)(1), 66 Stat. 777; Aug. 31, 1954, ch. 1164, pt. I, §1, 68 Stat. 1038; Sept. 1, 1954, ch. 1206, title IV, §401(a), 68 Stat. 1097; Aug. 1, 1956, ch. 836, title I, §120(a), 70 Stat. 836; Aug. 1, 1956, ch. 837, title IV, §408(c), 70 Stat. 877; Aug. 30, 1957, Pub. L. 85–238, §4(a), 71 Stat. 520; Aug. 28, 1958, Pub. L. 85–840, title VII, §703, 72 Stat. 1056; Sept. 13, 1960, Pub. L. 86–778, title VII, §708, 74 Stat. 997; June 30, 1961, Pub. L. 87–64, title III, §301, 75 Stat. 142; July 30, 1965, Pub. L. 89–97, title III, §326(a), 79 Stat. 400; Sept. 29, 1965, Pub. L. 89–212, §2(f), 79 Stat. 860; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–700, title I, §101, 80 Stat. 1079; Feb. 15, 1968, Pub. L. 90–257, title I, §101, 82 Stat. 16; Oct. 22, 1968, Pub. L. 90–624, §2, 82 Stat. 1316, defined terms for purposes of this subchapter. See section 231 of this title.
Section 228b, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §2, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 309; amended July 31, 1946, ch. 709, §§205, 206, 60 Stat. 727, 728; Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632, §§2, 3, 5, 65 Stat. 683; Aug. 31, 1954, ch. 1164, pt. I, §§2, 3, 68 Stat. 1038; Sept. 1, 1954, ch. 1206, title IV, §401(b), 68 Stat. 1097; Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 869, §1, 69 Stat. 715; May 19, 1959, Pub. L. 86–28, pt. I, §1, 73 Stat. 25; Sept. 22, 1961, Pub. L. 87–285, §§1, 2, 75 Stat. 585; Sept. 29, 1965, Pub. L. 89–212, §1, 79 Stat. 858; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–699, title II, §201(a), 80 Stat. 1075; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–700, title I, §102, 80 Stat. 1079; Feb. 15, 1968; Pub. L. 90–257, title I, §§102, 103, 82 Stat. 16; Aug. 12, 1970, Pub. L. 91–377, §2, 84 Stat. 791; July 2, 1971, Pub. L. 92–46, §2, 85 Stat. 101; Oct. 4, 1972, Pub. L. 92–460, §1(b), (c), 86 Stat. 765; July 10, 1973, Pub. L. 93–69, title I, §§101, 104(b), (c), 87 Stat. 162, 164, related to eligibility of individuals for annuities under this subchapter. See section 231a of this title.
Section 228c, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §3, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 310; amended July 31, 1946, ch. 709, §§207–211, 60 Stat. 728, 729; June 23, 1948, ch. 608, §1, 62 Stat. 576; Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632; §§6–10, 65 Stat. 684; June 16, 1954, ch. 300, §1, 68 Stat. 250; Aug. 31, 1954, ch. 1164, pt. I, §§4–7, 68 Stat. 1038, 1039; Aug. 7, 1956, ch. 1022, §1, 70 Stat. 1076; Sept. 6, 1958, Pub. L. 85–927, pt. I, §1, 72 Stat. 1778; May 19, 1959, Pub. L. 86–28, pt. I, §2, 73 Stat. 26; Sept. 13, 1960, Pub. L. 86–778, title II, §211(o)(1), 74 Stat. 958; Oct. 5, 1963, Pub. L. 88–133, title I, §§1, 2, 77 Stat. 219; Sept. 29, 1965, Pub. L. 89–212, §3(a), (b), 79 Stat. 860; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–699, title I, §1, title II, §201(b), (c), 80 Stat. 1073, 1075, 1076; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–700, title I, §103, title III, §301(i), (iv)(a), 80 Stat. 1080, 1088; Feb. 15, 1968, Pub. L. 90–257, title I, §104, 82 Stat. 17; Mar. 17, 1970, Pub. L. 91–215, §§1, 2, 84 Stat. 70; Aug. 12, 1970, Pub. L. 91–377, §1, 84 Stat. 791, July 2, 1971, Pub. L. 92–46, §1, 85 Stat. 101; Oct. 4, 1972, Pub. L. 92–460, §1(a), (d), 86 Stat. 765; July 6, 1973, Pub. L. 93–58, §1, 87 Stat. 141; July 10, 1973, Pub. L. 93–69, title I, §104(a), 87 Stat. 163; Oct. 16, 1974, Pub. L. 93–445, title VI, §601, 88 Stat. 1360, related to computation of annuities under this subchapter. See section 231b of this title.
Section 228c–1, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §4, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, as added Oct. 8, 1940, ch. 757, title VI, pt. II, §625, 54 Stat. 1014; amended Apr. 8, 1942, ch. 227, §§1–8, 56 Stat. 204–206; July 31, 1946, ch. 709, §212, 60 Stat. 729; Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632, §4, 65 Stat. 683; Aug. 1, 1956, ch. 837, title IV, §408(a), (b), 70 Stat. 876; Oct. 5, 1963, Pub. L. 88–133, title I, §§3, 4, 77 Stat. 219; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–700, title I, §104, 80 Stat. 1081, related to consideration of time spent in military service in computation of annuities. See section 228a of this title.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Annuities, Pensions, and Joint and Survivor Annuity Elections
Act July 31, 1946, ch. 709, §§404–407, 60 Stat. 742, provided that the rights of persons to whom pensions or annuities were awarded before July 31, 1946 were to be governed by the applicable provisions of law in effect prior to that date, that the election of a joint and survivor annuity made before July 31, 1946, by a person to whom the annuity accrued before Jan. 1, 1947, was to be given effect as though the provisions of law under which the election was made had continued to be operative, that death payments under sections 219 and 228e of this title, other than survivor annuities pursuant to an election, were to be made only with respect to deaths occurring before Jan. 1, 1947, and that any person to whom an annuity accrued before Jan. 1, 1947, and who would as of the date of the initial accrual have been entitled to an annuity in a greater amount by reason of the amendments by act July 31, 1946, had such amendments been in effect at the date of initial accrual, was to be awarded the annuity in such greater amount without additional application therefor.
Reduction of Annuity Because of Prior Disability Annuity Terminated by Recovery
Act July 31, 1946, ch. 709, §408, 60 Stat. 742, provided that no annuities accruing after July 1946 were to be reduced under section 228b(a)(3) of this title in order to compensate for an annuity terminated by recovery from a disability.
Dual Benefit Provision; Retroactive Payment to Survivors
Act June 16, 1954, ch. 300, §2, 68 Stat. 250, provided that in the case of a decedent dying before July 1, 1954, so much of any annuity or pension payment due such decedent under section 228c(b) of this title, was to be paid only to the widow or widower of the decedent, if living, or to the child or children of such decedent, in the alternative, if living.
Percentage Adjustment
Pub. L. 92–46, §4, July 2, 1971, 85 Stat. 101, authorized the Railroad Retirement Board to make certain adjustments in allowance percentages under this subchapter, so that the percentages when applied against certain social security benefits, would result in amounts comparable to those in effect prior to the changes made by Pub. L. 92–5, Mar. 17, 1971, 85 Stat. 5, known as the Social Security Amendments of 1971.
Recertifications by Railroad Retirement Board
Pub. L. 93–69, §106, July 10, 1973, 87 Stat. 165, provided that all recertifications required by reason of the amendments made by sections 104 and 105 of Pub. L. 93–69 were to be made by the Board without application therefor.
Pub. L. 92–460, §3, Oct. 4, 1972, 86 Stat. 766, provided that all recertifications required by reason of the amendments made by Pub. L. 92–460 were to be made by the Board without application therefor.
Pub. L. 92–46, §6, July 2, 1971, 85 Stat. 102, provided that all recertifications required by reason of the amendments made by Pub. L. 92–46 were to be made by the Board without application therefor.
Pub. L. 91–377, §4(b)(2), Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 792, provided that all recertifications required by reason of the amendments made by Pub. L. 91–377 to sections 228b, 228c, 228e, and 228o of this title were to be made by the Board without application therefor.
Pub. L. 90–257, §108(c), Feb. 15, 1968, 82 Stat. 23, provided that all recertifications required by reason of the amendments made by Pub. L. 90–257 to sections 228a, 228b, 228c, 228e, and 228j of this title were to be made by the Board without application therefor.
Pub. L. 89–699, §202(b), Oct. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 1077, provided that all recertifications required by reason of the amendments made by Pub. L. 89–699 were to be made by the Board without application therefor.
Pub. L. 86–28, §6(b), Mar. 19, 1959, 73 Stat. 28, provided that all recertifications required by reason of the amendments made by Pub. L. 86–28 to sections 228b, 228c, 228e, 228s–1 and the enactment of section 228z–1 of this title were to be made by the Board without application therefor.
Act Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632, §25(j), 65 Stat. 691, provided that all recertifications by the Board under act Oct. 30, 1951 were to be made without applications therefor unless required by reason of section 9 of act Oct. 30, 1951, in which case, recertifications were to be made only upon application therefor in such manner and form as the Board was to prescribe.
Act June 23, 1948, ch. 608, §3, 62 Stat. 577, provided in part that all recertifications required by reason of act June 23, 1948 were to be made by the Board without application therefor.
Restrictions on Establishment of New Annuities and Use of Certain Labor Tactics
Pub. L. 91–215, §7, Mar. 17, 1970, 84 Stat. 72, placed certain limitations on the utilization of particular procedures established under the Railway Labor Act, section 151 et seq. of this title, when alterations in the provisions of this subchapter regarding certain annuity payments were being sought and placed similar limitations on the use of strikes and lockouts as labor practices when such changes were being sought.
§228d. Repealed. July 31, 1946, ch. 709, §212, 60 Stat. 729
Section, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §4, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 311, related to joint and survivor annuity.
§§228e to 228z–1. Omitted
Editorial Notes
Codification
Sections 228e to 228z–1 were omitted pursuant to the amendment and revision of act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305, known as the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974.
Section 228e, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §5, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 312; amended Apr. 8, 1942, ch. 227, §12, 56 Stat. 208; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 2, §4, eff. July 16, 1946; 11 F.R. 7873, 60 Stat. 1095; acts July 31, 1946, ch. 709, §213, 60 Stat. 729; June 23, 1948, ch. 608, §2, 62 Stat. 577; Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632, §§11 to 23, 65 Stat. 685; July 18, 1952, ch. 945, §6(d)(2), (3), 66 Stat. 777; 1953 Reorg. Plan No. 1, §§5, 8, eff. Apr. 11, 1953 18 F.R. 2053, 67 Stat. 631; acts Aug. 31, 1954, ch. 1164, pt. I, §§8–14, 68 Stat. 1039; Sept. 1, 1954, ch. 1206, title I, §106(f), title IV, §401(b)–(d), 68 Stat. 1081, 1097; Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 869, §§2, 3, 69 Stat. 716; Aug. 1, 1956, ch. 836, title I, §120(b), (c), 70 Stat. 836; Aug. 7, 1956, ch. 1022, §2, 70 Stat. 1076; Aug. 30, 1957, Pub. L. 85–238, §4(b), (c), 71 Stat. 520; Sept. 6, 1958, Pub. L. 85–927, §2, 72 Stat. 1779; May 19, 1959, Pub. L. 86–28, pt. I, §3, 73 Stat. 27; Sept. 13, 1960, Pub. L. 86–778, title II, §211(o)(2), 74 Stat. 958; Sept. 22, 1961, Pub. L. 87–285, §3, 75 Stat. 585; Oct. 5, 1963, Pub. L. 88–133, title I, §§5, 6, 77 Stat. 220; July 30, 1965, Pub. L. 89–97, title I, §111(b)(2), title III, §326(b), 79 Stat. 341, 400; Sept. 29, 1965, Pub. L. 89–212, §3(c)–(e), 79 Stat. 860; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–699, title II, §201(d)–(f), 80 Stat. 1076; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–700, title I, §105, title III, §301(i), (iv)(b), (c), 80 Stat. 1082, 1088; Jan. 2, 1968, Pub. L. 90–248, title I, §151(d)(3), 81 Stat. 860; Feb. 15, 1968, Pub. L. 90–257, title I, §105, 82 Stat. 19; Aug. 12, 1970, Pub. L. 91–377, §3, 84 Stat. 791, July 2, 1971, Pub. L. 92–46, §3, 85 Stat. 101; Oct. 4, 1972, Pub. L. 92–460, §1(e), (f), 86 Stat. 766; July 6, 1973, Pub. L. 93–58, §2, 87 Stat. 141; July 10, 1973, Pub. L. 93–69, title I, §104(d), 87 Stat. 164, related to annuities and lump sum payments for survivors. See sections 231c and 231e of this title.
Section 228f, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §6, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 312, related to pensions to individuals on pension or gratuity rolls of employers. See section 231o of this title.
Section 228g, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §7, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 313, related to additional pensions or gratuities by employers. See section 231o of this title.
Section 228h, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §8, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 313; amended July 31, 1946, ch. 709, §214, 60 Stat. 735; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–700, title I, §106, 80 Stat. 1085, related to filing of compensation returns by employers with Board. See section 231h of this title.
Section 228h–1, act Oct. 9, 1940, ch. 797, §4, 54 Stat. 1089, related to records of service and compensation prior to Jan. 1, 1937, was transferred to a note set out under section 228h of this title.
Section 228i, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §9, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 314; amended Oct. 10, 1940, ch. 842, §26, 54 Stat. 1100; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–700, title I, §107, 80 Stat. 1085, related to erroneous payments by the Board. See section 231i of this title.
Section 228j, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §10, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 314; amended 1940 Reorg. Plan No. III, §1(a), eff. June 30, 1940, 5 F.R. 2107, 54 Stat. 1231; acts June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 19§§1, 32(b), 62 Stat. 875, 895, 991; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §127, 63 Stat. 107; Oct. 15, 1949, ch. 695, §5(a), 63 Stat. 880; Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 869, §5, 69 Stat. 716; Sept. 6, 1958, Pub. L. 85–927, pt. I, §3, 72 Stat. 1781; Sept. 6, 1966, Pub. L. 89–554, §8(a), 80 Stat. 660; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–700, title I, §108, 80 Stat. 1085; Feb. 15, 1968, Pub. L. 90–257, title I, §106, 82 Stat. 21, related to establishment of Railroad Retirement Board. See section 231f of this title.
Section 228k, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §11, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 315; amended July 31, 1946, ch. 709, §215, 60 Stat. 735, related to court jurisdiction under this subchapter. See section 231g of this title.
Section 228l, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §12, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 316 and amended Aug. 12, 1955, ch. 869, §4, 69 Stat. 716, related to assignability of annuities and pension payments under this subchapter. See section 231m of this title.
Section 228m, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §13, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 316; amended Sept. 6, 1958, Pub. L. 85–927, pt. I, §4, 72 Stat. 1781, related to penalties under this subchapter. See section 231l of this title.
Section 228n, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §14, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 316, related to separability of provisions. See section 231s of this title.
Section 228o, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §15, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 316; amended Sept. 22, 1959, Pub. L. 86–346, title I, §104(4), 73 Stat. 622; Oct. 5, 1963, Pub. L. 88–133, title I, §7(a), 77 Stat. 220; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–699, title I, §2, 80 Stat. 1074; Mar. 17, 1970, Pub. L. 91–215, §3, 84 Stat. 70; Aug. 12, 1970, Pub. L. 91–377, §5, 84 Stat. 792, related to establishment of Railroad Retirement Account. See section 231n of this title.
Section 228p, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §16, as added June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 317, related to authorization of appropriations under this subchapter.
Section 228q, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §17, as added June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 317; amended Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632, §24, 65 Stat. 690, defined "employment" as used in this subchapter. See section 231q of this title.
Section 228r, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §18, as added June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, 50 Stat. 318, related to free transportation. See section 231p of this title.
Section 228s, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §19(a), (b), as added June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §1, as added Apr. 8, 1942, ch. 227, §11, 56 Stat. 207, 208; amended Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–700, title I, §109, 80 Stat. 1085, related to incompetence. See section 231k of this title.
Section 228s–1, act June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, §20, as added Aug. 31, 1954, ch. 1164, pt. I, §15, 68 Stat. 1040; amended May 19, 1959, Pub. L. 86–28, pt. I, §4, 73 Stat. 28; Aug. 29, 1959, Pub. L. 86–211, §8(c), 73 Stat. 436; Oct. 30, 1966, Pub. L. 89–700, title I, §110, 80 Stat. 1085, related to waiver of annuities and pensions under this subchapter. See section 231k of this title
Section 228s–2, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §21, as added July 30, 1965, Pub. L. 89–97, title I, §105(a)(1), 79 Stat. 335; amended July 30, 1965, Pub. L. 89–97, title I, §111(b)(1), 79 Stat. 340; Jan. 2, 1968, Pub. L. 90–248, title I, §129(c)(13), 81 Stat. 849, related to hospital insurance benefits for the aged. See section 231f of this title.
Section 228s–3, act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §22, as added Oct. 30, 1972, Pub. L. 92–603, title II, §201(d), 86 Stat. 1373, related to hospital insurance benefits for the disabled. See section 231f of this title.
Section 228t, act Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632, §25(d), 65 Stat. 690, related to certain retirement or survivor annuities awarded prior to Oct. 30, 1951.
Section 228u, act Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632, §25(e), 65 Stat. 690, related to determination of entitlement to a survivor annuity.
Section 228v, act Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632, §25(f), 65 Stat. 691, related to law governing the awards of annuities.
Section 228w, act Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632, §25(g), 65 Stat. 691, related to increased pensions after Nov. 30, 1961.
Section 228x, act Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632, §25(h), 65 Stat. 691, related to increased annuities under subchapter II of this chapter.
Section 228y, act Oct. 30, 1951, ch. 632, §25(i), 65 Stat. 691, related to certain reduced annuities.
Section 228z, act Aug. 7, 1956, ch. 1022, §3, 70 Stat. 1076, related to increased pensions and annuities awarded before July 1, 1956 and annuities under subchapter II of this chapter.
Section 228z–1, Pub. L. 86–28, pt. I, §5, May 19, 1959, 73 Stat. 28, related to additional increases in certain pensions and annuities.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Actuarial Soundness of the Railroad Retirement System
Pub. L. 93–69, title I, §107, July 10, 1973, 87 Stat. 165, authorized certain designated representatives of employees and representatives of carriers to submit to the Senate Committee on Labor and Public Welfare and the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, no later than Apr. 1, 1974, a report containing their recommendations for restructuring the railroad retirement system to assure long-term actuarial soundness.
Adopted Child's Reentitlement to Annuity
Pub. L. 93–58, §4(b), July 6, 1973, 87 Stat. 141, provided that any child whose entitlement to an annuity under section 228e(c) of this title was terminated by reason of his or her adoption prior to July 6, 1973, and who otherwise would have been entitled to an annuity under such section for a month after July, 1973, could become reentitled to his or her annuity by proper application.
Certain Persons Becoming Employers
Act July 31, 1946, ch. 709, §409, 60 Stat. 743, provided that in the application of section 228f of this title with respect to persons who were not employers before the enactment of act July 31, 1946, the dates Jan. 1, 1946, and Jan. 1, 1947, were to be substituted for Mar. 1, 1937 and July 1, 1937, respectively.
Commission on Railroad Retirement
Pub. L. 91–377, §7, Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 792, as amended by Pub. L. 92–46, §7, July 2, 1971, 85 Stat. 102, established a commission on railroad retirement, prescribed its composition, designated the rates of pay for its members, authorized a study of the retirement system and its financing, authorized appropriations for funding the expenses of the commission, and required that the commission submit a full report on its work no later than June 30, 1972.
Congressional Declaration of 1974 Legislative Intent
Pub. L. 93–69, title I, §108, July 10, 1973, 87 Stat. 165, provided that the Congress declared its intent to enact legislation in 1974, effective not later than Jan. 1, 1975, which would assure the long-term actuarial soundness of the railroad retirement system.
Conversion of Special Obligations in Railroad Retirement Account on Oct. 5, 1963; Interest Rate
Pub. L. 88–133, §7(b), Oct. 5, 1963, 77 Stat. 220, provided that: "The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to retire the special obligations held by the account on the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1963] and to issue in lieu thereof special obligations with an interest rate determined as provided for in section 15(b) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, as amended by this Act [Pub. L. 88–133]."
Determination of Amounts of Social Security Benefits
Pub. L. 91–377, §4(c), Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 792, provided that the amount by which a social security benefit computed under Pub. L. 90–248, Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 821, known as the Social Security Amendments of 1967, for purposes of Pub. L. 91–377, was to be deemed to be an amount equal to 87 per cent of such benefit computed under Pub. L. 91–172, title X, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 737, known as the Social Security Amendments of 1969, and the amount by which an individual's social security benefit was increased by reason of the Social Security Amendments of 1969 was to be deemed to be 13 per cent of such individual's social security benefit as computed under the Social Security Amendments of 1969.
Entitlement to Annuity or Pension Under Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 as Including Entitlement Under Railroad Retirement Act of 1935
Pub. L. 89–97, title I, §105(a)(2), July 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 335, provided that for purposes of section 21 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, section 21 of act Aug. 29, 1935, as added by section 105(a)(1) of Pub. L. 89–97, and for certain other purposes, entitlement to an annuity or pension under this subchapter was to be deemed to include entitlement under subchapter II of this chapter.
Hospital Insurance Benefits for the Aged
Act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §21, as added July 30, 1965, Pub. L. 89–97, title I, §105(a)(1), 79 Stat. 335, required the Railroad Retirement Board to certify to the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, in order to provide hospital insurance benefits for annuitants, pensioners, and certain other aged individuals for purposes of the Social Security program, the name of anyone aged 65 who was entitled to an annuity or pension under this subchapter, would have been so entitled had he ceased compensated service and had applied for such annuity, or bore a particular relationship to certain qualified employees, and specified such additional information as such certification was to include.
Increases in Certain Pensions and Annuities
Pub. L. 93–69, title I, §105, July 10, 1973, 87 Stat. 164, provided that if title II of the Social Security Act, section 401 et seq. of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, was amended to provide an increase in benefits at any time during the period July 1, 1973 to Dec. 31, 1974, the pension of each recipient under section 228f of this title and the annuity of each recipient under this subchapter was to be increased by an amount computed under the method set forth in section 228c(a)(6) of this title.
Pub. L. 92–460, §2 Sept. 4, 1972, 86 Stat. 766, provided for 20 per cent increases in pensions under section 228f of this title, annuities under subchapter II of this chapter, certain survivor annuities, and certain widows' and widowers' insurance annuities.
Pub. L. 92–46, §5, July 2, 1971, 85 Stat. 101, provided for 10 per cent increases in pensions under section 228f of this title, annuities under subchapter II of this chapter, certain survivor annuities, and certain widows' and widowers' insurance annuities.
Pub. L. 91–377, §4(b)(1), Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 792, provided for 15 per cent increases in pensions under section 228f of this title, annuities under subchapter II of this chapter, certain survivor annuities, and certain widows' and widowers' insurance annuities, provided that there would be a reduction in the amount of the increase where the recipient was also a recipient of certain social security benefits.
Pub. L. 90–257, §107, Feb. 15, 1968, 82 Stat. 22, provided for certain increases in pensions under section 228f of this title, annuities under subchapter II of this chapter, survivor annuities and widows' and widowers' insurance annuities, provided that there would be a reduction in the amount of the increase where the recipient was also a recipient of certain social security benefits.
Pub. L. 89–699, §201(g), Oct. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 1077, provided for 7 per cent increases in pensions under section 228f of this title, annuities under subchapter II of this chapter, certain survivor annuities, and certain widows' and widowers' insurance annuities, provided that there would be a reduction in the amount of the increase where the recipient was also a recipient of certain social security benefits.
Permanency of Increases in Certain Pensions and Annuities
Pub. L. 92–460, §6, Sept. 4, 1972, 86 Stat. 767, provided that it was the policy of Congress that the 20 per cent increase in pension and annuity benefits provided by section 2 of Pub. L. 92–460, as well as the 10 per cent and 15 per cent increases provided by section 5 of Pub. L. 92–46 and section 4(b)(1) of Pub. L. 91–377, respectively, could become permanent only if measures were taken to assure that the Railroad Retirement Account would remain solvent, and required representatives of employees, retirees, and carriers to submit to Congress reports containing their recommendations for such solvency measures no later than Mar. 1, 1973, and required the Railroad Retirement Board to submit its solvency recommendations to Congress no later than Apr. 1, 1973.
Presumption of Higher Increases in Annuities
Pub. L. 90–257, §108(b), Feb. 15, 1968, 82 Stat. 23, provided that in cases where an annuity was payable in the month before the month with respect to which increases in benefits under title II of the Social Security Act, sections 401 et seq. of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, provided for by Pub. L. 90–248, Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 821, known as the Social Security Amendments of 1967, became effective in an amount determined under this subchapter, other than under the first proviso of section 228c(e) of this title, the provisions of Pub. L. 90–257 were to be presumed to provide a higher amount of increase in annuity than the provisions of the Social Security Amendments of 1967 would provide under the first proviso of section 228c(e) of this title.
Railroad Retirement and Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance System
Pub. L. 89–97, §105(c), July 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 336, provided that amendments preserving the relationship between the railroad retirement and old-age, survivors, and disability insurance systems were contained in section 326 of Pub. L. 89–97, which amended sections 228 and 228e of this title.
Transfer of Funds for Payment of Supplemental Annuities
Pub. L. 91–215, §6, Mar. 17, 1970, 84 Stat. 71, authorized the Railroad Retirement Board to request the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the Railroad Retirement Account to the Railroad Retirement Supplemental Account such funds as were necessary to meet the payment of the supplemental annuities pursuant to section 228c(j) of this title, as well as the administrative expenses necessarily involved for the six months following Mar. 17, 1970, and required the Board to request the return of an equal amount plus interest to the Railroad Retirement Account from the Supplemental Account within one year from Mar. 17, 1970.
Pub. L. 89–699, §3(b), Oct. 30, 1966, 80 Stat. 1075, authorized the Railroad Retirement Board to request the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the Railroad Retirement Account to the Railroad Retirement Supplemental Account such funds as were necessary to meet the payment of the supplemental annuities pursuant to section 228c(j) of this title, as well as the administrative expenses necessarily involved for the six months following Oct. 30, 1966, and required the Board to request the return of an equal amount plus interest to the Railroad Retirement Account from the Supplemental Account within one year from Oct. 30, 1966.
SUBCHAPTER IV—RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT OF 1974
Editorial Notes
Codification
This subchapter is comprised of act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, as amended in its entirety and completely revised by act June 24, 1937, ch. 382, part I, 50 Stat. 307, and as further amended in its entirety and completely revised by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305, eff. Jan. 1, 1975. The Act, as restated by Pub. L. 93–445, was redesignated the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974. See section 231t of this title. The Act is set out in this subchapter carrying a statutory credit showing restatement by act June 24, 1937 and a further restatement by Pub. L. 93–445 without reference to amendments made to the Act between its original enactment in 1935 and 1974. For history of the Act, credits, and note material, see subchapters II and III of this chapter.
§231. Definitions
For the purposes of this subchapter—
(a)(1) The term "employer" shall include—
(i) any carrier by railroad subject to the jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board under part A of subtitle IV of title 49;
(ii) any company which is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by, or under common control with, one or more employers as defined in paragraph (i) of this subdivision, and which operates any equipment or facility or performs any service (except trucking service, casual service, and the casual operation of equipment or facilities) in connection with the transportation of passengers or property by railroad, or the receipt, delivery, elevation, transfer in transit, refrigeration or icing, storage, or handling of property transported by railroad;
(iii) any receiver, trustee, or other individual or body, judicial or otherwise, when in the possession of the property or operating all or any part of the business of any employer as defined in paragraph (i) or (ii) of this subdivision;
(iv) any railroad association, traffic association, tariff bureau, demurrage bureau, weighing and inspection bureau, collection agency and any other association, bureau, agency, or organization which is controlled and maintained wholly or principally by two or more employers as defined in paragraph (i), (ii), or (iii) of this subdivision and which is engaged in the performance of services in connection with or incidental to railroad transportation; and
(v) any railway labor organization, national in scope, which has been or may be organized in accordance with the provisions of the Railway Labor Act, as amended [45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.], and its State and National legislative committees, general committees, insurance departments, and local lodges and divisions, established pursuant to the constitution or bylaws of such organization.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, the term "employer" shall not include—
(i) any company by reason of its being engaged in the mining of coal, the supplying of coal to an employer where delivery is not beyond the mine tipple, and the operation of equipment or facilities therefor, or in any of such activities, and
(ii) any street, interurban, or suburban electric railway, unless such railway is operating as a part of a general diesel-railroad system of transportation, but shall not exclude any part of the general diesel-railroad system of transportation now or hereafter operated by any other motive power. The Surface Transportation Board is hereby authorized and directed upon request of the Railroad Retirement Board, or upon complaint of any party interested, to determine after hearing whether any line operated by electric power falls within the terms of this paragraph.
(b)(1) The term "employee" means (i) any individual in the service of one or more employers for compensation, (ii) any individual who is in the employment relation to one or more employers, and (iii) an employee representative: Provided, however, That the term "employee" shall include an employee of a local lodge or division defined as an employer in subsection (a) only if he was in the service of or in the employment relation to an employer as defined in paragraph (i) of subsection (a)(1) on or after August 29, 1935.
(2) The term "employee" shall not include any individual while such individual is engaged in the physical operations consisting of the mining of coal, the preparation of coal, the handling (other than movement by rail with standard railroad locomotives) of coal not beyond the mine tipple, or the loading of coal at the tipple.
(c) The term "employee representative" means any officer or official representative of a railway labor organization other than a labor organization included in the term "employer" as defined in subsection (a) who before or after August 29, 1935, was in the service of an employer as defined in subsection (a) and who is duly authorized and designated to represent employees in accordance with the Railway Labor Act, as amended [45 U.S.C. 151 et seq.], and any individual who is regularly assigned to or regularly employed by such officer or official representative in connection with the duties of his office.
(d)(1) An individual is in the service of an employer whether his service is rendered within or without the United States if—
(i)(A) he is subject to the continuing authority of the employer to supervise and direct the manner of rendition of his service, or (B) he is rendering professional or technical services and is integrated into the staff of the employer, or (C) he is rendering, on the property used in the employer's operations, personal services the rendition of which is integrated into the employer's operations; and
(ii) he renders such service for compensation, or a method of computing the monthly compensation for such service is provided in section 231b(j) of this title.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection—
(i) an individual shall be deemed to be in the service of an employer, other than a local lodge or division or a general committee of a railway-labor-organization employer, not conducting the principal part of its business in the United States only when he is rendering service to it in the United States;
(ii) an individual shall be deemed to be in the service of a local lodge or division of a railway-labor-organization employer not conducting the principal part of its business in the United States only if (A) all, or substantially all, the individuals constituting the membership of such local lodge or division are employees of an employer conducting the principal part of its business in the United States; or (B) the headquarters of such local lodge or division is located in the United States; and
(iii) an individual shall be deemed to be in the service of a general committee of a railway-labor-organization employer not conducting the principal part of its business in the United States only if (A) he is representing a local lodge or division described in clause (A) or (B) of paragraph (ii); or (B) all, or substantially all, the individuals represented by such general committee are employees of an employer conducting the principal part of its business in the United States; or (C) he acts in the capacity of a general chairman or an assistant general chairman of a general committee which represents individuals rendering service in the United States to an employer, but in such case if his office or headquarters is not located in the United States and the individuals represented by such general committee are employees of an employer not conducting the principal part of its business in the United States only such proportion of the remuneration for such service shall be regarded as compensation as the proportion which the mileage in the United States under the jurisdiction of such general committee bears to the total mileage under its jurisdiction, unless such mileage formula is inapplicable, in which case the Board may prescribe such other formula as it finds to be equitable, and if the application of such mileage formula, or such other formula as the Board may prescribe, would result in the compensation of the individual being less than 10 per centum of his remuneration for such service no part of such remuneration shall be regarded as compensation.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection, an individual not a citizen or resident of the United States shall not be deemed to be in the service of an employer when rendering service outside the United States to an employer who is required under the laws applicable in the place where the service is rendered to employ therein, in whole or in part, citizens or residents thereof. For purposes of this subdivision, the laws applicable on August 29, 1935, in the place where the service is rendered shall be deemed to have been applicable there at all times prior to that date.
(e)(1) An individual shall be deemed to have been in the employment relation to an employer on August 29, 1935, if—
(i) he was on that date on leave of absence from his employment, expressly granted to him by the employer by whom he was employed, or by a duly authorized representative of such employer, and the grant of such leave of absence will have been established to the satisfaction of the Board before July 1947;
(ii) he was in the service of an employer after August 29, 1935, and before January 1946 in each of six calendar months, whether or not consecutive;
(iii) before August 29, 1935, he did not retire and was not retired or discharged from the service of the last employer by whom he was employed or its corporate or operating successor, but (A) solely by reason of his physical or mental disability he ceased before August 29, 1935, to be in the service of such employer and thereafter remained continuously disabled until he attained age sixty-five or until August 1945, or (B) solely for such last stated reason an employer by whom he was employed before August 29, 1935, or an employer who is its successor did not on or after August 29, 1935, and before August 1945 call him to return to service, or (C) if he was so called he was solely for such reason unable to render service in six calendar months as provided in paragraph (ii); or
(iv) he was on August 29, 1935, absent from the service of an employer by reason of a discharge which, within one year after the effective date thereof, was protested, to an appropriate labor representative or to the employer, as wrongful, and which was followed within ten years of the effective date thereof by his reinstatement in good faith to his former service with all his senority 1 rights.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection, an individual shall not be deemed to have been in the employment relation to an employer on August 29, 1935, if before that date he was granted a pension or gratuity on the basis of which a pension was awarded to him pursuant to section 6 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228f], or if during the last payroll period before August 29, 1935, in which he rendered service to an employer he was not in the service of an employer, in accordance with subsection (d), with respect to any service in such payroll period, or if he could have been in the employment relation to an employer only by reason of his having been, either before or after August 29, 1935, in the service of a local lodge or division defined as an employer in subsection (a).
(f)(1) The term "years of service" shall mean the number of years an individual as an employee shall have rendered service to one or more employers for compensation or received remuneration for time lost, and shall be computed in accordance with the provisions of section 231b(i) of this title. Twelve calendar months, consecutive or otherwise, in each of which an employee has rendered such service or received such wages for time lost, shall constitute a year of service. Ultimate fractions shall be taken at their actual value.
(2) Where service prior to August 29, 1935, may be included in the computation of years of service as provided in subdivision (3) of section 231b(i) of this title, it may be included as to—
(i) service rendered to a person which was an employer on August 29, 1935, irrespective of whether such person was an employer at the time such service was rendered;
(ii) service rendered to any express company, sleeping-car company, or carrier by railroad which was a predecessor of a company which, on August 29, 1935, was an employer as defined in paragraph (i) of subsection (a)(1), irrespective of whether such predecessor was an employer at the time such service was rendered; and
(iii) service rendered to a person not an employer in the performance of operations involving the use of standard railroad equipment if such operations were performed by an employer on August 29, 1935.
(g)(1) For purposes of section 231b(i)(2) of this title, an individual shall be deemed to have been in "military service" when commissioned or enrolled in the active service of the land or naval forces of the United States and until resignation or discharge therefrom; and the service of any individual in any reserve component of the land or naval forces of the United States, while serving in the land or naval forces of the United States for any period, even though less than thirty days, shall be deemed to have been active service in such force during such period.
(2) For purposes of section 231b(i)(2) of this title, a "war service period" shall mean (A) any war period, or (B) with respect to any particular individual, any period during which such individual (i) having been in military service at the end of a war period, was required to continue in military service, or (ii) was required by call of the President, or by any Act of Congress or regulation, order, or proclamation pursuant thereto, to enter and continue in military service, or (C) any period after September 7, 1939, with respect to which a state of national emergency was duly declared to exist which requires a strengthening of the national defense. For purposes of section 231b(i)(2) of this title, the period beginning on June 15, 1948, and ending on December 15, 1950, shall be deemed to be a war service period with respect to any individual who without intervening employment not covered by this subchapter rendered service as an employee to an employer under this subchapter in the year such individual was released from active military service or in the year immediately following such year.
(3) For purposes of section 231b(i)(2) of this title, a "war period" shall be deemed to have begun on whichever of the following dates is the earliest: (A) the date on which the Congress of the United States declared war; or (B) the date as of which the Congress of the United States declared that a state of war has existed; or (C) the date on which war was declared by one or more foreign states against the United States; or (D) the date on which any part of the United States or any territory under its jurisdiction was invaded or attacked by any armed force of one or more foreign states; or (E) the date on which the United States engaged in armed hostilities for the purpose of preserving the Union or of maintaining in any State of the Union a republican form of government.
(4) For purposes of section 231b(i)(2) of this title, a "war period" shall be deemed to have ended on the date on which hostilities ceased.
(h)(1) The term "compensation" means any form of money remuneration paid to an individual for services rendered as an employee to one or more employers or as an employee representative, including remuneration paid for time lost as an employee, but remuneration paid for time lost shall be deemed earned in the month in which such time is lost. A payment made by an employer to an individual through the employer's payroll shall be presumed, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, to be compensation for service rendered by such individual as an employee of the employer in the period with respect to which the payment is made. Compensation earned in any calendar month before 1947 shall be deemed paid in such month regardless of whether or when payment will have been in fact made, and compensation earned in any calendar year after 1946 but paid after the end of such calendar year shall be deemed to be compensation paid in the calendar year in which it will have been earned if it is so reported by the employer before February 1 of the next succeeding calendar year or if the employee establishes, subject to the provisions of section 231h of this title, the period during which such compensation will have been earned.
(2) An employee shall be deemed to be paid "for time lost" the amount he is paid by an employer with respect to an identifiable period of absence from the active service of the employer, including absence on account of personal injury, and the amount he is paid by the employer for loss of earnings resulting from his displacement to a less remunerative position or occupation. If a payment is made by an employer with respect to a personal injury and includes pay for time lost, the total payment shall be deemed to be paid for time lost unless, at the time of payment, a part of such payment is specifically apportioned to factors other than time lost, in which event only such part of the payment as is not so apportioned shall be deemed to be paid for time lost.
(3) Solely for purposes of determining amounts to be included in the compensation of an employee, the term "compensation" shall also include cash tips received by an employee in any calendar month in the course of his employment by an employer unless the amount of such cash tips is less than $20.
(4) Tips included as compensation by reason of the provisions of subdivision (3) shall be deemed to be paid at the time a written statement including such tips is furnished to the employer pursuant to section 6053(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 6053(a)] or, if no statement including such tips is so furnished, at the time received. Tips so deemed to be paid in any month shall be deemed paid for services rendered in such month.
(5) In determining compensation, there shall be attributable as compensation paid to an employee in calendar months in which he is in military service creditable under section 231b(i)(2) of this title, in addition to any other compensation paid to him with respect to such months—
(i) for each such calendar month prior to 1968, $160;
(ii) for each such calendar month after 1967 and prior to 1975, $260; and
(iii) for each such calendar month after 1974, the amount which is creditable as such individual's "wages" under section 209(d) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 409(d)].
(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding subdivisions of this subsection, the term "compensation" shall not include—
(i) tips, except as is provided under subdivision (3) of this subsection;
(ii) remuneration for service which is performed by a non-resident alien individual for the period he is temporarily present in the United States as a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (F) or (J) of section 1101(a)(15) of title 8, as amended, and which is performed to carry out the purpose specified in subparagraph (F) or (J), as the case may be;
(iii) remuneration earned in the service of a local lodge or division of a railway-labor-organization employer with respect to any calendar month in which the amount of such remuneration is less than $25;
(iv) remuneration for service as a delegate to a national or international convention of a railway-labor-organization employer if the individual rendering such service has not previously rendered service, other than as such a delegate, which may be included in his "years of service;"
(v) the amount of any payment (including any amount paid by an employer for insurance or annuities, or into a fund, to provide for any such payment) made to, or on behalf of, an employee or any of his dependents under a plan or system established by an employer which makes provision for his employees generally (or for his employees generally and their dependents) or for a class or classes of his employees (or for a class or classes of his employees and their dependents), on account of sickness or accident disability or medical or hospitalization expenses in connection with sickness or accident disability; and
(vi) an amount paid specifically—either as an advance, as reimbursement or allowance—for traveling or other bona fide and necessary expenses incurred or reasonably expected to be incurred in the business of the employer provided any such payment is identified by the employer either by a separate payment or by specifically indicating the separate amounts where both wages and expense reimbursement or allowance are combined in a single payment.
(7) The term "compensation" includes any separation allowance or subsistence allowance paid under any benefit schedule provided under section 701 of title VII of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 [45 U.S.C. 797] 2 and any termination allowance paid under section 702 of that Act [45 U.S.C. 797a], but does not include any other benefits payable under that title [45 U.S.C. 797 et seq.]. The total amount of any subsistence allowance paid under a benefit schedule provided pursuant to section 701 of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 shall be considered as having been earned in the month in which the employee first timely filed a claim for such an allowance.
(8) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, for the purposes of sections 231b(a)(1), 231c(a)(1), and 231c(f)(1) of this title, the term "compensation" includes any payment from any source to an employee or employee representative if such payment is subject to tax under section 3201 or 3211 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 3201, 3211].
(i) The term "Board" means the Railroad Retirement Board.
(j) The term "company" includes corporations, associations, and joint-stock companies.
(k) The term "employee" includes an officer of an employer.
(l) The term "person" means an individual, a partnership, an association, a joint-stock company, a corporation, or the United States or any other governmental body.
(m) The term "United States," when used in a geographical sense, means the States and the District of Columbia.
(n) The term "Social Security Act" means the Social Security Act as amended [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] from time to time.
(o) An individual shall be deemed to have "a current connection with the railroad industry" at the time an annuity begins to accrue to him and at death if, in any thirty consecutive calendar months before the month in which an annuity under this subchapter begins to accrue to him, or the month in which he dies if that first occurs, he will have been in service as an employee in not less than twelve calendar months and, if such thirty calendar months do not immediately precede such month, he will not have been engaged in any regular employment other than employment for an employer or employment with the Department of Transportation, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the Surface Transportation Board, the National Mediation Board, the National Transportation Safety Board, the State-owned railroad (as defined in the Alaska Railroad Transfer Act of 1982 [45 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.]), so long as it is an instrumentality of the State of Alaska, or the Railroad Retirement Board in the period before such month and after the end of such thirty months. For purposes of section 231a(b) of this title and section 231a(d) of this title only, an individual shall be deemed also to have "a current connection with the railroad industry" if, after having completed twenty-five years of service, such individual involuntarily and without fault ceased rendering service as an employee under this subchapter and did not thereafter decline an offer of employment in the same class or craft as the individual's most recent employee service. For purposes of section 231a(d) of this title only, an individual shall be deemed to have a "current connection with the railroad industry" if a pension will have been payable to that individual under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228a et seq.] or a retirement annuity based on service of not less than 10 years (as computed in awarding the annuity) will have begun to accrue to that individual prior to 1948 under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937. For the purposes of section 231a(d) of this title only, an individual shall be deemed also to have a "current connection with the railroad industry" if he will have completed ten years of service and (A) he would be neither fully nor currently insured under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] if his service as an employee after December 31, 1936, were included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act, or (B) he has no quarters of coverage under the Social Security Act.
(p) The term "annuity" means a monthly sum which is payable on the first day of each calendar month for the accrual during the preceding calendar month.
(q) The terms "quarter" and "calendar quarter" shall mean a period of three calendar months ending on March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31.
(r) For purposes of this subchapter, a person shall be considered to be permanently insured under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] on December 31, 1974, if he or she would be fully insured within the meaning of section 214(a) of that Act [42 U.S.C. 414(a)] when he or she attains age 62 solely on the basis of his or her quarters of coverage under that Act acquired prior to January 1, 1975.
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §1, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305; amended Pub. L. 94–547, §4(a), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2526; Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1116, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 97–468, title VI, §615(b)(6), Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2578; Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §§402(a), 403(a), 410(a), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 434, 435; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 100–647, title VII, §7304(a), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3778; Pub. L. 101–239, title X, §10208(d)(2)(B)(ii), Dec. 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 2481; Pub. L. 104–88, title III, §323, Dec. 29, 1995, 109 Stat. 950.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Railway Labor Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1)(v) and (c), is act May 20, 1926, ch. 347, 44 Stat. 577, which is classified principally to chapter 8 (§151 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 151 of this title and Tables.
Section 6 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, referred to in subsec. (e)(2), which was classified to section 228f of this title, has been omitted from the Code.
The Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (h)(7), is Pub. L. 93–236, Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 985. Section 701 of title VII of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 [45 U.S.C. 797] was repealed by Pub. L. 99–509, title IV, §4024(c), Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1904, effective on the sale date (Apr. 2, 1987). Title VII of the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 is classified generally to subchapter VII (§797 et seq.) of chapter 16 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of this title and Tables.
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (n), (o), and (r), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Alaska Railroad Transfer Act of 1982, referred to in subsec. (o), is Pub. L. 97–468, title VI, §601 et seq., Jan 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2556, which is classified principally to chapter 21 (§1201 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1201 of this title and Tables.
The Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, referred to in subsec. (o), is act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, 49 Stat. 867, as amended generally by act June 24, 1937, ch. 382, part I, 50 Stat. 307, which is classified principally to subchapter III (§228a et seq.) of this chapter. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 was amended generally and redesignated the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 is classified generally to this subchapter. For complete classification of these Acts to the Code, see Tables.
Amendments
1995—Subsec. (a)(1)(i). Pub. L. 104–88, §323(1), added cl. (i) and struck out former cl. (i) which read as follows: "any express company, sleeping car company, and carrier by railroad, subject to part I of the Interstate Commerce Act;".
Subsec. (a)(2)(ii). Pub. L. 104–88, §323(2), substituted "Surface Transportation Board is hereby authorized and directed upon request of the Railroad Retirement Board" for "Interstate Commerce Commission is hereby authorized and directed upon request of the Board".
Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 104–88, §323(3), inserted "the Surface Transportation Board," after "the Interstate Commerce Commission,".
1989—Subsec. (h)(5)(iii). Pub. L. 101–239 substituted "section 209(d)" for "the third paragraph of section 209".
1988—Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 100–647 inserted provision designating the period beginning on June 15, 1948, and ending on Dec. 15, 1950, as a war service period with respect to certain individuals.
1986—Subsec. (h)(4), (8). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954".
1983—Subsec. (h)(6). Pub. L. 98–76, §402(a), struck out cl. (ii) which provided that term "compensation" would not include the voluntary payment by an employee, without deduction from the remuneration of the employee, of any tax not now or thereafter imposed with respect to the compensation of such employee, and redesignated cls. (iii) to (vii) as (ii) to (vi), respectively.
Subsec. (h)(7). Pub. L. 98–76, §403(a), added par. (7).
Subsec. (h)(8). Pub. L. 98–76, §410(a), added par. (8).
Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 97–468 inserted "the State-owned railroad (as defined in the Alaska Railroad Transfer Act of 1982 [45 U.S.C. 1201 et seq.]), so long as it is an instrumentality of the State of Alaska," after "National Transportation Safety Board,".
1981—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 97–35, §1116(a), substituted "Ultimate fractions shall be taken at their actual value" for "Ultimate fractions shall be taken at their actual value, except that if the individual will have had not less than one hundred twenty-six months of service, an ultimate fraction of six months or more shall be taken as one year".
Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 97–35, §1116(b)(2), inserted after first sentence "For purposes of section 231a(b) of this title and section 231a(d) of this title only, an individual shall be deemed also to have 'a current connection with the railroad industry' if, after having completed twenty-five years of service, such individual involuntarily and without fault ceased rendering service as an employee under this subchapter and did not thereafter decline an offer of employment in the same class or craft as the individual's most recent employee service. For purposes of section 231a(d) of this title only, an individual shall be deemed to have a 'current connection with the railroad industry' if a pension will have been payable to that individual under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 or a retirement annuity based on service of not less than 10 years (as computed in awarding the annuity) will have begun to accrue to that individual prior to 1948 under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937."
Pub. L. 97–35, §1116(b)(1), inserted reference to National Transportation Safety Board.
1976—Subsec. (h)(6)(vi), (vii). Pub. L. 94–547 added pars. (vi) and (vii).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1995 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 104–88 effective Jan. 1, 1996, see section 2 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1301 of Title 49, Transportation.
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Pub. L. 100–647, title VII, §7304(b), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3778, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to annuities accruing in months after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1988]."
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §402(c), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 434, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 351 of this title] shall apply to compensation paid for services rendered after June 30, 1983."
Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §403(c), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 434, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 351 of this title] shall be effective August 13, 1981."
Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §410(b), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 436, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to payments made on or after January 1, 1982."
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–468 effective on date of transfer of Alaska Railroad to the State [Jan. 5, 1985], pursuant to section 1203 of this title, see section 615(b) of Pub. L. 97–468.
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1129, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 641, as amended by Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095, provided that:
"(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the amendments made by this subtitle [subtitle D (§§1116–1129 of title XI of Pub. L. 97–35, enacting section 231u of this title, amending this section and sections 231a to 231f, 231i, 231n, 231q, 355, and 358 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 231n of this title] shall take effect October 1, 1981, and shall apply only with respect to annuities awarded on or after that date.
"(b)(1) The amendment made by section 1116(a) of this Act [amending this section] shall take effect October 1, 1981, except that the years of service of an individual shall not be considered less after enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 1981] for any individual who files an application before April 1, 1982 than such individual had during the month of September 1981.
"(2) The amendments made by sections 1116(b)(1), 1118(c)(2), 1119(b)(5), 1119(c), 1119(h)(3), 1119(i)(3), 1120(a), 1120(d), 1121(c)(1), 1121(c)(2), 1123, and 1125 of this Act [amending this section and sections 231b, 231c, 231d, 231e, 231i, and 231q of this title] shall take effect January 1, 1975.
"(3) The first sentence added to section 1(o) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [subsec. (o) of this section] by section 1116(b)(2) shall take effect October 1, 1981, and shall apply only with respect to individuals who did not die before that date and who ceased rendering service as an employee under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [this subchapter] on or after October 1, 1975 or were on leave of absence or furlough on October 1, 1975. The second sentence added to section 1(o) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 by section 1116(b)(2) shall take effect October 1, 1981.
"(c) The amendment made by section 1117(a) of this Act [amending section 231a of this title] shall take effect October 1, 1981, and shall apply only with respect to individuals whose supplemental annuity closing date under section 2(b) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231a(b) of this title] before the effective date of the amendment to such section by this Act did not occur before October 1, 1981.
"(d) The amendments made by section 1119(b)(1) [amending section 231c of this title] shall not apply with respect to annuities awarded on the basis of employee annuities awarded before October 1, 1981.
"(e)(1) The amendments made by sections 1118(e)(3), 1119(d)(2), 1119(h)(1), and 1119(h)(4) of this Act [amending sections 231b and 231c of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 1981].
"(2) The amendment made by section 1118(d) of this Act [amending section 231b of this title] shall apply with respect to annuity increases which become effective on or after the date described in the next sentence. The date referred to in the last preceding sentence is the later of October 1, 1981 and the date (after July 1, 1981) on which there is an increase in the rate of any tax imposed under chapter 22 (relating to railroad retirement tax) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly I.R.C. 1954] [chapter 22 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code]. For the purposes of the amendment made by section 1118(d), with respect to annuities awarded before October 1, 1981, the annuity portions computed under subsections (b) and (d) of section 3 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231b(b) and (d) of this title] as in effect before October 1, 1981, shall be treated as a portion of an annuity computed under section 3(b) of such Act as amended by this Act.
"(3) The amendment made by section 1118(a) of this Act [amending section 231b of this title] shall take effect on the later of October 1, 1981, and the date (after July 1, 1981) on which there is an increase in the rate of any tax imposed under chapter 22 (relating to railroad retirement tax) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [chapter 22 of Title 26], and shall apply only with respect to annuities awarded on or after the date of that taking effect.
"(f) Section 4(g) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 as amended by this Act [section 231c(g) of this title] (except subdivisions (5) and (6) of such section 4(g)) shall take effect October 1, 1981, with respect to awards made on or after that date in cases in which the employee did not begin receiving an annuity under section 2(a)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231a(a)(1) of this title] before October 1, 1981, and did not die before that date, and to all awards made on or after October 1, 1986. In all other awards made on or after October 1, 1981, and before October 1, 1986, for purposes of determining the initial annuity amounts only, the provisions of section 4(g) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, as in effect before amendment by this Act shall be applicable. Initial annuity amounts determined under the preceding sentence shall be increased only by the same percentage, or percentages, as an employee's annuity amount determined under section 3(b) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231b(b) of this title] is increased under section 3(g) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231b(g) of this title] on or after the date on which such initial annuity amount began to accrue. Annuity amounts determined under section 4(g) of the Railway Retirement Act of 1974 before amendment by this Act or under section 207(2) of Public Law 93–445 [set out as a note below] shall be increased only by the same percentage, or percentages, as an employee's annuity amount determined under section 3(b) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 is increased under section 3(g) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 on or after October 1, 1981. Section 4(g)(5) and 4(g)(6) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, as amended by this Act, shall take effect on October 1, 1981.
"(g) The amendments made by sections 1118(b), 1118(g), 1120(b), 1122(a)(2), 1122(b)(1), 1122(c), 1124, 1126, and 1127 of this Act [enacting section 231u of this title, amending sections 231b, 231d, 231f, and 231n of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 231n of this title] shall take effect October 1, 1981.
"(h) The amendments made by sections 1117(e)(2), 1117(f), 1118(h)(2), and 1119(i)(4) [amending sections 231a, 231b, and 231c of this title] shall take effect January 1, 1982."
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Pub. L. 94–547, §4(c)(1), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2527, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall be effective January 1, 1975."
Effective Date
Pub. L. 93–445, title VI, §602(a)–(d), Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1360, 1361, provided that:
"(a) The provisions of title I of this Act [enacting this subchapter] shall become effective on January 1, 1975, except as otherwise provided herein: Provided, however, That annuities awarded under section 2 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231a of this title] on the basis of an application therefor filed with the Board on or after such date may, subject to the limitations prescribed in section 5(a) of such Act [section 231d(a) of this title], begin prior to such date, except that no annuity under paragraph (ii) of section 2(a)(1) of such Act [subsec. (a)(1) of section 231a of this title] shall begin to accrue to a man prior to July 1, 1974.
"(b) The provision of section 1(o) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231(o) of this title] which provides that a 'current connection with the railroad industry' will not be broken by 'employment with the Department of Transportation, the Interstate Commerce Commission, the National Mediation Board, or the Railroad Retirement Board' shall not be applicable (A) for purposes of paragraph (iv) of section 2(a)(1) of such Act [section 231a(a)(1)(iv) of this title], to an individual who became disabled, as provided for purposes of such paragraph, prior to January 1, 1975, (B) for purposes of section 2(b)(1) of such Act [section 231a(b)(1) of this title], to an individual whose annuity under section 2(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(a) of this title] or section 2(a)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231a(1) of this title] first began to accrue prior to January 1, 1975, and (C) for purposes of section 2(d)(1) [section 231a(d)(1) of this title] of such Act, to a survivor of a deceased employee if such employee died prior to January 1, 1975.
"(c) The provisions of clause (i)(B) and clause (ii)(B) of section 2(c)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [subsec. (c)(1) of section 231a of this title] shall not be applicable to the spouse of an individual if (A) such individual will have completed thirty years of service and will have been awarded an annuity under section 2(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(a) of this title] or section 2(a)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [subsec. (a)(1) of section 231a of this title] which first began to accrue prior to July 1, 1974, or (B) such individual will have completed less than thirty years of service and will have been awarded an annuity under section 2(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(a) of this title] or section 2(a)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [subsec. (a)(1) section 231a of this title] which first began to accrue prior to January 1, 1975. For purposes of the entitlement of the spouse of an individual described in clause (A) or (B) of the preceding sentence to an annuity under such section 2(c)(1) [subsec. (c)(1) section 231a of this title], the provisions of clause (i)(B) of such section 2(c)(1) [subsec. (c)(1) of section 231a of this title] shall be deemed to read: '(B) has attained the age of 65'.
"(d) The provisions of section 2(b)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [subsec. (b)(1) of section 231a of this title] which permit an individual to become entitled to a supplemental annuity thereunder if he 'has attained age 60 and completed thirty years of service' shall not be applicable to an individual who was awarded an annuity under section 2(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(a) of this title] or section 2(a)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [subsec. (a)(1) of section 231a of this title] which first began to accrue prior to July 1, 1974."
Abolition of Interstate Commerce Commission and Transfer of Functions
Interstate Commerce Commission abolished and functions of Commission transferred, except as otherwise provided in Pub. L. 104–88, to Surface Transportation Board effective Jan. 1, 1996, by section 1302 of Title 49, Transportation, and section 101 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as a note under section 1301 of Title 49. References to Interstate Commerce Commission deemed to refer to Surface Transportation Board, a member or employee of the Board, or Secretary of Transportation, as appropriate, see section 205 of Pub. L. 104–88, set out as a note under section 1301 of Title 49.
Transitional Provisions
Pub. L. 93–445, title II, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1351, effective Jan. 1, 1975, as amended by Pub. L. 94–92, title II, §202(a), Aug. 9, 1975, 89 Stat. 465; Pub. L. 94–547, §1, Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2523, provided that:
"
"
"(b) The amount of the annuity of an individual under subsection (a) of this section shall be increased by an amount, if any, equal to the amount by which (i) his annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1935 [subchapter II of this chapter] for the month of December 1974 exceeds (ii) his annuity under subsection (a) of this section for the month of January 1975.
"
"(b) The amount of the annuity of an individual under subsection (a) of this section shall be increased by an amount, if any, equal to the amount by which (i) his pension under section 6 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228f of this title] for the month of December 1974 exceeds (ii) his annuity under subsection (a) of this section for the month of January 1975.
"(c) The annuities of each individual under the preceding subsections of this section shall be paid on January 1, 1975, and on the first day of each calendar month thereafter during his life.
"
"(1) that portion of the individual's annuity as is provided under section 3(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231b(a) of this title] shall initially be in an amount equal to (A) the amount determined under clause (i) of section 3(a)(6) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228c(a)(6) of this title] for the purpose of computing the last increase in the amount of such individual's annuity as computed under the provisions of section 3(a) [section 228c(a) of this title], and that part of section 3(e) which preceded the first proviso, of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228c(e) of this title] or (B), if less in a case where such individual is not entitled to an annuity amount provided under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the amount of the annuity under section 2(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(a) of this title] (before any reduction on account of age and without regard to section 2(d) of such Act [section 228b(d) of this title]) which such individual would have received for the month of January 1975 if this Act [see Effective Date of 1976 Amendment set out hereunder] had not been enacted: Provided, however, That such annuity amount shall be subject to reduction in accordance with the provisions of section 3(m) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231b(m) of this title] in the same manner as other annuity amounts provided under section 3(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974;
"(2) that portion of the individual's annuity as is provided under section 3(b)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231b(b)(1) of this title] shall be in an amount, if any, equal to the amount by which (A) his annuity under section 2(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(a) of this title] for the month of December 1974 (before any reduction on account of age and without regard to section 2(d) of such Act [section 228b(d) of this title]) exceeds (B)(i), if such individual is entitled to an annuity amount provided under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the amount of the annuity which would have been provided such individual under paragraph (1) of this subsection (before any reduction due to such individual's entitlement to a monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act [section 301 et seq. of Title 42]) for the month of January 1975 if he had no wages or self-employment income under the Social Security Act other than wages derived from service as an employee under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [this subchapter] after December 31, 1936, and before January 1, 1975, or (ii), if such individual is not entitled to an annuity amount provided under paragraph (3) of this subsection, the amount of his annuity provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection (before any reduction due to such individual's entitlement to a monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act) for the month of January 1975: Provided, however, That if the annuity of any individual under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [subchapter III of this chapter] for the month of December 1974 was computed under the first proviso of section 3(e) of such Act [section 228c(e) of this title], the annuity of such individual for purposes of clause (A) of this paragraph shall be no greater than the annuity which such individual would have received under such Act [subchapter III of this chapter] for the month of December 1974, if no other person had been included in the computation of the annuity of such individual; and
"(3) if the individual was entitled to an old-age insurance benefit or a disability insurance benefit under the Social Security Act [section 301 et seq. of Title 42] on December 31, 1974, or was fully insured under that Act on that date, the annuity amounts provided under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall be increased by an amount determined under the provisions of section 3(h)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231b(h)(1) of this title]: Provided, however, That, if the individual was entitled to an old-age insurance benefit or a disability insurance benefit under the Social Security Act on December 31, 1974, such amount shall not be less nor more than an amount which would cause the total of the annuity amounts provided the individual by the provisions of this subsection for the month of January 1975 to equal the total of the annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [subchapter III of this chapter] (prior to any reduction on account of age and without regard to section 2(d) of that Act [section 228b(d) of this title]) plus the old-age or disability insurance benefit under the Social Security Act (before any reduction on account of age and deductions on account of work) which such individual would have received for such month if this Act [enacting this subchapter] had not been enacted.
"(4) if the individual was entitled to a wife's, husband's, widow's, or widower's insurance benefit under the Social Security Act [section 301 et seq. of Title 42] on December 31, 1974, or is the wife, husband, widow, or widower of a person who was fully insured under that Act on that date, the annuity amounts provided under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall be increased by an amount determined under the provisions of section 3(h)(3) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231b(h)(3) of this title].
"(b) An individual who was awarded an annuity under section 2(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(a) of this title], but who could not have become eligible for an annuity under paragraph 2 of such section, shall not be eligible for an annuity under paragraph (ii) of section 2(a)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231a(a)(1) of this title].
"(c) An individual who was awarded an annuity under section 2(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(a) of this title] shall not be entitled to an annuity amount computed under the provisions of section 3(c) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231b(c) of this title]: Provided, however, That the provisions of this subsection shall not be applicable (i) to an individual who will have rendered at least twelve months of service as an employee to an employer (as defined in the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [this section] after December 31, 1974, or (ii) to an individual who was awarded an annuity under section 2(a)4 or 2(a)5 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(a)4 or 228b(a)5 of this title] and who recovered from disability and returned to the service of an employer (as defined in the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974) [this section] after December 31, 1974.
[Pub. L. 94–92, title II, §202(b), Aug. 9, 1975, 89 Stat. 465, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [enacting section 204(c) of Pub. L. 93–445] shall be effective January 1, 1975."]
"(d) The annuity amount provided an individual by paragraph (1) of this subsection as increased from time to time shall be deemed to be the primary insurance amount of such individual for purposes of computing the annuity of the spouse of such individual under section 4(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974. [section 231c(a) of this title]."
[Effective Date of 1976 Amendment. Pub. L. 94–547, §1(d), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2524, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting section 204(d) and amending sections 204(a)(1), (2) and 206(1) of Pub. L. 93–445] shall be effective January 1, 1975: Provided, however, That the increases in annuities effective June 1, 1975, and June 1, 1976, shall be in the amount which would have been provided if this Act [enacting section 204(d) of Pub. L. 93–445, amending sections 204(a)(1), (2) and 206(1) of Pub. L. 93–445 and this section and section 231c and 231n of this title and section 3231 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 231c and 231n of this title and 3231 of Title 26] had not been enacted."]
"
"(b) An individual who was awarded an annuity under section 2(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(a) of this title], but who could not have become eligible for a supplemental annuity under section 3(j) of such Act [section 228c(j) of this title] if this Act had not been enacted, shall not be eligible for a supplemental annuity under section 2(b) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231a(b) of this title].
"
"(1) that portion of the spouse's annuity as is provided under section 4(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231c(a) of this title] shall initially be in an amount equal to (A) the amount determined under clause (i) of section 3(a)(6) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228c(a)(6) of this title] for the purpose of computing the last increase in the amount of such spouse's annuity as computed under the provisions of section 2 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b of this title] or (B), if less in a case where such spouse is not entitled to an annuity amount provided by paragraph (3) of this section, the amount of the annuity under section 2(e) or 2(h) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(e) or (h) of this section] (before any reduction on account of age and without regard to section 2(d) of such Act [section 228b(d) of this title]) which such spouse would have received for the month of January 1975 if this Act [see Effective Date of 1976 Amendment set out under section 204(d) hereinabove] had not been enacted: Provided, however, That the amount of such annuity shall be subject to reduction in accordance with the provisions of section 202(k) or 202(q) of the Social Security Act [section 402(k) or 402(q) of Title 42], other than a reduction on account of age, in the same manner as any wife's insurance benefit or husband's insurance benefit payable under section 202 of the Social Security Act [section 402 of Title 42] and shall also be subject to reduction in accordance with the provisions of section 4(i) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231c(i) of this title];
[Effective Date of 1976 Amendment. See note set out under section 204(d) hereinabove.]
"(2) that portion of the spouse's annuity as is provided under section 4(b) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231c(b) of this title] shall be in an amount, if any, equal to 50 per centum of the individual's annuity as computed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (2) of section 204(a) of this title: Provided, however, That, in case of a spouse who is not entitled to an annuity amount provided under paragraph (3) of this section, if (A) the amounts of the annuity provided a spouse for the month of January 1975 by the provisions of paragraph (1) (before any reduction due to such spouse's entitlement to a wife's or husband's insurance benefit under the Social Security Act [section 301 et seq. of Title 42]) and the proceeding provisions of this paragraph exceed (B) the amount of the annuity to which such spouse was entitled (before any reduction on account of age) for the month of December 1974 under section 2(e) or 2(h) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(e) or 228b(h) of this title] (deeming, for this purpose, any increase in the amount of such annuity which, had this Act [enacting this subchapter] not been enacted, would have become effective January 1, 1975, by reason of an increase in the maximum amount payable as a wife's insurance benefit under the Social Security Act to have been effective for the month of December 1974), or to which such spouse would have been entitled for such month under such section 2(e) or 2(h) [section 228b(e) or 228b(h) of this title] except for the provisions of section 2(d) of such Act [section 228b(d) of this title], the amount of the annuity provided such spouse for the month of January 1975 by the preceding provisions of this paragraph shall be reduced until the total of the amounts described in clause (A) of this proviso equals the amount described in clause (B): Provided further, That, if the amount of the annuity of the spouse provided by paragraph (1) of this section is reduced by reason of the provisions of section 4(i)(2) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231c(i)(2) of this title], the amount of the annuity provided such spouse by the preceding provisions of this paragraph shall not be less than an amount which would cause the total of the annuity amounts provided such spouse under paragraph (1) (before any reduction pursuant to the provisions of section 202(k) or 202(q) of the Social Security Act [section 402(k) or 402(q) of Title 42] and before any reduction due to such spouse's entitlement to a wife's or husband's insurance benefit under the Social Security Act) and paragraph (2) of this section for the month of January 1975 to equal the amount of the annuity (before any reduction on account of age) which such spouse would have received for such month under section 2(e) or 2(h) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228b(e) or 228b(h) of this title] (without regard to the provisions of section 2(d) of that Act [section 228b(d) of this title]) if this Act [enacting this subchapter] had not been enacted; and
"(3) if the spouse was entitled to an old-age insurance benefit or a disability insurance benefit under the Social Security Act [section 301 et seq. of Title 42] of [on] December 31, 1974, or was fully insured under that Act on that date, or was entitled to a wife's or a husband's insurance benefit under that Act on that date, the annuity amounts provided under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this section shall be increased by an amount determined under the provisions of section 4(e)(1) [section 231c(e)(1) of this title], or, if the spouse was entitled only to a wife's or husband's insurance benefit, 4(e)(3) [section 231c(e)(3) of this title] of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974: Provided, however, That, if the spouse was entitled to a monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act of [on] December 31, 1974, such amount shall not be less nor more than an amount which would cause (A) the total of (i) the annuity amounts provided the spouse by the provisions of this section for the month of January 1975 plus (ii) the monthly insurance benefit to which such spouse is entitled for that month under the Social Security Act (before any reductions on account of age and deductions on account of work) to equal (B) the total of (i) the spouse's annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [subchapter III of this chapter] (prior to any reduction on account of age and without regard to section 2(d) of that Act [section 228b(d) of this title]) plus (ii) the monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act (before any reduction on account of age and deductions on account of work) which such spouse would have received for such month if this Act [enacting this subchapter] had not been enacted.
"
"(1) that portion of the survivor's annuity as is provided under section 4(f) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231c(f) of this title] shall initially be in an amount equal to the amount determined under clause (i) of section 3(a)(6) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228c(a)(6) of this title] for the purpose of computing the last increase in the amount of such survivor's annuity as computed under the provisions of section 5(q) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228e(q) of this title]: Provided, however, That the amount of such annuity shall be subject to reduction in accordance with the provisions of section 202(k) or 202(q) of the Social Security Act [section 402(k) or 402(q) of Title 42] in the same manner as any widow's insurance benefit, mother's insurance benefit, widower's insurance benefit, parent's insurance benefit, or child's insurance benefit payable under section 202 of the Social Security Act [section 402 of Title 42] and shall also be subject to reduction in accordance with the provisions of section 4(i)(2) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231c(i)(2) of this title];
"(2) that portion of the survivor's annuity as is provided under section 4(g) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231c(g) of this title] shall initially be in an amount equal to 30 per centum of the amount computed in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (1) of this section prior to any reductions, other than reductions on account of age, in accordance with the provisions of section 202(k) or 202(q) of the Social Security Act [section 402(k) or 402(q) of Title 42] and prior to any reductions in accordance with, the provisions of section 4(i)(2) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231c(i)(2) of this title]: Provided, however, That, if such survivor is not entitled to an annuity amount provided under paragraph (3) of this section, such amount shall not be less than an amount which would cause (A) the total of the annuity amounts provided the survivor by the provisions of this section for the month of January 1975 to equal (B) the amount of the annuity which the survivor would have received for such month under section 5 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [section 228e of this title] (without regard to section 5(i) of that Act [section 228e(i) of this title]) if this Act [enacting this subchapter] had not been enacted; and
"(3) if the survivor is a widow or widower who was entitled to an old-age insurance benefit or a disability insurance benefit under the Social Security Act [section 301 et seq. of Title 42] on December 31, 1974, or was fully insured under that Act on that date, the annuity amounts provided under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this section shall be increased by an amount determined under the provisions of 4(h)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231c(h)(1) of this title]: Provided, however, That, if the widow or widower was entitled to a monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act on December 31, 1974, such amount shall not be less nor more than an amount which would cause (A) the total of (i) the annuity amounts provided the widow or widower by the provisions of this section for the month of January 1975 plus (ii) the monthly insurance benefit to which such widow or widower is entitled for that month under the Social Security Act (before any deductions on account of work) to equal (B) the total of (i) the widow's or widower's annuity under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [subchapter III of this chapter] (without regard to section 5(i) of that Act [section 228e(i) of this title]) plus (ii) the monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act (before any deductions on account of work) which such widow or widower would have received for such month if this Act [enacting this subchapter] had not been enacted.
"
"
"(b) The annuity amounts provided by section 202(b), section 203(b), paragraph (2) of section 204(a), and paragraph (2) of section 206 shall be increased by the same percentage, or percentages, and effective the same date, or dates, as other annuity amounts of the same type are increased pursuant to the provisions of section 3(g) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [section 231b(g) of this title].
"
1 So in original. Probably should be "seniority".
2 See References in Text note below.
§231a. Annuity eligibility requirements
(a) Individuals eligible for annuities; disability standards; proof of continued disability
(1) The following-described individuals, if they shall have completed ten years of service (or, for purposes of paragraphs (i), (iii), and (v), five years of service, all of which accrues after December 31, 1995) and shall have filed application for annuities, shall, subject to the conditions set forth in subsections (e), (f), and (h), be entitled to annuities in the amounts provided under section 231b of this title—
(i) individuals who have attained retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(l)]);
(ii) individuals who have attained the age of sixty and have completed thirty years of service;
(iii) individuals who have attained the age of sixty-two and have completed less than thirty years of service, but the annuity of such individuals shall be reduced by 1/180 for each of the first 36 months that he or she is under retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(l)]) when the annuity begins to accrue and by 1/240 for each additional month that he or she is under retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act) when the annuity begins to accrue;
(iv) individuals who have a current connection with the railroad industry, whose permanent physical or mental condition is such as to be disabling for work in their regular occupation, and who (A) have completed twenty years of service or (B) have attained the age of sixty; and
(v) individuals whose permanent physical or mental condition is such that they are unable to engage in any regular employment.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (iv) of subdivision (1), the Board, with the cooperation of employers and employees, shall secure the establishment of standards determining the physical and mental conditions which permanently disqualify employees for work in the several occupations in the railroad industry, and the Board, employers, and employees shall cooperate in the promotion of the greatest practicable degree of uniformity in the standards applied by the several employers. An individual's condition shall be deemed to be disabling for work in his regular occupation if he will have been disqualified by his employer for service in his regular occupation in accordance with the applicable standards so established; if the employee will not have been so disqualified by his employer, the Board shall determine whether his condition is disabling for work in his regular occupation in accordance with the standards generally established; and, if the employee's regular occupation is not one with respect to which standards will have been established, the standards relating to a reasonably comparable occupation shall be used. If there is no such comparable occupation, the Board shall determine whether the employee's condition is disabling for work in his regular occupation by determining whether under the practices generally prevailing in industries in which such occupation exists such condition is a permanent disqualification for work in such occupation. For purposes of this subdivision and paragraph (iv) of subdivision (1), an employee's "regular occupation" shall be deemed to be the occupation in which he will have been engaged in more calendar months than the calendar months in which he will have been engaged in any other occupation during the last preceding five calendar years, whether or not consecutive, in each of which years he will have earned wages or salary, except that, if an employee establishes that during the last fifteen consecutive calendar years he will have been engaged in another occupation in one-half or more of all the months in which he will have earned wages or salary, he may claim such other occupation as his regular occupation.
(3) Such satisfactory proof shall be made from time to time as prescribed by the Board, of the disability provided for in paragraph (iv) or (v) of subdivision (1) and of the continuance of such disability (according to the standards applied in the establishment of such disability) until the employee attains retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(l)]). If the individual fails to comply with the requirements prescribed by the Board as to proof of the continuance of the disability until he attains retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act), his right to an annuity by reason of such disability shall, except for good cause shown to the Board, cease, but without prejudice to his rights to any subsequent annuity to which he may be entitled.
(4) An individual who is entitled to an annuity under paragraph (v) of subdivision (1), but who does not have at least ten years of service, shall, prior to the month in which the individual attains age 62, be entitled only to an annuity amount computed under section 231b(a) of this title (without regard to section 231b(a)(2) of this title) or section 231b(f)(3) of this title. Upon attainment of age 62, such an individual may also be entitled to an annuity amount computed under section 231b(b) of this title, but such annuity amount shall be reduced for early retirement in the same manner as if the individual were entitled to an annuity under subsection (a)(1)(iii).
(b) Individuals eligible for supplemental annuities
An individual who—
(i) has attained age 60 and completed thirty years of service or attained age 65;
(ii) has completed twenty-five years of service;
(iii) is entitled to the payment of an annuity under subsection (a)(1);
(iv) had a current connection with the railroad industry at the time such annuity began to accrue; and
(v) has performed compensated service in at least one month prior to October 1, 1981;
shall, subject to the conditions set forth in subsections (e) and (h), be entitled to a supplemental annuity in the amount provided under section 231b of this title: Provided, however, That in cases where an individual's annuity under subsection (a)(1) begins to accrue on other than the first day of the month, the amount of any supplemental annuity to which he is entitled for that month shall be reduced by one-thirtieth for each day with respect to which he is not entitled to an annuity under subsection (a)(1).
(c) Spouses eligible for annuities
(1) The spouse of an individual, if—
(i) such individual (A) is entitled to an annuity under subsection (a)(1) and (B) has attained the age of 60 and has completed thirty years of service or has attained the age of 62, and
(ii) such spouse (A) has attained retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(l)]), or (B) has attained the age of 60 and such individual has completed thirty years of service, or (C), in the case of a wife, has in her care (individually or jointly with her husband) a child who meets the qualifications prescribed in paragraph (iii) of subsection (d)(1) (without regard to the provisions of clause (B) of such paragraph),
shall, subject to the conditions set forth in subsections (e), (f), and (h), be entitled to a spouse's annuity, if he or she has filed application therefor, in the amount provided under section 231c of this title.
(2) A spouse who would be entitled to an annuity under subdivision (1) or a divorced wife who would be entitled to an annuity under subdivision (4) if he or she had attained retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(l)]) may elect upon or after attaining the age of 62 to receive such annuity, but the annuity in any such case shall be reduced by 1/144 for each of the first 36 months that the spouse or divorced wife is under retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act) when the annuity begins to accrue and by 1/240 for each additional month that the spouse or divorced wife is under retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act) when the annuity begins to accrue, except that the annuity of a divorced wife who was previously entitled to a spouse annuity which was reduced under this subdivision shall be reduced by the same percentage as was applicable to the spouse annuity.
(3) For the purposes of this subchapter, the term "spouse" shall mean the wife or husband of an annuitant under subsection (a)(1) who (i) was married to such annuitant for a period of not less than one year immediately preceding the day on which the application for a spouse's annuity is filed, or in the month prior to his or her marriage to such annuitant was eligible for an annuity under paragraph (i) or (iv) of subsection (d)(1) or, on the basis of disability, under paragraph (iii) thereof, or is the parent of such annuitant's son or daughter; and (ii) in the case of a husband, was receiving at least one-half of his support from his wife at the time his wife's annuity under subsection (a)(1) began.
(4) The "divorced wife" (as defined in section 216(d) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(d)]) of an individual, if—
(i) such individual has attained the age 62;
(ii) such divorced wife (A) has attained retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(l)] 1 and (B) is not married; and
(iii) such divorced wife would have been entitled to a benefit under section 202(b) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402(b)] as the divorced wife of such individual if all of such individual's service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.];
shall, subject to the conditions set forth in subsections (e), (f), and (h), be entitled to a divorced wife's annuity, if she has filed an application therefor, in the amount provided under section 231c of this title.
(d) Survivors eligible for annuities
(1) The following described survivors of a deceased employee who will have completed ten years of service (or five years of service, all of which accrues after December 31, 1995) and will have had a current connection with the railroad industry at the time of his death shall, subject to the conditions set forth in subsections (g) and (h), be entitled to annuities, if they have filed application therefor, in the amounts provided under section 231c of this title—
(i) a widow (as defined in section 216(c) and (k) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(c), (k)]) or widower (as defined in section 216(g) and (k) of the Social Security Act) of such a deceased employee who has not remarried and who (A) will have attained the age of sixty or (B) will have attained the age of fifty but will not have attained age sixty and is under a disability which began before the end of the period prescribed in subdivision (2), and who, in the case of a widower, was receiving at least one-half of his support from the deceased employee at the time of her death or at the time her annuity under subsection (a)(1) began;
(ii) a widow (as defined in section 216(c) and (k) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(c), (k)]) of such a deceased employee who has not remarried and who (A) is not entitled to an annuity under paragraph (i), and (B) at the time of filing an application for an annuity under this paragraph, will have in her care a child of such deceased employee, which child is entitled to an annuity under paragraph (iii) (other than an annuity payable to a child who has attained age 18 and is not under a disability);
(iii) a child (as defined in section 216(e) and (k) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(e), (k)]) of such a deceased employee who (A) will be less than eighteen years of age, or (B) will be less than nineteen years of age and a full-time elementary or secondary school student, or (C) will, without regard to his age, be under a disability which began before he attained age twenty-two or before the close of the eighty-fourth month following the month in which his most recent entitlement to an annuity under this paragraph terminated because he ceased to be under a disability, and who is unmarried and was dependent upon the employee at the time of the employee's death;
(iv) a parent (as defined in section 202(h)(3) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402(h)(3)]) of such a deceased employee who (A) will have attained the age of sixty and (B) will have received at least one-half of his or her support from such deceased employee at the time of the employees' 2 death and (C) will not have remarried after the employee's death: Provided, however, That no parent will be entitled to an annuity under this paragraph on the basis of the deceased employee's compensation and years of service in any case where such employee died leaving a widow or widower or a child who is, or who might in the future become, entitled to an annuity under this subsection, but neither this proviso nor clause (B) or (C) of this paragraph shall operate to deny any parent an annuity to the extent and in the amount of the benefit that such parent would have received under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] if the service as an employee of the individual, with respect to which such parent would be eligible to receive an annuity under this subchapter except for this proviso and those clauses, were included in "employment" as defined in the Social Security Act; and
(v) The 3 widow (as defined in section 216(c) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(c)]), who is married, or has been married after the death of the employee, the surviving divorced wife (as defined in section 216(d) of the Social Security Act), and a surviving divorced mother (as defined in section 216(d) of the Social Security Act) if such widow, surviving divorced wife, or surviving divorced mother would have been entitled to a benefit under section 202(e) or 202(g) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402(e), (g)] as the widow, surviving divorced wife, or surviving divorced mother of the employee if all of his service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act. For the purpose of this paragraph, the reference in sections 202(e)(3) 4 and 202(g)(3) of the Social Security Act to an individual entitled under section 202(f) of that Act shall include an individual entitled to an annuity under paragraph (i) and an individual entitled to an annuity under paragraph (ii), and the reference in section 202(e)(3) 4 and section 202(g)(3) of the Social Security Act to an individual entitled under section 202(d) or section 202(h) of that Act shall include an individual entitled to an annuity under paragraph (iii) or paragraph (iv), and the references in section 202(g)(3) of the Social Security Act to an individual entitled under section 202(a) or section 223(a) of that Act [42 U.S.C. 402(a), 423(a)] shall include an individual entitled to an annuity under subsection (a)(1) of this section.
(2) The period referred to in clause (B) of subdivision (1)(i) is the period (i) beginning with the latest of (A) the month of the employee's death, (B) in the case of a widow, the last month for which she was entitled to an annuity under paragraph (ii) of subdivision (1) as the widow of the deceased employee, or (C) the month in which the widow's or widower's previous entitlement to an annuity as the widow or widower of the deceased employee terminated because her or his disability had ceased and (ii) ending with the month before the month in which she or he attains age sixty, or, if earlier, with the close of the eighty-fourth month following the month with which such period began.
(3) For purposes of paragraph (i) or (iii) of subdivision (1), a widow, widower, or child shall be under a disability if her or his permanent physical or mental condition is such that she or he is unable to engage in any regular employment. The provisions of subsection (a)(3) of this section as to the proof of disability shall apply with regard to determinations with respect to disability under subdivision (1).
(4) In determining for purposes of this subsection and subdivision (3) of subsection (c) whether an applicant is the wife, husband, widow, widower, child, or parent of a deceased employee as claimed, the rules set forth in section 216(h) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(h)] shall be applied deeming, for this purpose, individuals entitled to an annuity under subsection (c) to be entitled to benefits under subsection (b) or (c) of section 202 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402] and individuals entitled to an annuity under paragraph (i) or (ii) of subsection (d)(1) to be entitled to a benefit under subsection (e), (f), or (g) of section 202 of the Social Security Act. For purposes of paragraph (iii) of subdivision (1), a child shall be deemed to have been dependent upon his parent employee if the conditions set forth in section 202(d)(3), (4), or (9) of the Social Security Act are fulfilled. The provisions of paragraph (7) of section 202(d) of the Social Security Act (defining the terms "full-time elementary or secondary school student" and "elementary or secondary school") shall be applied by the Board in the administration of this subsection as if the references therein to the Secretary were references to the Board. A child who attains age nineteen at a time when he is a full-time elementary or secondary school student (as defined in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (7) of section 202(d) of the Social Security Act and without the application of subparagraph (B) of such paragraph) but has not (at such time) completed the requirements for, or received, a diploma or equivalent certificate from a secondary school (as defined in section 202(d)(7)(c)(i) 5 of the Social Security Act) shall be deemed (for purposes of determining his continuing or initial entitlement to an annuity under this subsection) not to have attained such age until the first day of the first month following the end of the quarter or semester in which he is enrolled at such time (or, if the elementary or secondary school in which he is enrolled is not operated on a quarter or semester system, until the first day of the first month following the completion of the course in which he is enrolled or until the first day of the third month beginning after such time, whichever first occurs).
(e) Compensated service; rights to return
(1) No individual shall be entitled to an annuity under subsection (a)(1) until he shall have ceased to render compensated service to an employer as defined in section 231(a) of this title.
(2) An annuity under subsection (a)(1) shall be paid only if the applicant shall have relinquished such rights as he may have to return to the service of an employer: Provided, however, That this requirement shall not apply to individuals mentioned in paragraphs (iv) and (v) of subsection (a)(1) prior to attaining retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(l)]): Provided further, That, notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding proviso and of clause (i) of subsection (c)(1) of this section, an annuity shall be paid to the spouse of an individual only if such individual shall have satisfied the requirements of this subdivision without regard to the preceding proviso: And provided further, That, notwithstanding the provisions of the first proviso of this subdivision and of clause (iii) of subsection (b)(1) of this section, a supplemental annuity shall be paid to an individual only if such individual shall have satisfied the requirements of this subdivision without regard to the first proviso thereof.
(3) No annuity under subsection (a)(1) or supplemental annuity under subsection (b)(1) shall be paid with respect to any month in which an individual in receipt of an annuity or supplemental annuity thereunder shall render compensated service to an employer. Individuals receiving annuities under subsection (a)(1) shall report to the Board immediately all such compensated service.
(4) No annuity under paragraph (iv) or (v) of subsection (a)(1) shall be paid to an individual with respect to any month in which the individual is under retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(l)]) and is paid more than the monthly allowable earnings as defined in the section (after deduction of disability related work expenses) from employment or self-employment of any form: Provided, however, That for purposes of this subdivision, if a payment in any one calendar month is for accruals in more than one calendar month, such payment shall be deemed to have been paid in each of the months in which accrued to the extent accrued in such month. Any such individual under the retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act) shall report to the Board any such payment of earnings for such employment or self-employment before receipt and acceptance of an annuity for the second month following the month of such payment. A deduction shall be imposed, with respect to any such individual who fails to make such report, in the annuity or annuities otherwise due the individual, in an amount equal to the amount of the annuity for each month in which he is paid such earnings in such employment or self-employment, except that the first deduction imposed pursuant to this sentence shall in no case exceed an amount equal to the amount of the annuity otherwise due for the first month with respect to which the deduction is imposed. If pursuant to the first sentence of this subdivision an annuity was not paid to an individual with respect to one or more months in any calendar year, and it is subsequently established that the total amount of such individual's earnings during such year as determined in accordance with that sentence (but exclusive of earnings for services described in subdivision (3)) did not exceed the amount of earnings computed by totaling the monthly allowable earnings as determined under this section for each month in the year (after deduction of disability related work expenses), the annuity with respect to such month or months, and any deduction imposed by reason of the failure to report earnings for such month or months under the third sentence of this subdivision, shall then be payable. If the total amount of such individual's earnings during such year (exclusive of earnings for services as described in subdivision (3) and after deduction of disability related work expenses) is in excess of the annual allowable earnings amount, the number of months in such year with respect to which an annuity is not payable by reason of the first and third sentences shall not exceed the number of months derived by dividing the amount by which such annual earnings exceed the annual allowable earnings amount by the monthly allowable earning amount determined under this section. If the computation under the preceding sentence results in a remainder greater than or equal to one-half, the number of months for which an annuity is not payable as determined under the preceding sentence shall be increased by one. The annual allowable earnings amount shall be computed by totaling the amount of monthly allowable earnings as determined under the first sentence of this subdivision for each month in the calender 6 year. If the amount of the individual's annuity has changed during the calendar year, any payment of annuities which become payable solely by reason of the limitations in the preceding three sentences shall be made first with respect to the month or months for which the annuity is larger. For purposes of this subdivision, "the monthly allowable earnings" shall be $700, except that for each year after 2007, "the monthly allowable earnings" amount shall be the larger of the amount for the previous year or the amount calculated by multiplying $700 by the ratio of the national average wage index for the year 2 calender 6 years before the year for which the amount is being calculated to the national average wage index for the year 2005. The amount so computed will be rounded to the next higher multiple of $10 where such amount is a multiple of $5 but not of $10 and to the nearest multiple of $10 in any other case.
(5) The annuity of a spouse or divorced wife under subsection (c) shall, with respect to any month, be subject to the same provisions of this subsection as the individual's annuity. In addition, the annuity of a spouse under subsection (c) shall not be payable for any month if the individual's annuity under subsection (a)(1) is not payable for such month by reason of the provisions of this subsection.
(f) Deductions on account of work
(1) That portion of the individual's annuity as is computed under section 231b(a) of this title on the basis of (A) his compensation and years of service subsequent to December 31, 1974, and (B) his wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] and that portion of the individual's annuity as is computed under section 231b(h) of this title shall be subject to deductions on account of work pursuant to the provisions of section 203 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 403] in the same manner as if such portion of such annuity were a monthly insurance benefit under that Act: Provided, however, That the provisions of this subdivision shall be applicable to the annuity of an individual only if such individual would be fully insured under the Social Security Act on the basis of wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under that Act and on the basis of compensation derived from service as an employee after December 31, 1974, if such service as an employee had been included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act. Any person in receipt of an annuity subject to deduction under this subsection shall report to the Board the receipt of excess earnings as defined in paragraph (3) of section 203(f) of the Social Security Act.
(2) That portion of the spouse's or divorced wife's annuity under subsection (c) which is derived from the portion of the individual's annuity subject to deductions under subdivision (1) and that portion of the spouse's or divorced wife's annuity as is computed under section 231c(e) of this title shall be subject to deductions on account of work pursuant to the provisions of section 203 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.S. 403] in the same manner as if such portion of such spouse's or divorced wife's annuity were a monthly insurance benefit under that Act. In addition, such portion of the spouse's or divorced wife's annuity shall be subject to deductions if the individual's annuity is subject to deductions under subdivision (1) in the same manner as if such portion of such spouse's or divorced wife's annuity were a monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.].
(3) Deductions shall not be made pursuant to subdivision (1) from that portion of an individual's annuity as is computed under section 231b(a) of this title for any month in which the annuity of such individual is reduced pursuant to section 231b(m) of this title. This subdivision shall be disregarded in determining the applicability and amount of deductions in a spouse's annuity pursuant to subdivision (2) of this subsection.
(4) Deductions shall not be made pursuant to subdivision (2) from that portion of a spouse's annuity as is computed under section 231c(a) of this title for any month in which the annuity of such spouse is reduced due to entitlement to a benefit under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.].
(5) If an annuity begins to accrue on other than the first day of a month, subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection shall not apply in the year the annuity begins to accrue if the annuitant has no earnings in excess of the monthly exempt amount in such year after the annuity beginning date.
(6)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B)—
(i) that portion of the annuity for any month of an individual as is computed under section 231b(b) of this title and as adjusted under section 231b(g) of this title, plus any supplemental amount for such month under section 231b(e) of this title, and that portion of the annuity for any month of a spouse as is computed under section 231c(b) of this title and as adjusted under section 231c(d) of this title, shall each be subject to a deduction of $1 for each $2 of compensation received by such individual from compensated service rendered in such month to the last person, or persons, by whom such individual was employed before the date on which the annuity of such individual under subsection (a)(1) began to accrue; and
(ii) that portion of the annuity for any month of a spouse as is computed under section 231c(b) of this title and as adjusted under section 231c(d) of this title shall be subject to a deduction of $1 for each $2 of compensation received by such spouse from compensated service rendered in such month to the last person, or persons, by whom such spouse was employed before the date on which the annuity of such spouse under subsection (c)(1) began to accrue.
(B) Any deductions imposed by this subdivision for any month shall not exceed 50 percent of the annuity amount for such month to which such deductions apply.
(g) Employment compensation of survivors; deductions
(1) No annuity shall be paid to a survivor under subsection (d) with respect to any month in which such survivor renders service for compensation as an employee of an employer. Survivors receiving annuities under subsection (d) shall report to the Board immediately all such service for compensation.
(2) Deductions, in amounts and at such time or times as the Board shall determine, shall be made from any payments to which a survivor is entitled under subsection (d) until the total of such deductions equals such survivor's annuity under that subsection for any month, if for such month such survivor would be charged with excess earnings under section 203(f) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 403(f)] or, having engaged in any activity outside the United States, would be charged under such section 203(f) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 403(f)] with any excess earnings derived from such activity if it had been an activity within the United States. For purposes of this subdivision the Board shall have the authority to take such actions and to make such determinations and such suspensions of payment of benefits in the manner and to the extent that the Secretary of Health and Human Services would be authorized to take or to make under section 203(h)(3) of the Social Security Act if the survivors were receiving the annuities to which this subdivision applies under section 202 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402]: Provided, however, That in determining a survivor's excess earnings for a year for the purposes of this subdivision there shall not be included his income from employment or self-employment during months beginning with the month with respect to which he ceases to be qualified for an annuity. Survivors receiving annuities under subsection (d) shall report to the Board the receipt of excess earnings described in this subdivision.
(h) Military service; reductions
(1) Repealed. Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §414(a), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 436.
(2) The supplemental annuity provided an individual by subsection (b) shall, with respect to any month, be reduced by the amount of the supplemental pension, attributable to the employer's contribution, that such individual is entitled to receive for that month under any other supplemental pension plan: Provided, however, That the maximum of such reduction shall be equal to the amount of the supplemental annuity less any amount by which the supplemental pension is reduced by reason of the supplemental annuity.
(3) If a spouse or divorced wife entitled to an annuity under subsection (c) or a survivor entitled to an annuity under subsection (d) for any month is also entitled to annuity under subsection (a)(1) for such month, the annuity under subsection (c) or (d) shall be reduced, but not below zero, by an amount equal to the annuity under subsection (a)(1): Provided, however, That the provisions of this subdivision shall not apply if either the spouse or survivor or the individual upon whose earnings record the spouse's or survivor's annuity under subsection (c) or (d) is based rendered service as an employee to an employer, or as an employee representative, prior to January 1, 1975.
(4) If an annuitant is entitled to more than one annuity under subsections (c) and (d) for a month, such annuitant shall be entitled to only the larger of such annuities for such month, except that, if such annuitant so elects, he shall instead be entitled to only the smaller of such annuities for such month.
(i) Limitation; service accrued after 1995
An individual entitled to an annuity under this section who has completed five years of service, all of which accrues after 1995, but who has not completed ten years of service, and the spouse, divorced spouse, and survivors of such individual, shall not be entitled to an annuity amount provided under section 231b(a), section 231c(a), or section 231c(f) of this title unless the individual, or the individual's spouse, divorced spouse, or survivors, would be entitled to a benefit under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] on the basis of the individual's employment record under both this subchapter and title II of the Social Security Act.
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §2, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1312; amended Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695; Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1117, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 628; Pub. L. 98–76, title I, §§104(a), (b), 106(a)–(g), title IV, §§409(a), 413(a), 414(a), 415, Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 416–418, 435, 436; Pub. L. 100–647, title VII, §§7302(a), (b), 7303(a), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3777, 3778; Pub. L. 107–90, title I, §103(a), (c), (d), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 880; Pub. L. 109–280, title X, §1002(a), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1053; Pub. L. 109–478, §2(a), Jan. 12, 2007, 120 Stat. 3573.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (c)(4), (d)(1)(iv), (f)(1), (2), (4), and (i), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
Paragraph (3) of section 202(e) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402(e)(3)], referred to in subsec. (d)(1)(v), was repealed, and paragraph (4) of section 202(e) of that Act was redesignated as paragraph (3) of section 202(e) and was further amended, by Pub. L. 98–21, title I, §131(a)(1)–(3)(A), Apr. 20, 1983, 97 Stat. 92.
Amendments
2007—Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 109–478, §2(a)(3), substituted "If the total amount of such individual's earnings during such year (exclusive of earnings for services as described in subdivision (3) and after deduction of disability related work expenses) is in excess of the annual allowable earnings amount, the number of months in such year with respect to which an annuity is not payable by reason of the first and third sentences shall not exceed the number of months derived by dividing the amount by which such annual earnings exceed the annual allowable earnings amount by the monthly allowable earning amount determined under this section. If the computation under the preceding sentence results in a remainder greater than or equal to one-half, the number of months for which an annuity is not payable as determined under the preceding sentence shall be increased by one. The annual allowable earnings amount shall be computed by totaling the amount of monthly allowable earnings as determined under the first sentence of this subdivision for each month in the calender year. If the amount of the individual's annuity has changed during the calendar year, any payment of annuities which become payable solely by reason of the limitations in the preceding three sentences shall be made first with respect to the month or months for which the annuity is larger. For purposes of this subdivision, 'the monthly allowable earnings' shall be $700, except that for each year after 2007, 'the monthly allowable earnings' amount shall be the larger of the amount for the previous year or the amount calculated by multiplying $700 by the ratio of the national average wage index for the year 2 calender years before the year for which the amount is being calculated to the national average wage index for the year 2005. The amount so computed will be rounded to the next higher multiple of $10 where such amount is a multiple of $5 but not of $10 and to the nearest multiple of $10 in any other case." for "If the total amount of such individual's earnings during such year (exclusive of earnings for services described in subdivision (3)) is in excess of $4,800 (after deduction of disability related work expenses), the number of months in such year with respect to which an annuity is not payable by reason of such first and third sentences shall not exceed one month for each $400 of such excess, treating the last $200 or more of such excess as $400; and if the amount of the annuity has changed during such year, any payments of annuities which become payable solely by reason of the limitations contained in this sentence shall be made first with respect to the month or months for which the annuity is larger."
Pub. L. 109–478, §2(a)(1), (2), substituted "the monthly allowable earnings as defined in the section" for "$400 in earnings" in first sentence and "the amount of earnings computed by totaling the monthly allowable earnings as determined under this section for each month in the year" for "$4,800" in fourth sentence.
2006—Subsec. (c)(4)(i). Pub. L. 109–280, §1002(a)(1), struck out "(A) is entitled to an annuity under subsection (a)(1) of this section and (B)" after "such individual".
Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 109–280, §1002(a)(2), struck out "or divorced wife" after "In addition, the annuity of a spouse".
2001—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–90, §103(a)(1), inserted "(or, for purposes of paragraphs (i), (iii), and (v), five years of service, all of which accrues after December 31, 1995)" after "ten years of service" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 107–90, §103(a)(2), added par. (4).
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 107–90, §103(c), inserted "(or five years of service, all of which accrues after December 31, 1995)" after "ten years of service" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 107–90, §103(d), added subsec. (i).
1988—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 100–647, §7302(a)(1), struck out "any person, whether or not" after "compensated service to" and "(but with the right to engage in other employment to the extent not prohibited by subdivision (3) or (4) of this subsection or by subsection (f) of this section). As used in this subsection, the term 'compensated service' shall not include any service as an elected public official of the United States, a State, or any political subdivision of a State" after "section 231(a) of this title".
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 100–647, §7302(a)(2), struck out "and of the person, or persons, by whom he was last employed" after "service of an employer".
Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 100–647, §7302(a)(3), struck out "or to the last person, or persons, by whom he was employed prior to the date on which the annuity under subsection (a)(1) of this section began to accrue" after "service to an employer".
Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 100–647, §7303(a), substituted "$400 in earnings (after deduction of disability related work expenses)" for "$200 in earnings", "$4,800 (after deduction of disability related work expenses)" for "$2,400" in two places, "each $400" for "each $200", "$200" for "$100", and "as $400" for "as $200".
Subsec. (f)(6). Pub. L. 100–647, §7302(b), added par. (6).
1983—Subsec. (a)(1)(i). Pub. L. 98–76, §106(a)(1), substituted "retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act)" for "the age of sixty-five".
Subsec. (a)(1)(iii). Pub. L. 98–76, §106(a)(2), substituted "reduced by 1/180 for each of the first 36 months that he or she is under retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act) when the annuity begins to accrue and by 1/240 for each additional month that he or she is under retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act) when the annuity begins to accrue" for "reduced by 1/180 for each calendar month that he or she is under age sixty-five when the annuity begins to accrue".
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 98–76, §106(b), which directed the substitution of "retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act)" for "the age of 65" and "the age of sixty-five years" was executed by substituting that phrase for "the age of sixty-five" and "the age of sixty-five years".
Subsec. (c)(1)(ii). Pub. L. 98–76, §106(c), substituted "retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act)" for "the age of 65".
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 98–76, §106(d), substituted "retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act)" for "the age of 65" and "reduced by 1/144 for each of the first 36 months that the spouse or divorced wife is under retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act) when the annuity begins to accrue and by 1/240 for each additional month that the spouse or divorced wife is under retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act) when the annuity begins to accrue" for "reduced by 1/144 for each calendar month that the spouse or divorced wife is under age 65 when the annuity begins to accrue".
Pub. L. 98–76, §409(a), inserted ", except that the annuity of a divorced wife who was previously entitled to a spouse annuity which was reduced under this subdivision shall be reduced by the same percentage as was applicable to the spouse annuity" before the period.
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 98–76, §415, struck out ", if, as of the day on which the application for a spouse's annuity is filed, such wife or husband and such annuitant were members of the same household, or such wife or husband was receiving regular contributions from such annuitant toward her or his support, or such annuitant has been ordered by any court to contribute to the support of such wife or husband" after "annuitant's son or daughter".
Subsec. (c)(4)(ii)(A). Pub. L. 98–76, §106(e), substituted "retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act" for "the age of 65".
Subsec. (d)(1)(iii)(B). Pub. L. 98–76, §104(a), substituted "nineteen years of age and a full-time elementary or secondary school student" for "twenty-two years of age and a full-time student at an educational institution".
Subsec. (d)(1)(iv). Pub. L. 98–76, §413(a), inserted ", but neither this proviso nor clause (B) or (C) of this paragraph shall operate to deny any parent an annuity to the extent and in the amount of the benefit that such parent would have received under the Social Security Act if the service as an employee of the individual, with respect to which such parent would be eligible to receive an annuity under this subchapter except for this proviso and those clauses, were included in 'employment' as defined in the Social Security Act".
Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 98–76, §104(b), substituted "full-time elementary or secondary school student" for "full-time student" and "elementary or secondary school" for "educational institution", in two places, "nineteen" for "twenty-two", and "diploma or equivalent certificate from a secondary school (as defined in section 202(d)(7)(c)(1) of the Social Security Act)" for "degree from a four-year college or university".
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 98–76, §106(f), substituted "retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act)" for "age sixty-five".
Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 98–76, §106(g), substituted "retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act)" for "age sixty-five" and "age of sixty-five".
Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 98–76, §414(a), struck out par. (1) relating to a reduction of annuities of individuals whose military service credited under section 231b(i)(2) of this title was used as a basis or partial basis for a pension, disability compensation, or any other gratuitous benefits payable on a periodic basis under any other Act.
1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–35, §1117(a), struck out subdiv. (1) designation, substituted "conditions set forth in subsections (e)" for "conditions set forth in subdivision (2) of this subsection and in subsections (e)", added par. (v), and struck out subdivs. (2) and (3), which provided for supplementary annuity for the period after an individual renders service as an employee for compensation after his supplemental annuity closing date with two provisos, and that such provisions shall not supersede the provisions of any agreement reached through collective bargaining providing for mandatory retirement at an age less than the applicable supplemental annuity closing date.
Subsec. (c)(2), (4). Pub. L. 97–35, §1117(b), substituted "subdivision (1) or a divorced wife who would be entitled to an annuity under subdivision (4) if he or" for "subdivision (1) if he or", "by 1/144 for each calendar month that the spouse or divorced wife is" for "by 1/180 for each calendar month that the spouse is" in subdiv. (2), and added subdiv. (4).
Subsec. (d)(1)(v). Pub. L. 97–35, §1117(c), added par. (v).
Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 97–35, §1117(d), substituted "spouse or divorced wife" for "spouse" in two places.
Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 97–35, §1117(e)(1), substituted "spouse's or divorced wife's annuity" for "spouse's annuity" in five places.
Subsec. (f)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 97–35, §1117(e)(2), added subdivs. (3) to (5).
Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 97–35, §1117(f), substituted "such survivor would be charged with" for "such survivor is under the age of seventy-two and is charged with".
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 97–35, §1117(g), substituted "the spouse or divorced wife of such individual" for "the spouse of such individual" in subdiv. (1), and "If a spouse or divorced wife entitled" for "If a spouse entitled" in subdiv. (3).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in subsec. (g)(2), pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88, which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.
Effective Date of 2007 Amendment
Pub. L. 109–478, §2(b), Jan. 12, 2007, 120 Stat. 3574, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] take effect January 1, 2007."
Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
Pub. L. 109–280, title X, §1002(b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1053, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006]."
Effective Date of 2001 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–90 effective Jan. 1, 2002, see section 103(j) of Pub. L. 107–90, set out as a note under section 405 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Pub. L. 100–647, title VII, §7302(c), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3777, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to annuities payable under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [this subchapter] for months beginning after the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1988]."
Pub. L. 100–647, title VII, §7303(b), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3778, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to months in calendar years beginning after December 31, 1988."
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Pub. L. 98–76, title I, §104(d), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 416, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 231d of this title] shall be effective with respect to annuities accruing for months after the month in which this Act is enacted [August, 1983] except in the case of a child who has attained the age of eighteen in or before the month in which this Act is enacted and is entitled to an annuity under section 2(d) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [subsec. (d) of this section] for the month in which this Act is enacted or, if earlier, for the month of April 1983."
Pub. L. 98–76, title I, §106(k), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 418, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 231c and 231d of this title] shall be effective on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 12, 1983], except that such amendment shall not apply to annuity amounts provided under sections 3(b) and 4(b) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 or to increases in such annuity amounts provided under sections 3(g) and 4(d) of such Act if the individual upon whose earning record such annuity amounts are based rendered service as an employee to an employer, or as an employee representative, before the date of the enactment of this Act."
Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §409(b), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 435, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall be effective with respect to divorced wife annuities awarded on and after the date of enactment [Aug. 12, 1983]."
Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §413(b), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 436, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to annuities that first begin to accrue with respect to any month beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 12, 1983]."
Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §414(b), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 436, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to months beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 12, 1983]."
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by section 1117(a) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Oct. 1, 1981, and applicable with respect to individuals whose supplemental annuity closing date under subsec. (b) of this section did not occur before Oct. 1, 1981, amendment by section 1117(e)(2), (f) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Jan. 1, 1982, and amendment by other provisions of section 1117 of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Oct. 1, 1981, and applicable with respect to annuities awarded on or after Oct. 1, 1981, see section 1129 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 231 of this title.
Special $50 Payment Under Tax Reduction Act of 1975
Special payment of $50 as soon as practicable after Mar. 29, 1975, by Secretary of the Treasury to each individual who, for month of March 1975, was entitled to a monthly annuity or pension payment under this subchapter, see section 702 of Pub. L. 94–12, set out as a note under section 402 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a closing parenthesis.
2 So in original. Probably should be "employee's".
3 So in original. Probably should not be capitalized.
4 See References in Text note below.
5 So in original. Probably should be section "202(d)(7)(C)(i)".
6 So in original. Probably should be "calendar".
§231b. Computation of annuities
(a) Amount
(1) The annuity of an individual under section 231a(a)(1) of this title shall be in an amount equal to the amount (before any reduction on account of age and before any deductions on account of work) of the old-age insurance benefit or disability insurance benefit to which such individual would have been entitled under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] if all of his or her service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, individuals entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1)(ii) of this title shall, except for the purposes of recomputations in accordance with section 215(f) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 415(f)], be deemed to have attained retirement age (as defined by section 216(l) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(l)]). For purposes of this subsection, individuals entitled to an annuity under paragraph (iv) or (v) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title shall be deemed to be entitled to a disability insurance benefit under section 223 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 423].
(3) If an individual entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1)(i) or (iii) of this title on the basis of less than ten years of service is entitled to a benefit under section 202(a), section 202(b), or section 202(c) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402(a), (b), (c)] which began to accrue before the annuity under section 231a(a)(1)(i) or (iii) of this title, the annuity amount provided such individual under this subsection, shall be computed as though the annuity under this subchapter began to accrue on the later of (A) the date on which the benefit under section 202(a), section 202(b), or section 202(c) of the Social Security Act began, or (B) the date on which the individual first met the conditions for entitlement to an age reduced annuity under this subchapter other than the conditions set forth in sections 231a(e)(1) and 231a(e)(2) of this title and the requirement that an application be filed.
(b) Increased annuities under subsection (a)
(1) The amount of the annuity of an individual provided under subsection (a) shall be increased by an amount equal to seven-tenths of 1 per centum of the product which is obtained by multiplying such individual's "years of service" by such individual's "average monthly compensation" as determined under this subsection. The annuity amount payable to the individual under this subsection shall be reduced by 25 per centum of the annuity amount computed for such individual under subsection (h)(1) or (h)(2), and subsection (h)(5), of this section without regard to section 231f(c)(1) of this title. An individual's "average monthly compensation" for purposes of this subsection shall be the quotient obtained by dividing by 60 such individual's total compensation for the 60 months, consecutive or otherwise, during which such individual received that individual's highest monthly compensation, except that no part of any month's compensation in excess of the maximum amount creditable for any individual for such month under subsection (j) of this section shall be recognized. In determining the months of compensation to be used for purposes of this subsection, the total compensation reported for the individual under section 231h of this title or credited to such individual under subsection (j) of this section for a year divided by the number of months of service credited to such individual under subsection (i) of this section with respect to such year shall be considered the monthly compensation of the individual for each month of service in any year for which records of the Board do not show the amount of compensation paid to the individual on a monthly basis. If the "average monthly compensation" computed under this subsection is not a multiple of $1, it shall be rounded to the next lower multiple of $1.
(2) For purposes of subdivision (1) of this subsection, in determining "average monthly compensation" for an individual who has not engaged in employment for an employer in the 60-month period preceding the month in which such individual's annuity began to accrue, and whose major employment during such 60-month period was for a United States department or agency named in section 231(o) of this title, the amount of compensation used with respect to each month used in making such determination shall be the product of—
(i) the compensation credited to such individual for such month under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and
(ii) the quotient obtained by dividing—
(I) the average of total wages (as determined under section 215(b)(3)(A)(ii)(I) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 415(b)(3)(A)(ii)(I)]) for the second calendar year preceding the earliest of the year of the individual's death or the year in which an annuity begins to accrue to such individual (disregarding an annuity based on disability which is terminated because such individual has recovered from such disability if such individual engages in any regular employment after such termination); by
(II) the average of total wages (as determined under section 215(b)(3)(A)(ii)(II) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 415(b)(3)(A)(ii)(II)]) for the calendar year during which such month occurred, unless such month occurred prior to calendar year 1951, in which case, the average of total wages so determined for 1951.
In no event shall "average monthly compensation" determined for an individual under this subdivision exceed the maximum "average monthly compensation" which can be determined under subdivision (1) of this subsection for any person retiring January 1 of the year in which such individual's annuity began to accrue.
(c), (d) Repealed. Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1118(b), Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 631
(e) Supplemental annuities
The supplemental annuity of an individual under section 231a(b) of this title shall be $23 plus an additional amount of $4 for each year of service that the individual has in excess of 25 years, but in no case shall the supplemental annuity exceed $43.
(f) Reductions in annuities
(1) If, in the case of an individual whose annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue prior to January 1, 1983, the annuity (before any reduction due to such individual's entitlement to a monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] and disregarding any amount provided by subsection (h) of this section) plus the supplemental annuity to which such individual is entitled for any month under this subchapter, together with the annuity, if any, of the spouse of such individual (before any reduction due to such spouse's entitlement to a wife's or husband's insurance benefit under the Social Security Act and disregarding any amount provided by section 231c(e) of this title), before any reductions under the provisions of section 231a(f) of this title is less than the total amount which would have been payable to such individual and his spouse for such month, on the basis of the individual's compensation and years of service, under the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 as in effect on December 31, 1974 [45 U.S.C. 228a et seq.], disregarding, for purposes of the computations under such Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 compensation for any month after December 31, 1974, in excess of one-twelfth of the maximum annual taxable "wages" (as defined in section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 3121]) for the calendar year 1974, the annuity of such individual and the annuity of such spouse, if any, shall be increased proportionately so as to equal such total amount. For the purpose of computing amounts under this subdivision, the Board shall have the authority to approximate the effect of the reductions prescribed by sections 3(a)(2) and 3(a)(3) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228c(a)(2), (a)(3)]. For purposes of computing amounts payable under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, any increases in the amounts determined under the first proviso of section 3(e) of such Act which would have become effective after December 31, 1974, shall be disregarded.
(2) If for any month in which an annuity accrues and is payable under this subchapter the annuity to which an individual is entitled under this subchapter (or would have been entitled except for a reduction pursuant to a joint and survivor election), together with the annuity, if any, of the spouse and divorced wife of such individual, is less than the total amount, or the additional amount, which would have been payable to all persons for such month under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] if such individual's service as an employee after December 31, 1936, were included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act, the annuities of the individual and spouse shall be increased proportionately to such total amount, or such additional amount: Provided, however, That if an annuity accrues to an individual or a spouse for a part of a month, the amount payable for such part of a month under this subdivision shall be one-thirtieth of the amount payable under this subdivision for an entire month, multiplied by the number of days in such part of a month. For purposes of this subdivision, (i) persons not entitled to an annuity under section 231a of this title shall not be included in the computation under this subdivision except a spouse who could qualify for an annuity under section 231a(c) of this title if the individual from whom the spouse's annuity under this subchapter would derive had attained age 60 or 62, as the case may be, and such individual's children who meet the definition as such contained in section 216(e) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(e)]; (ii) after an annuity has been certified for payment and this subdivision was inapplicable after allowing for any waiting period under section 223(c)(2) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 423(c)(2)], and after having considered the inclusion of all persons who were then eligible for inclusion in the computation under this subdivision, or was then applicable but later became inapplicable, any recertification in such annuity under this subdivision shall not take into account persons not entitled to an annuity under section 231a of this title except a spouse who could qualify for an annuity under section 231a(c) of this title when she attains age 60 or 62, as the case may be, if the individual from whom the spouse's annuity would derive had attained age 60 or 62, as the case may be, and who was married to such individual at the time he applied for his annuity; and (iii) in computing the amount to be paid under this subdivision the only benefits under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] which shall be considered shall be those to which the persons included in the computation are entitled.
(g) Increased annuities under subsection (b)
(1) Effective with the date of any increase after January 31, 1984, in monthly insurance benefits under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] which occurs, or which would have occurred had there not been a general benefit increase under that Act, pursuant to the automatic cost-of-living provisions of section 215(i) of that Act [42 U.S.C. 415(i)], that portion of the annuity of an individual which is computed under subsection (b) of this section shall, if such individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue on or before the effective date of a particular increase under this subdivision, be increased by 32.5 per centum of the percentage increase in the index which is used, or which would have been used had there not been a general benefit increase under the Social Security Act, in increasing benefits under the Social Security Act pursuant to the automatic cost-of-living provisions of section 215(i) of that Act. Any increase under this subsection shall not be deferred and shall be reflected in all payments made to annuitants after such increase under this subsection becomes effective.
(2) The first and, if necessary, the following time or times after January 1, 1983, that monthly insurance benefits under section 202 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402] are increased, that portion of the annuity of an individual which is computed under subsection (b) of this section as increased under subdivision (1) of this subsection shall, if such individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue in or before the year in which such first increase under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] became effective, be reduced by the dollar amount by which that portion of the annuity provided such individual under subsection (a) of this section was increased, after any reduction under subsection (m) of this section, as a result of such increase or increases under the Social Security Act until the total dollar amount of such reduction or reductions equals 5 per centum of the annuity amount provided such individual under subsection (a), as reduced under subsection (m), prior to such first increase. In no case shall the reduction by reason of this paragraph operate to reduce such portion to an amount less than $10.
(h) Increased annuities under subsections (a) and (b)
(1) The amount of the annuity provided under subsections (a) and (b) of this section of an individual who (A) will have (i) rendered service as an employee to an employer, or as an employee representative, during the calendar year 1974, or (ii) had a current connection with the railroad industry on December 31, 1974, or at the time his annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue, or (iii) completed twenty-five years of service prior to January 1, 1975, and (B) will have (i) completed ten years of service prior to January 1, 1975, and (ii) been permanently insured under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] on December 31, 1974, shall be increased by an amount equal to the amount by which (C) the sum of (i) the primary insurance amount to which such individual would have been entitled, upon the attainment of age 65 (or, if later, for January 1975), under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, if his service as an employee after December 31, 1936, and prior to January 1, 1975, were included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act and if he had no wages or self-employment income under that Act other than wages derived from such service as an employee, and (ii) the primary insurance amount to which such individual would have been entitled, upon the attainment of age 65 (or, if later, for January 1975), under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, on the basis of his wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under that Act prior to January 1, 1975, exceeds (D) the primary insurance amount to which such individual would have been entitled, upon the attainment of age 65 (or, if later, for January 1975), under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, on the basis of his wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under that Act prior to January 1, 1975, and on the basis of compensation derived from service as an employee after December 31, 1936, and prior to January 1, 1975, if such service as an employee had been included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act.
(2) The amount of the annuity provided under subsections (a) and (b) of this section to an individual who (A) will not have met the conditions set forth in subclause (i), (ii), or (iii) of clause (A) of subdivision (1) of this subsection, but (B) will have (i) completed ten years of service prior to January 1, 1975, and (ii) been permanently insured under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] as of December 31 of the calendar year prior to 1975 in which he last rendered service as an employee to an employer, or as an employee representative, shall be increased by an amount equal to the amount by which (C) the sum of (i) the primary insurance amount to which such individual would have been entitled, upon the attainment of age 65 (or, if later, for January 1975), under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, if his service as an employee after December 31, 1936, and prior to January 1, 1975, were included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act and if he had no wages or self-employment income under that Act other than wages derived from such service as an employee, and (ii) the primary insurance amount to which such individual would have been entitled, upon the attainment of age 65 (or, if later, for January 1975), under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, on the basis of his wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under that Act as of December 31 of the calendar year prior to 1975 in which he last performed service as an employee under this subchapter, exceeds (D) the primary insurance amount to which such individual would have been entitled, upon the attainment of age 65 (or, if later, for January 1975), under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, on the basis of his wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under that Act as of December 31 of the calendar year prior to 1975 in which he last performed service as an employee under this subchapter and on the basis of compensation derived from service as an employee after December 31, 1936, and prior to January 1, 1975, if such service as an employee had been included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act.
(3) The amount of the annuity provided under subsections (a) and (b) of this section of an individual who (A) will have (i) rendered service as an employee to an employer, or as an employee representative, during the calendar year 1974, or (ii) had a current connection with the railroad industry on December 31, 1974, or at the time his annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue, or (iii) completed twenty-five years of service prior to January 1, 1975, and (B) will have completed ten years of service prior to January 1, 1975, and is the wife, husband, widow, or widower of a person who will have been permanently insured under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] on December 31, 1974, shall be increased by an amount equal to the smaller of (C) the wife's, husband's, widow's, or widower's insurance benefit to which such individual would have been entitled, upon attaining age 65 (or, if later, for January 1975), under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, on the basis of such person's wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under that Act prior to January 1, 1975, or (D) the primary insurance amount to which such individual would have been entitled upon attaining age 65 (or, if later, for January 1975), under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under that Act prior to January 1, 1975, and on the basis of compensation derived from service as an employee after December 31, 1936, and prior to January 1, 1975, if such service as an employee had been included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act.
(4) The amount of the annuity provided under subsections (a) and (b) of this section of an individual who (A) will not have met the conditions set forth in subclause (i), (ii), or (iii) of clause (A) of subdivision (3) of this subsection, but (B) will have completed ten years of service prior to January 1, 1975, and is the wife, husband, widow, or widower of a person who will have been permanently insured under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] as of December 31 of the calendar year prior to 1975 in which such individual last rendered service as an employee to an employer, or as an employee representative, shall be increased by an amount equal to the smaller of (C) the wife's, husband's, widow's, or widower's insurance benefit to which such individual would have been entitled, upon attaining age 65 (or, if later, for January 1975), under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, on the basis of such person's wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under that Act as of December 31 of the calendar year prior to 1975 in which such individual last performed service as an employee under this subchapter or (D) the primary insurance amount to which such individual would have been entitled upon attaining age 65 (or, if later, for January 1975), under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under that Act as of December 31 of the calendar year prior to 1975 in which such individual last performed service as an employee under this subchapter and on the basis of compensation derived from service as an employee after December 31, 1936, and prior to January 1, 1975, if such service as an employee had been included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act.
(5) The amount computed under subdivision (1), (2), (3), or (4) of this subsection shall be increased by the same percentage, or percentages, as benefits under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] are increased, or would have been increased had there been no general benefit increases under the Social Security Act, pursuant to the automatic cost-of-living provisions of section 215(i) of that Act [42 U.S.C. 415(i)] during the period from January 1, 1975, to the earlier of the date on which the individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue or January 1, 1982.
(6) No amount shall be payable to an individual under subdivision (3) or (4) of this subsection unless the entitlement of such individual to such amount had been determined prior to August 13, 1981.
(i) Years of service
(1) The "years of service" of an individual shall include all his service subsequent to December 31, 1936.
(2) The "years of service" of an individual shall also include his voluntary or involuntary military service, within or without the United States, during any war service period: Provided, however, That such military service shall be included only if, prior to the beginning of his military service and in the same calendar year in which such military service began, or in the next preceding calendar year, the individual rendered service for compensation to an employer or to a person service to which is otherwise creditable under this subchapter, or lost time as an employee for which he received remuneration, or was serving as an employee representative: Provided further, That such military service shall be included only subject to and in accordance with the provisions of subdivisions (1) and (3) of this subsection in the same manner as though military service were service rendered as an employee: And provided further, That such military service rendered after December 1956 shall not be included with respect to any month if (A) any benefits are payable for that month under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] on the basis of such individual's wages and self-employment income, (B) such military service was included in the computation of such benefits, and (C) the inclusion of such military service in the computation of such benefits resulted (for that month) in benefits not otherwise payable or in an increase in the benefits otherwise payable: And provided further, That an individual who entered military service prior to a war service period shall not be regarded as having been in military service in a war service period with respect to any part of the period for which he entered such military service.
(3) The "years of service" of an individual who was an employee on August 29, 1935, shall, if the total number of his "years of service" as determined under subdivisions (1) and (2) is less than thirty, also include his service prior to January 1, 1937, but not so as to make his total years of service exceed thirty: Provided, however, That with respect to any such individual who rendered service to any employer subsequent to December 31, 1936, and who on August 29, 1935, was not an employee of an employer conducting the principal part of its business in the United States, no greater proportion of his service rendered prior to January 1, 1937, shall be included in his "years of service" than the proportion which his total compensation (without regard to any limitation on the amount of compensation otherwise provided in this subchapter) for service subsequent to December 31, 1936, rendered anywhere to an employer conducting the principal part of its business in the United States or rendered in the United States to any other employer bears to his total compensation (without regard to any limitation on the amount of compensation otherwise provided in this subchapter) for service rendered anywhere to an employer subsequent to December 31, 1936. Where the "years of service" include only part of the service prior to January 1, 1937, the part included shall be taken in reverse order beginning with the last calendar month of such service.
(4) Where for any calendar year after 1984 an individual has performed service for compensation in less than twelve months of the calendar year but has received compensation in excess of an amount determined by multiplying the number of months in the year in which such individual performed service for compensation by an amount equal to one-twelfth of the current maximum annual taxable "wages" as defined in section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 3121], the individual shall be deemed to have rendered service for compensation in that number of months in the calendar year, but not to exceed twelve, which is equal to the quotient of the amount of such individual's compensation for the calendar year divided by an amount equal to one-twelfth of the current maximum annual taxable "wages" as defined in section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, with any remainder produced by this computation increasing the quotient by one, but an individual shall not be deemed under this subdivision to have rendered service for compensation in any month in which such individual was neither in an employment relation to one or more employers nor an employee representative.
(j) Average monthly compensation
The "average monthly compensation" shall be computed in the manner specified in subsection (b) of this section, except (1) that with respect to service prior to January 1, 1937, the monthly compensation shall be the average compensation paid to an employee with respect to calendar months included in his years of service in the years 1924–1931, and (2) the amount of compensation paid or attributable as paid to him with respect to each month of service before September 1941 as a station employee whose duties consisted of or included the carrying of passengers' hand baggage and otherwise assisting passengers at passenger stations and whose remuneration for service to the employer was, in whole or in substantial part, in the forms of tips, shall be the monthly average of the compensation paid to him as a station employee in his months of service in the period September 1940 through August 1941: Provided, however, That where service in the period 1924 through 1931 in the one case, or in the period September 1940 through August 1941 in the other case, is, in the judgment of the Board, insufficient to constitute a fair and equitable basis for determing 1 the amount of compensation paid or attributable as paid to him in each month of service before 1937, or September 1941, respectively, the Board shall determine the amount of such compensation for each such month in such manner as in its judgment shall be fair and equitable. In computing the monthly compensation, no part of any month's compensation in excess of $300 for any month before July 1, 1954, or in excess of $350 for any month after June 30, 1954, and before June 1, 1959, or in excess of $400 for any month after May 31, 1959, and before November 1, 1963, or in excess of $450 for any month after October 31, 1963, and before October 1, 1965, or in excess of (i) $450, or (ii) an amount equal to one-twelfth of the current maximum annual taxable "wages" as defined in section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 3121], whichever is greater, for any month after September 30, 1965, shall be recognized. If for any calendar year after 1984 an employee has received compensation of less than one-twelfth of the current maximum annual taxable "wages" as defined in section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 in one or more months of the calendar year, the total compensation paid such employee in the calendar year (without regard to the limitation on the amount of compensation provided in the preceding sentence) shall be deemed to have been paid in equal proportions with respect to all months in the year in which the employee will have been in the service of one or more employers for compensation or will have performed service for compensation as an employee representative, but this sentence shall not operate to increase the employee's compensation for any month above an amount equal to one-twelfth of the current maximum annual taxable "wages" as defined in section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. If the employee earned compensation in service after June 30, 1937, and after the last day of the calendar year in which he attained age sixty-five, such compensation and service shall be disregarded in computing the average monthly compensation if the result of taking such compensation into account in such computation would be to diminish his annuity. Where an employee claims credit for months of service rendered within two years prior to his retirement from the service of an employer, with respect to which the employer's return pursuant to section 231h of this title has not been entered on the records of the Board before the employee's annuity could otherwise be certified for payment, the Board may, in its discretion (subject to subsequent adjustment at the request of the employee) include such months in the computation of the annuity without further verification and may consider the compensation for such months to be the average of the compensation for months in the last period for which the employer has filed a return of the compensation of such employee and such return has been entered on the records of the Board.
(k) Employee representatives
The annuity of an individual who shall have been an employee representative shall be determined in the same manner and with the same effect as if the employee organization by which he shall have been employed were an employer.
(l) Reductions for increased annuities
(1) Except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, if an annuity awarded under section 231a(a)(1)(iii) of this title or under section 231a(c)(2) of this title is increased or decreased either by a change in the law or by a recomputation, the reduction on account of age in the amount of such increase or decrease shall be computed as though such increased or decreased annuity amount had been in effect for and after the month in which the annuitant first became entitled to such annuity under section 231a(a)(1)(iii) or section 231a(c)(2) of this title.
(2) The reduction required under section 231a(a)(1)(iii) or section 231a(c)(2) of this title may be applied separately to each of the annuity amounts computed under subsections (a), (b), and (h) of this section and subsections (a), (b), and (e) of section 231c of this title. For this purpose, in any case in which an annuity amount was computed for an individual under the provisions of this subchapter or of Public Law 93–445 prior to October 1, 1981, an annuity amount computed under subsections (a), (b), (c), (d) and (h) of this section, subsection (a), (b), or (e) of section 231c of this title, and section 204 or section 206 of Public Law 93–445 shall be reduced by its proportionate share of the reduction on account of age. For purposes of the preceding sentence, annuity amounts computed for an individual under subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section prior to October 1981 shall be considered as one annuity amount.
(m) Reductions due to monthly social security payments
The annuity of any individual under subsection (a) of this section for any month shall, after any reduction pursuant to paragraph (iii) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title, be reduced, but not below zero, by the amount of any monthly benefit (before any deductions on account of work) payable to that individual for that month under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.].
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §3, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1319; amended Pub. L. 95–216, title III, §358(a), Dec. 20, 1977, 91 Stat. 1556; Pub. L. 96–582, §1, Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3374; Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1118, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 630; Pub. L. 98–76, title I, §§101(a), 102(a), 107(a), (b), title IV, §§404(1), (2), 405(a), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 411, 413, 418, 434, 435; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 107–90, title I, §§102(a), (c), 103(b), 104(a)(1), (2)(A), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 879, 880, 882.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (f), (g), (h)(1) to (5), (i)(2), and (m), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, referred to in subsec. (f)(2), is act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, 49 Stat. 867, as amended generally by act June 24, 1937, ch. 382, part I, 50 Stat. 307, which is classified principally to subchapter III (§228a et seq.) of this chapter. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 was amended generally and redesignated the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 is classified generally to this subchapter. For complete classification of these Acts to the Code, see Tables.
Section 3 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, referred to in subsec. (f)(2), which was classified to section 228c of this title, has been omitted from the Code.
Sections 204 and 206 of Public Law 93–445 (approved Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1352, 1354), referred to in subsec. (l)(2), are set out as part of the Transitional Provisions note under section 231 of this title.
Amendments
2001—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 107–90, §102(a), inserted after par. designation "For purposes of this subsection, individuals entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1)(ii) of this title shall, except for the purposes of recomputations in accordance with section 215(f) of the Social Security Act, be deemed to have attained retirement age (as defined by section 216(l) of the Social Security Act)."
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 107–90, §103(b), added par. (3).
Pub. L. 107–90, §102(c), struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "In lieu of an annuity amount provided under subdivision (1), the annuity of an individual entitled to an annuity under paragraph (ii) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title which begins to accrue before the individual attains age 62 shall be in an amount equal to—
"(i) for each month prior to the first month throughout which the individual is age 62, the amount (after any reduction on account of age but before any deductions on account of work) of the old-age insurance benefit to which such individual would have been entitled under the Social Security Act as of the date on which such individual's annuity begins to accrue if such individual had attained age 62 on the first day of the month in which his or her annuity begins to accrue and if all of such individual's service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term 'employment' as defined in that Act, using for purposes of this computation the number of benefit computation years applicable to a person born in the year in which such individual was born; and
"(ii) for months beginning with the first month throughout which the individual is age 62, the amount (after any reduction on account of age but before any deductions on account of work) of the old-age insurance benefit to which such individual would have been entitled under the Social Security Act if all of such individual's service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term 'employment' as defined in that Act."
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 107–90, §104(a)(1), (2)(A), redesignated pars. (2) and (3) as (1) and (2), respectively, struck out ", without regard to the provisions of subdivision (1) of this subsection," before "proportionately so as to equal" in first sentence of par. (1), and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "If the total amount of an individual's annuity and supplemental annuity computed under the preceding subsections of this section would, before any reductions on account of age, before any reduction due to such individual's entitlement to a monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act, and disregarding any increases in such total amount which become effective after the date on which such individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title begins to accrue, exceed an amount equal to the sum of (A) 100 per centum of his 'final average monthly compensation' up to an amount equal to 50 per centum of one-twelfth of the maximum annual taxable 'wages' (as defined in section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) for the calendar year in which such individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title begins to accrue, plus (B) 80 per centum of so much of his 'final average monthly compensation' as exceeds 50 per centum of one-twelfth of the maximum annual taxable 'wages' (as defined in section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) for the calendar year in which such individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title begins to accrue, the supplemental annuity of such individual first, and then, if necessary, the annuity amount of such individual as computed under subsection (b) of this section, shall be reduced until such total amount of such individual's annuity and supplemental annuity equals such sum or until such supplemental annuity and such annuity amount computed under subsection (b) of this section are reduced to zero, whichever occurs first: Provided, however, That the provisions of this subdivision shall not operate to reduce the total amount of an individual's annuity and supplemental annuity computed under the preceding subsections of this section below $1,200. For purposes of this subdivision, the 'final average monthly compensation' of an individual shall except as provided in the following sentence be determined by dividing the total compensation received by such individual in the two calendar years, consecutive or otherwise, in which he was credited with the highest total compensation during the ten-year period ending with December 31 of the year in which such individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title begins to accrue by 24. If the individual's 'average monthly compensation' is determined under subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section, the 'final average monthly compensation' for such individual shall be the average of the compensation for the 24 months in which the compensation determined for the purpose of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section is the highest. For purposes of this subdivision, the term 'compensation' shall include 'compensation' as defined in section 231(h) of this title, 'wages' as defined in section 209 of the Social Security Act, 'self-employment income' as defined in section 211(b) of the Social Security Act, and wages deemed to have been paid under section 217 or 229 of the Social Security Act on account of military service: Provided, however, That in no case shall the compensation with respect to any calendar month exceed the limitation on the compensation for such month prescribed in subsection (j) of this section. Wages and self-employment income included as compensation for purposes of this subdivision shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be presumed to have been paid in equal proportions with respect to all months in the calendar quarter in which credited, in the case of wages paid before 1978, or in equal proportions with respect to all months in the calendar year in which credited, in the case of self-employment income and in the case of wages paid after 1977."
1986—Subsecs. (f)(1), (2), (i)(4), (j). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954" wherever appearing.
1983—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–76, §101(a)(1), amended par. (2) generally, substituting provisions that for purposes of this subsection, individuals entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1)(iv) or (v) of this title shall be deemed to be entitled to a disability insurance benefit under section 223 of the Social Security Act, for provisions that for purposes of this subsection, individuals entitled to an annuity under paragraph (ii) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title would except for purposes of recomputations in accordance with the provisions of section 215(f) of the Social Security Act, be deemed to have attained age 65, and individuals entitled to an annuity under paragraph (iv) or (v) of such section 231a(a)(1) of this title would be deemed to be entitled to a disability insurance benefit under section 223 of the Social Security Act.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 98–76, §101(a)(2), added par. (3).
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 98–76, §404(1), inserted "except as provided in the following sentence" in sentence relating to the determination of the "final average monthly compensation" of an individual.
Pub. L. 98–76, §404(2), inserted "If the individual's 'average monthly compensation' is determined under subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section, the 'final average monthly compensation' for such individual shall be the average of the compensation for the 24 months in which the compensation determined for the purpose of subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section is the highest."
Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 98–76, §405(a), in first sentence, inserted "and divorced wife" after "of the spouse", and substituted "the annuities of the individual and spouse" for "such annuity or annuities".
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 98–76, §102(a), amended subsec. (g) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (g) read as follows: "Effective with the month of June for any year after 1981, that portion of the annuity of an individual which is computed under subsection (b) of this section shall, if such individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue on or before June 1 of such year, be increased by 32.5 per centum of the percentage increase, if any (rounded to the nearest one-tenth of 1 per centum), obtained by comparing (A) the unadjusted Consumer Price Index for the calendar quarter ending March 31 of such year with (B) the higher of (i) such index for the calendar quarter ending March 31 of the year immediately preceding such year or (ii) such index for the calendar quarter ending March 31 of any preceding year after 1980. The unadjusted Consumer Price Index for any calendar quarter shall be the arithmetical mean of such index for the three months in such quarter."
Subsec. (i)(4). Pub. L. 98–76, §107(a), added par. (4).
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 98–76, §107(b), inserted provision that if for any calendar year after 1984 an employee has received compensation of less than one-twelfth of the current maximum annual taxable "wages" as defined in section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 in one or more months of the calendar year, the total compensation paid such employee in the calendar year (without regard to the limitation on the amount of compensation provided in the preceding sentence) shall be deemed to have been paid in equal proportions with respect to all months in the year in which the employee will have been in the service of one or more employers for compensation or will have performed service for compensation as an employee representative, but this sentence shall not operate to increase the employee's compensation for any month above an amount equal to one-twelfth of the current maximum annual taxable "wages" as defined in section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
1981—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(a), substituted new criteria for computation of increase in annuity of an individual provided under subsec. (a) of this section.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(b), repealed subsec. (c) which provided for amount of increase of annuity of an individual entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title and who rendered service as an employee to an employer, or as an employee representative subsequent to Dec. 31, 1974.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(b), repealed subsec. (d) which prescribed a formula for increase in amount of annuity of an individual provided for in other provisions of this section.
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(c)(2), substituted "such individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title begins to accrue, exceed an amount equal to the sum of (A)" for "such begins to accrue, exceed an amount equal to the sum of individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title (A)".
Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(c)(1), substituted "subsection (b) of this section" for "subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section" in two places.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(d), substituted new formula for increase of portion of annuity of an individual computed under subsec. (b) of this section for formula for increase of portions of annuity of an individual computed under subsecs. (b) and (d) of this section, and revised effective dates for such increases.
Subsec. (h)(1) to (4). Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(e)(1), substituted "subsections (a) and (b) of this section" for "subsections (a) through (d) of this section" in subdivs. (1) to (4).
Subsec. (h)(5). Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(e)(2), substituted "January 1, 1975, to the earlier of the date on which the individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue or January 1, 1982" for "January 1, 1975, to the date on which the individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue".
Subsec. (h)(6). Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(e)(3), added subdiv. (6).
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(f), substituted definition of average monthly compensation by reference to computation in manner specified in subsec. (b) of this section, for definition by reference to average compensation paid to an employee with respect to calendar months included in his years of service, and struck out provision rounding to next lower multiple of $1 if average monthly compensation is not a multiple of $1.
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(g), designated existing provisions as subdiv. (1), substituted provisions that except as provided in subdiv. (2) of this subsection, if an annuity awarded under section 231a(a)(1)(iii) or under section 231a(c)(2) of this title is increased or decreased either by a change in law or by a recomputation, the reduction on account of age in the amount of such increase or decrease shall be computed as though such increased or decreased annuity amount had been in effect for and after month in which annuitant first became entitled to such annuity under section 231a(a)(1)(iii) or section 231a(c)(2) of this title, for provisions that in cases where an annuity awarded under section 231a(a)(1)(iii) or under section 231a(c)(2) of this title is increased either by a change in law or by a recomputation, the reduction for the increase in the annuity shall be determined separately and period with respect to which the reduction applies shall be determined as if such increase were a separate annuity payable for and after first month for which such increase is effective, and added subdiv. (2).
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(h)(2), inserted "(before any deductions on account of work)" after "monthly benefit".
Pub. L. 97–35, §1118(h)(1), substituted "shall, after any reduction pursuant to paragraph (iii) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title, be reduced" for "shall be reduced".
1980—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 96–582 designated existing provisions as subdiv. (1) and added subdiv. (2).
1977—Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 95–216 substituted "Wages and self-employment income included as compensation for purposes of this subdivision shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be presumed to have been paid in equal proportions with respect to all months in the calendar quarter in which credited, in the case of wages paid before 1978, or in equal proportions with respect to all months in the calendar year in which credited, in the case of self-employment income and in the case of wages paid after 1977" for "Wages and self-employment income included as compensation for purposes of this subdivision shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be presumed to have been paid in equal proportions with respect to all months in the calendar quarter in which credited in the case of wages, or in equal proportions with respect to all months in the calendar year in which credited, in the case of self-employment income".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2001 Amendment
Amendment by section 102 of Pub. L. 107–90 applicable to annuities that begin to accrue on or after Jan. 1, 2002, with exception for amount of the annuity provided for a spouse under section 231c(a) of this title, see section 102(d) of Pub. L. 107–90, set out as a note under section 231c of this title.
Amendment by section 103(b) of Pub. L. 107–90 effective Jan. 1, 2002, see section 103(j) of Pub. L. 107–90, set out as a note under section 405 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Pub. L. 107–90, title I, §104(c), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 882, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 231c and 231f of this title] shall take effect on January 1, 2002, and shall apply to annuity amounts accruing for months after December 2001."
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Pub. L. 98–76, title I, §101(c), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 412, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending sections 231b and 231c of this title] shall become effective on July 1, 1984, and shall apply only with respect to awards in cases where the individual's annuity under section 2(a)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [45 U.S.C. 231a(a)(1)] began to accrue on or after that date and the individual had not completed thirty years of service and attained age 60 prior to that date. In the case of an individual who has completed thirty years of service and has attained age 60 before January 1, 1986, the amount of the reduction on account of age in the annuity amount provided to such individual under section 3(a)(3) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [subsec. (a)(3) of this section] and the amount of the reduction on account of age in the annuity amount provided to the spouse of such individual under subdivision (3) of section 4(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [45 U.S.C. 231c(a)(3)] shall be only one-half of the amount by which such annuity would be reduced on account of age except for the provisions of this sentence."
Pub. L. 98–76, title I, §102(d), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 415, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending sections 231b and 231c of this title] shall be effective on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 12, 1983]. For purposes of the amendments made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section], annuity portions computed under subsections (b) and (d) of section 3 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [subsecs. (b) and (d) of this section] as in effect before October 1, 1981, shall be treated as having been computed under subsection (b) of such section as in effect after that date."
Pub. L. 98–76, title I, §107(c), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 419, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall become effective on January 1, 1985."
Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §404(c), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 435, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall be effective October 1, 1983, and shall apply with respect to annuities awarded on or after that date."
Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §405(b), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 435, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall be effective October 1, 1981."
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by section 1118(a), (d) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective on the later of Oct. 1, 1981, and the date, after July 1, 1981, on which there is an increase in the rate of any tax imposed under chapter 22 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and applicable only with respect to annuities awarded on or after such date, amendment by section 1118(b), (g) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Oct. 1, 1981, amendment by section 1118(c)(2) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Jan. 1, 1975, amendment by section 1118(e)(3) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Aug. 31, 1981, amendment by section 1118(h)(2) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Jan. 1, 1982, and amendment by other provisions of section 1118 of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Oct. 1, 1981 and applicable only with respect to annuities awarded on or after Oct. 1, 1981, see section 1129 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 231 of this title.
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Pub. L. 96–582, §3, Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3374, provided that: "The provisions of this Act [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 1980]."
Effective Date of 1977 Amendment
Pub. L. 95–216, title III, §358(b), Dec. 20, 1977, 91 Stat. 1556, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall be effective January 1, 1978."
1 So in original. Probably should be "determining".
§231c. Computation of spouse and survivor annuities
(a) Amount of spouses' annuities; age
(1) The annuity of a spouse or divorced wife of an individual under section 231a(c) of this title shall be in an amount equal to the amount (before any reduction on account of age and before any deductions on account of work) of the wife's insurance benefit or the husband's insurance benefit to which such spouse or divorced wife would have been entitled under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] if such individual's service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act.
(2) For purposes of this subsection, a spouse entitled to an annuity under section 231a(c)(1)(ii)(B) of this title shall be deemed to have attained retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(l)] 1.
(3) If a spouse entitled to an annuity under section 231a(c)(1)(ii)(A), section 231a(c)(1)(ii)(C), or section 231a(c)(2) of this title or a divorced spouse entitled to an annuity under section 231a(c)(4) of this title on the basis of the employment record of an employee who will have completed less than 10 years of service is entitled to a benefit under section 202(a), section 202(b), or section 202(c) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402(a), (b), (c)] which began to accrue before the annuity under section 231a(c)(1)(ii)(A), section 231a(c)(1)(ii)(C), section 231a(c)(2), or section 231a(c)(4) of this title, the annuity amount provided under this subsection shall be computed as though the annuity under this subchapter began to accrue on the later of (A) the date on which the benefit under section 202(a), section 202(b), or section 202(c) of the Social Security Act began or (B) the first date on which the annuitant met the conditions for entitlement to an age reduced annuity under this subchapter other than the conditions set forth in sections 231a(e)(1) and 231a(e)(2) of this title and the requirement that an application be filed.
(b) Increases in spouses' annuities in accordance with section 231b(b), (c), (d) of this title
The amount of the annuity of a spouse of an individual provided under subsection (a) of this section shall be increased by an amount equal to 45 per centum of that portion of the individual's annuity as is computed under subsection (b) of section 231b of this title: Provided, however, That if the spouse is entitled to an annuity amount provided by subsection (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this section, the amount of such spouse's annuity provided by the preceding provisions of this subsection shall be reduced by the amount by which the amount computed in accordance with the provisions of clause (C) of subsection (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this section was increased by the Social Security Amendments of 1965, 1967, and 1969, disregarding (A) the amount of any such increase resulting from the Social Security Amendments of 1967 equal to, or less than, the excess of $5 over 5.8 per centum of the lesser of (i) the amount computed under clause (C) of subsection (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this section before any increases derived from legislation enacted after the Social Security Amendments of 1967 or (ii) the amount of the spouse's annuity to which such spouse would have been entitled under section 2(e) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228b(e)], without regard to section 3(a)(2) of that Act [45 U.S.C. 228c(a)(2)] or to increases derived from legislation enacted after 1968 and before any reduction on account of age, on the basis of the individual's compensation and years of service prior to January 1, 1975, and (B) the amount of any such increase resulting from the Social Security Amendments of 1969 equal to, or less than, $5: Provided further, That if the spouse is entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title, the amount of the annuity of such spouse under this subsection shall,2 be increased by an amount equal to the amount by which the amount of the annuity of such spouse provided under subsection (a) of this section was reduced by reason of the provisions of subsection (i)(2) of this section (disregarding, for this purpose, any increase in such reduction which becomes effective after the later of the date such spouse's annuity under section 231a(c) of this title began to accrue or the date such spouse's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue). The Board shall have the authority to approximate the amount of any reduction prescribed by the first proviso of this subsection.
(c) Repealed. Pub. L. 107–90, title I, §104(b), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 882
(d) Increases in spouses' annuities in accordance with section 231b(g) of this title
(1) That portion of the annuity of the spouse of an individual as is determined under subsection (b) and (c) of this section shall be increased by the same percentage, or percentages, as the individual's annuity is, or has been, increased pursuant to the provisions of section 231b(g)(1) of this title.
(2) That portion of the annuity of the spouse of an individual as is determined under subsection (b) of this section prior to any determination under subsection (c) of this subsection 3 shall, if the annuity of such spouse is not subject to reduction under subdivision (3) of this subsection, be reduced by an amount equal to 50 per centum of the dollar amount by which the annuity of the individual was reduced under section 231b(g)(2) of this title. In no case shall the reduction by reason of this paragraph operate to reduce such portion to an amount less than $10.
(3) The first and, if necessary, the following time or times after January 1, 1983, that monthly insurance benefits under section 202 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402] are increased, that portion of the annuity of the spouse of an individual as is determined under subsections (b), (c), and (d)(1) of this section shall, if such spouse's annuity under section 231a(c) of this title began to accrue in or before the year in which such first increase under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] became effective, be reduced by the dollar amount by which that portion of the annuity provided such spouse under subsection (a) of this section was increased, after any reduction under subsection (i) of this section, as a result of such increase or increases under the Social Security Act until the total dollar amount of such reduction or reductions equals 5 per centum of the annuity amount provided such spouse under subsection (a), as reduced under subsection (i), prior to such first increase. In no case shall the reduction by reason of this paragraph operate to reduce such portion to an amount less than $10.
(e) Increases in particular spouses' annuities
(1) The amount of the annuity of the spouse of an individual determined under subsections (a) and (b) of this section, if (A) such individual will have (i) rendered service as an employee to an employer, or as an employee representative, during the calendar year 1974, or (ii) had a current connection with the railroad industry on December 31, 1974, or at the time his annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue, or (iii) completed twenty-five years of service prior to January 1, 1975, and (B) such individual will have completed ten years of service prior to January 1, 1975, and such spouse will have been permanently insured under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] on December 31, 1974, shall be increased by an amount equal to the smaller of (C) the primary insurance amount to which such spouse would have been entitled, upon attaining age 65, under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, on the basis of her or his wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under that Act prior to January 1, 1975, or (D) the wife's or husband's insurance benefit to which such spouse would have been entitled, upon attaining age 65, under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, if such individual's service as an employee after December 31, 1936, and prior to January 1, 1975, were included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act, if such individual had no wages or self-employment income under the Act other than wages derived from such service as an employee, and if such spouse were entitled to no other benefit under that Act: Provided, however, That the increase under the provisions of this subdivision shall not be less than 50 per centum of the portion of the annuity, if any, of such individual determined under the provisions of section 231b(h)(1) of this title prior to any increases under the provisions of section 231b(h)(5) of this title.
(2) The amount of the annuity of the spouse of an individual determined under subsections (a) and (b) of this section, if (A) such individual will not have met the conditions set forth in subclause (i), (ii), or (iii) of clause (A) of subdivision (1) of this subsection, but (B) such individual will have completed ten years of service prior to January 1, 1975, and such spouse will have been permanently insured under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] as of December 31 of the calendar year prior to 1975 in which such individual last rendered service as an employee, shall be increased by an amount equal to the smaller of (C) the primary insurance amount to which such spouse would have been entitled, upon attaining age 65,under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, on the basis of his or her wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under that Act as of December 31 of the calendar year prior to 1975 in which such individual last rendered service as an employee or (D) the wife's or husband's insurance benefit to which such spouse would have been entitled, upon attaining age 65, under the provisions of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, if such individual's service as an employee after December 31, 1936, and prior to January 1, 1975, were included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act, if such individual had no wages or self-employment income under that Act other than wages derived from such service as an employee, and if such spouse were entitled to no other benefit under that Act: Provided, however, That the increase under the provisions of this subdivision shall not be less than 50 per centum of the portion of the annuity, if any, of such individual determined under the provisions of section 231b(h)(2) of this title prior to any increases under the provisions of section 231b(h)(5) of this title.
(3) The amount of the annuity of the spouse of an individual determined under subsections (a) and (b) of this section, if (A) such individual is entitled to an amount determined under the provisions of section 231b(h)(1) or 231b(h)(2) of this title and (B) such spouse is not entitled to an amount determined under the provisions of subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection, shall be increased by an amount equal to 50 per centum of the portion of the annuity of such individual determined under the provisions of section 231b(h)(1) or 231b(h)(2) of this title prior to any increases under the provisions of section 231b(h)(5) of this title.
(4) The amount determined under the provisions of subdivision (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection shall be increased by the same percentage or percentages, as wife's and husband's insurance benefits under section 202 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402] are increased, or would have been increased had there been no general benefit increases under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.], pursuant to the automatic cost-of-living provisions of section 215(i) of that Act [42 U.S.C. 415(i)], during the period from January 1, 1975, to the earlier of the date on which the individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue or January 1, 1982.
(5) No amount shall be payable to a person under subdivision (1), (2), or (3) of this subsection unless the entitlement of such person to such amount had been determined prior to August 13, 1981.
(f) Amount of survivors' annuities; age; entitlement
(1) The annuity of a survivor of a deceased employee under section 231a(d) of this title shall be in an amount equal to the amount (before any deductions on account of work) of the widow's insurance benefit, widower's insurance benefit, mother's insurance benefit, parent's insurance benefit, or child's insurance benefit, whichever is applicable, to which he or she would have been entitled under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] if such deceased employee's service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act. In the case of a widow or widower who is entitled to an annuity under section 231a(d) of this title solely on the basis of railroad service which was performed prior to January 1, 1937, the amount provided under this section with respect to any month shall not be less than the first amount appearing in column IV of the table appearing in section 215(a) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 415(a)] as in effect on December 31, 1974, after reduction in accordance with the provisions of section 202(k) and 202(q) of that Act [42 U.S.C. 402(k), (q)] in the same manner as would be applicable to a widow's insurance benefit or widower's insurance benefit payable under section 202(e) or 202(f) of that Act.
(2) For purposes of this subsection—
(i) a widow or widower or a parent who is entitled to an annuity based on age under section 231a(d)(1) of this title and who has not attained age 62 shall be deemed to be age 62: Provided, however, That the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply in the case of a widow or widower who was entitled to an annuity under section 231a(d)(1) of this title on the basis of disability for the month before the month in which he or she attained age 60,
(ii) a widow or widower or a child who is entitled to an annuity under section 231a(d)(1) of this title on the basis of disability shall be deemed to be entitled to a widow's insurance benefit, a widower's insurance benefit, or a child's insurance benefit under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] on the basis of disability, and
(iii) The 4 provisions of paragraphs (i) and (ii) of this subdivision shall not apply to the annuity of a widow, surviving divorced wife, or surviving divorced mother who is entitled to such annuity on the basis of the provisions of section 231a(d)(1)(v) of this title.
(3) The annuity amount provided to a widow or widower under last sentence of subdivision (1) shall be increased by the same percentage or percentages as insurance benefits payable under section 202 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402] are increased after the date on which such annuity begins to accrue.
(g) Increases in survivor's annuities in accordance with subsection (f)
(1) The amount of the annuity provided under subsection (f)(1) (other than the last sentence thereof) for a survivor of a deceased individual shall be increased by an amount equal to the appropriate one of the following percentages of that portion of the annuity computed under section 231b(b) of this title, before any reduction on account of age and without regard to any reduction under section 231b(g)(2) of this title, to which such deceased individual would have been entitled for the month such survivor's annuity under section 231a(d) of this title began to accrue if such individual were living (deeming for this purpose that if such individual died before becoming entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title, such individual became entitled to an annuity under subdivision (i) of such section 231a(a)(1) of this title in the month in which such individual died):
(i) In the case of a widow or widower, the increase shall be equal to 50 per centum of such portion of the deceased individual's annuity, but the amount of the annuity so determined shall be subject to reduction on account of age in the same manner as is applicable to the annuity amount determined for the widow or widower under subsection (f) and shall be subject to increase as provided in subdivision (4) of this subsection.
(ii) In the case of a parent, the increase shall be equal to 35 per centum of such portion of the deceased individual's annuity.
(iii) In the case of a child, the increase shall be equal to 15 per centum of such portion of the deceased individual's annuity.
(2) Whenever the total amount of the increases based on the deceased individual's portion of the annuity under section 231b(b) of this title as determined under subdivision (1) of this subsection for all survivors of a deceased employee is—
(i) less than an amount equal to 35 per centum of such portion of the deceased individual's annuity, the total increase shall, before any deductions under section 231a(g) of this title, be increased proportionately until the total increase is equal to 35 per centum of such portion of the deceased individual's annuity; or
(ii) more than an amount equal to 80 per centum of such portion of the deceased individual's annuity, the total increase shall, before any deductions under section 231a(g) of this title and before any reduction on account of age, be reduced proportionately until the total increase is equal to 80 per centum of such portion of the deceased individual's annuity.
(3) An annuity determined under this subsection for a month prior to the month in which application is filed, shall be reduced to any extent that may be necessary so that it will not render erroneous any annuity which, before the filing of such application, the Board has certified for payment for such prior month.
(4) If a widow or widower of a deceased employee is entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title and if either such widow or widower or such deceased employee will have completed 10 years of service prior to January 1, 1975, the amount of the annuity of such widow or widower under subdivisions (1) through (3) of this subsection shall be increased by an amount equal to the amount, if any, by which (A) the widow's or widower's insurance annuity to which such widow or widower would have been entitled, upon attaining age 65, under section 5(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228e(a)] as in effect on December 31, 1974 (without regard to the proviso of that section or the first proviso of section 3(e) of that Act [45 U.S.C. 228c(e)] on the basis of the deceased employee's remuneration and service prior to January 1, 1975, increased by the same percentage, or percentages, as widow's and widower's insurance benefits under section 202 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402] are increased during the period from January 1, 1975, to the later of the date on which such widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue or the date on which such widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(d)(1) of this title began to accrue, exceeds (B) the total of the annuity amounts to which such widow or widower was entitled (after any reductions pursuant to subsection (i)(2) of this section but before any deductions on account of work) under the preceding provisions of this subsection, subsection (f) of this section, and the amount determined under subsection (h) of this section, before the proviso, as of the later of the date on which such widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue or the date on which such widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(d)(1) of this title began to accrue. If a widow or widower of a deceased employee is not entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title or to an old-age insurance benefit or a disability insurance benefit under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.], the amount of the annuity to which such widow or widower is entitled under this subsection shall not be less than an amount which would cause the total of the annuity amounts to which such widow or widower is entitled (before any deductions on account of work) under this subsection and subsection (f)(1) of this section to equal the total of the annuity amounts to which such widow or widower was entitled (or would have been entitled except for the provisions of sections 231a(e) and 231a(f) of this title) as a spouse under subsections (a), (b), and (e) of this section (after any reduction on account of age) in the month preceding the employee's death. If a widow or widower of a deceased employee is entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title or to an old-age insurance benefit or a disability insurance benefit under the Social Security Act, the amount of the annuity to which such widow or widower is entitled under this subsection shall not be less than an amount which would cause (A) the total of the annuity amounts to which such widow or widower is entitled (after any reductions pursuant to section 202(k) or 202(q) of the Social Security Act or subsection (i)(2) of this section but before any deductions on account of work) under this subsection and subsection (f) of this section to equal (B)(i) the total of the annuity amounts, if any, to which such widow or widower was entitled (or would have been entitled except for the provisions of sections 231a(e) and 231a(f) of this title) as a spouse under subsections (a), (b), and (e) of this section (after any reduction on account of age) in the month preceding the employee's death less (ii), if such widow or widower is entitled to an old-age insurance benefit or a disability insurance benefit under the Social Security Act but was not entitled to such a benefit in the month preceding the employee's death, the amount by which the annuity amount payable under subsection (a) of this section to such widow or widower as a spouse in the month preceding the employee's death would have been reduced by reason of section 202(k) or 202(q) of the Social Security Act if such widow or widower had been entitled to an old-age insurance benefit or a disability insurance benefit under the Social Security Act in the month preceding the employee's death in an amount equal to the amount of such benefit at the time such benefit first began to accrue to such widow or widower.
(5) This subsection shall not apply to the annuity of a widow, surviving divorced wife, or surviving divorced mother who is entitled to such annuity on the basis of the provisions of section 231a(d)(1)(v) of this title.
(6) That portion of the annuity of a survivor of an individual determined under subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection shall be increased whenever, and by the same percentage or percentages as, the annuity of the individual would have been increased pursuant to section 231b(g)(1) of this title if such individual were still living.
(7) The first and, if necessary, the following time or times after January 1, 1983, that monthly insurance benefits under section 202 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402] are increased, that portion of the annuity of a survivor of a deceased individual as is determined under subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection, or under this subsection as in effect before amendment by section 1119(g) of Public Law 97–35, shall, if such survivor's annuity under section 231a(d) of this title began to accrue before the effective date of such first increase under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.], be reduced by the dollar amount by which that portion of the annuity provided such survivor under subsection (f) of this section was increased, after any reduction under subsection (i) of this section, as a result of such increase or increases under the Social Security Act until the total dollar amount of such reduction or reductions equals 5 per centum of the annuity amount provided such survivor under subsection (f), as reduced under subsection (i), prior to such first increase. In no case shall the reduction by reason of this paragraph operate to reduce such portion to an amount less than $10.
(8) That portion of the annuity of a survivor of a deceased individual as is determined under subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection shall, if the annuity of such survivor is not subject to reduction under subdivision (7) of this subsection, be reduced by an amount equal to the dollar amount by which the annuity of the deceased individual was reduced under section 231b(g)(2) of this title or would have been reduced under such section 231b(g)(2) of this title if such deceased individual had been living at the time such survivor's annuity under section 231a(d) of this title began to accrue (deeming for this purpose, if such individual died before becoming entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title, that such individual became entitled to an annuity under paragraph (i) of such section 231a(a)(1) of this title in the month in which such individual died). In a case where the survivor of a deceased individual is not entitled to a monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.], the reduction provided by the preceding sentence of this subdivision shall be equal to the dollar amount by which the annuity of the deceased individual would have been reduced under section 231b(g)(2) of this title if the annuity of such deceased individual had not been subject to reduction under section 231b(m) of this title. In no case shall the reduction by reason of this paragraph operate to reduce such portion to an amount less than $10.
(9) That portion of the annuity of a survivor of a deceased individual as is determined under this subsection as in effect before amendment by section 1119(g) of Public Law 97–35 shall, if the annuity of such survivor is not subject to reduction under subdivision (7) of this subsection, be reduced by an amount equal to the dollar amount by which the annuity of the deceased individual was reduced under section 231b(g)(2) of this title or, if such survivor is not entitled to a monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.], would have been reduced under such section 231b(g)(2) of this title if the annuity of such deceased individual had not been subject to reduction under section 231b(m) of this title. In no case shall the reduction by reason of this paragraph operate to reduce such portion to an amount less than $10.
(10)(i) If for any month the unreduced annuity provided under this section for a widow or widower is less than the widow's or widower's initial minimum amount computed pursuant to paragraph (ii) of this subdivision, the unreduced annuity shall be increased to that initial minimum amount. For the purposes of this subdivision, the unreduced annuity is the annuity without regard to any deduction on account of work, without regard to any reduction for entitlement to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title, without regard to any reduction for entitlement to a benefit under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.], and without regard to any reduction for entitlement to a public service pension pursuant to section 202(e)(7), 202(f)(2), or 202(g)(4) of the Social Security Act.5
(ii) For the purposes of this subdivision, the widow or widower's initial minimum amount is the amount of the unreduced annuity computed at the time an annuity is awarded to that widow or widower, except that—
(A) in subsection (g)(1)(i) "100 per centum" shall be substituted for "50 per centum"; and
(B) in subsection (g)(2)(ii) "130 per centum" shall be substituted for "80 per centum" both places it appears.
(iii) If a widow or widower who was previously entitled to a widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(d)(1)(ii) of this title becomes entitled to a widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(d)(1)(i) of this title, a new initial minimum amount shall be computed at the time of award of the widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(d)(1)(i) of this title.
(h) Increases in particular widows' and widowers' annuities
(1) The amount of the annuity of the widow or widower of a deceased employee determined under subsections (f) and (g) of this section, if such deceased employee will have completed ten years of service prior to January 1, 1975, and such widow or widower will have been permanently insured under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] of 6 December 31, 1974, shall be increased by an amount equal to the amount, if any, by which (A) the widow's or widower's insurance annuity to which such widow or widower would have been entitled, upon attaining age 65, under section 5(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228e(a)] as in effect on December 31, 1974 (without regard to the proviso of that section or the first proviso of section 3(e) of that Act [45 U.S.C. 228c(e)]), on the basis of the deceased employee's remuneration and service prior to January 1, 1975, increased by the same percentage, or percentages, as widow's and widower's insurance benefits under section 202 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402] are increased during the period from January 1, 1975, to January 1, 1982 or, if earlier, to the later of the date on which such widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(d)(1) of this title began to accrue or the date beginning the first month for which such widow or widower is entitled to an old age insurance benefit or disability insurance benefit under the Social Security Act, exceeds (B) the total of the annuity amounts to which such widow or widower was entitled (after any reductions pursuant to section 202(k) or 202(q) of the Social Security Act and subsection (i)(2) of this section but before any deductions on account of work) under subsections (f) and (g) of this section as to the later of the date on which such widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(d)(1) of this title began to accrue or the date beginning the first month for which such widow or widower is entitled to an old-age insurance benefit or disability insurance benefit under the Social Security Act: Provided, however, That, if a widow or widower was entitled (or would have been entitled except for the provisions of section 231a(e) or 231a(f) of this title) to an annuity amount under subdivision (1) or (2) of subsection (e) of this section in the month preceding the employee's death, the amount of the annuity to which such widow or widower is entitled under this subsection shall not be less than an amount which would cause (A) the total of the annuity amounts to which such widow or widower is entitled (after any reductions pursuant to section 202(k) or 202(q) of the Social Security Act but before any deductions on account of work) under subsections (f) and (g) of this section and the preceding provisions of this subsection as of the date such widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(d)(1) of this title began to accrue to equal (B) the total of the annuity amounts to which such widow or widower was entitled (or would have been entitled except for the provisions of section 231a(e) or 231a(f) of this title) as a spouse under subsections (a), (b), and (e) of this section (after any reductions on account of age) in the month preceding the employee's death.
(2) Subdivision (1) of this subsection shall not apply to the annuity of a widow, surviving divorced wife, or surviving divorced mother who is entitled to such annuity on the basis of the provisions of section 231a(d)(1)(v) of this title. No amount shall be payable to a person under subdivision (1) of this subsection unless the entitlement of such person to such amount had been determined prior to August 13, 1981.
(i) Reductions in survivors' annuities
(1) The annuity of any spouse or divorced wife under subsection (a) of this section for any month shall, after a reduction pursuant to section 231a(c)(2) of this title be reduced, but not below zero, by the amount of any insurance benefit (before any deduction on account of work) payable to such spouse or divorced wife for that month under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.].
(2) If a spouse or divorced wife entitled to an annuity under section 231a(c) of this title or a survivor entitled to an annuity under section 231a(d) of this title for any month is also entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title for such month, the annuity amount of such spouse or divorced wife determined under subsection (a) of this section or of such survivor under subsection (f) of this section shall, after any reduction pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection, be reduced by the amount of the annuity of such spouse or divorced wife or such survivor determined under section 231b(a) of this title.
(3) The annuity of any survivor under subsection (f) of this section shall be reduced, but not below zero, by the amount of any insurance benefit (before any deduction on account of work) payable to such survivor under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.], unless in computing the amount under subsection (f) a reduction was made for such insurance benefit pursuant to section 202(k) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402(k)].
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §4, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I; 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1327; amended Pub. L. 94–547, §2(a), (b), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2524; Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, § 1119, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 632; Pub. L. 98–76, title I, §§101(b), 102(b), (c), 106(h), title IV, §§406(a), 407(a), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 411, 413, 414, 418, 435; Pub. L. 107–90, title I, §§101(a), 102(b), (c), 103(e), 104(b), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 878, 879, 881, 882.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (d)(3), (e)(1), (2), (4), (f)(1), (2)(ii), (g)(4), (7) to (10), (h)(1), and (i)(1), (3), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Title II of the Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42. Sections 202(e)(7), 202(f)(2), and 202(g)(4) of the Act probably mean subsecs. (e)(7), (f)(2), and (g)(4) of section 202 of the Act as classified to subsecs. (e)(7), (f)(2), and (g)(4) of section 402 of Title 42, respectively, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 108–203, title IV, §418(b)(3)(B), (4)(A)(i), (5)(B), Mar. 2, 2004, 118 Stat. 532, 533. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Social Security Amendments of 1965, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 89–97, July 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 286. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1965 Amendment note set out under section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Social Security Amendments of 1967, referred to in subsec. (b), is Pub. L. 90–248, Jan. 2, 1968, 81 Stat. 821. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1968 Amendment note set out under section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Social Security Amendments of 1969, referred to in subsec. (b), is title X of Pub. L. 91–172, Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 737, which amended sections 401, 402, 403, 415, 427, and 428 of Title 42, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 401, 402, 403, 415, and 427 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1969 Amendment note set out under section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
Sections 2, 3, and 5 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, referred to in subsecs. (b), (g)(4), and (h)(1), which were classified to sections 228b, 228c, and 228e of this title, have been omitted from the Code.
Section 1119(g) of Public Law 97–35, referred to in subsec. (g)(7), (9), amended subsec. (g) of this section generally. See 1981 Amendment note below.
Amendments
2001—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 107–90, §102(b), substituted "a spouse entitled to an annuity under section 231a(c)(1)(ii)(B) of this title" for "if an individual is entitled to an annuity under paragraph (ii) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title which did not begin to accrue before such individual attained age 62, the spouse of such individual entitled to annuity under clause (B) of paragraph (ii) of section 231a(c)(1) of this title".
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 107–90, §103(e), added par. (3).
Pub. L. 107–90, §102(c), struck out par. (3) which read as follows: "In the case of an individual entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1)(ii) of this title which began to accrue before such individual attained age 62, the annuity of the spouse of such individual under section 231a(c) of this title shall, in lieu of an annuity amount provided under subdivision (1), be in an amount equal to—
"(i) for each month prior to the first month throughout which both the individual and the spouse are age 62, 50 per centum of that portion of the individual's annuity as is, or was prior to such individual's attaining age 62, computed under section 231b(a)(3)(i) of this title, reduced to the same extent such amount would be reduced under section 202(b)(4) of the Social Security Act (in the case of a wife) or under section 202(c)(2) of the Social Security Act (in the case of a husband) as if such amount were a wife's insurance benefit or a husband's insurance benefit, respectively, under such Act; and
"(ii) for months beginning with the first month throughout which both the individual and the spouse are age 62, the amount (after any reduction on account of age based on the spouse's age at the time the amount under this paragraph first becomes payable but before any deductions on account of work) of the wife's insurance benefit or the husband's insurance benefit to which such spouse would have been entitled under the Social Security Act if the individual's service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term 'employment' as defined in that Act."
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 107–90, §102(c), struck out par. (4) which read as follows: "In the case of an individual entitled to an annuity under paragraph (iv) or (v) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title, the annuity of the spouse of such individual entitled to an annuity under section 231a(c)(1)(ii)(B) of this title shall, in lieu of an annuity amount provided under subdivision (1), be in an amount equal to the amount (after any reduction on account of age but before any deductions on account of work) of the wife's insurance benefit or the husband's insurance benefit to which such spouse would have been entitled under the Social Security Act if the individual's service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term 'employment' as defined in that Act. For purposes of this subdivision, spouses who have not attained age 62 shall be deemed to have attained age 62."
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 107–90, §104(b), struck out subsec. (c) which read as follows: "If (A) the total amount of the annuity of a spouse of an individual as computed under the preceding subsections of this section as of the date on which the annuity of such individual under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue (before any reduction due to such spouse's entitlement to a monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act) plus (B) the total amount of the annuity and supplemental annuity of the individual (before any reduction due to such individual's entitlement to a monthly insurance benefit under the Social Security Act) subject to the provisions of section 231b(f)(1) of this title would, before any reductions in the amounts specified in clauses (A) and (B) on account of age and disregarding any increases in such amounts which become effective after the date on which the individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue, exceed the amount determined under clauses (A) and (B) of section 231b(f)(1) of this title, the portion of the annuity of such spouse determined under subsection (b) of this section as of the date on which the individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue shall be reduced until the sum of the amounts specified in clauses (A) and (B) of this subsection equals the amount determined under clauses (A) and (B) of section 231b(f)(1) of this title or until such amount under subsection (b) of this section is reduced to zero, whichever occurs first. If, after such amount under subsection (b) of this section is reduced to zero, the sum of the remaining amounts specified in clauses (A) and (B) of this subsection still exceeds the amount determined under clauses (A) and (B) of section 231b(f)(1) of this title, the supplemental annuity of the individual first, and then, if necessary, the annuity amount of the individual computed under subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 231b of this title as of the date on which the individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue, shall be reduced until the amounts specified in clauses (A) and (B) of this subsection equals the amount determined under clauses (A) and (B) of section 231b(f)(1) of this title or until such supplemental annuity and such annuity amount are reduced to zero, whichever occurs first. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this subsection, the provisions of this subsection shall not operate to reduce the total of the amounts specified in clauses (A) and (B) of this subsection below $1,200."
Subsec. (g)(10). Pub. L. 107–90, §101(a), added par. (10).
1983—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 98–76, §106(h), substituted "retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act" for "age 65".
Pub. L. 98–76, §101(b)(1), substituted "if an individual is entitled to an annuity under paragraph (ii) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title which did not begin to accrue before such individual attained age 62, the spouse of such individual" for "spouses".
Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 98–76, §101(b)(2), added pars. (3) and (4).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–76, §102(b), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "231b(g)(1)" for "231b(g)", and added pars. (2) and (3).
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 98–76, §102(c)(1), inserted "and without regard to any reduction under section 231b(g)(2) of this title".
Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 98–76, §406(a), substituted "subsections (a), (b), and (e)" for "subsections (a), (b), and (e)(3)".
Subsec. (g)(6). Pub. L. 98–76, §102(c)(2), substituted "231b(g)(1)" for "231b(g)".
Subsec. (g)(7) to (9). Pub. L. 98–76, §102(c)(3), added pars. (7) to (9).
Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 98–76, §407(a), added par. (3).
1981—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(a), substituted "spouse or divorced wife" for "spouse" in two places.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(b)(1), substituted "subsection (b)" for "subsections (b), (c) and (d)".
Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(b)(2), substituted "45 per centum" for "50 per centum".
Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(b)(3), struck out third proviso which provided that if the total of (A) the amount of the spouse's annuity provided under subsec. (a) of this section (before any reduction due to such spouse's entitlement to a wife's or husband's insurance benefit under the Social Security Act), or, in the case of a spouse entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title or to an old-age insurance benefit or a disability insurance benefit under section 202 or 223 of the Social Security Act, the amount to which such spouse would be entitled under subsec. (a) of this section if she or he were not entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title or to an old-age insurance benefit or a disability insurance benefit under section 202 or 223 of the Social Security Act, plus (B) the amount of her or his annuity under this subsection would, with respect to any month, before any reductions on account of age, exceed 110 per centum of an amount equal to the maximum amount which could be paid to any one, with respect to such month, as a wife's insurance benefit under section 202(h) of the Social Security Act, the amount of the annuity of such spouse under this subsection shall be reduced until the total of such annuity amounts equals 110 per centum of such amount.
Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(b)(4), struck out reference to third proviso in second proviso.
Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(b)(5), inserted "(disregarding, for this purpose, any increase in such reduction which becomes effective after the later of the date such spouse's annuity under section 231a(c) of this title began to accrue or the date such spouse's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue)".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(c), substituted "spouse's entitlement to a monthly insurance benefit" for "spouse's entitlement to a wife's or husband's insurance benefit".
Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(d)(1), substituted "to the earlier of the date on which the individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue or January 1, 1982" for "to the date on which the individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue".
Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(d)(2), added subdiv. (5).
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(e)(1), inserted provision that in the case of a widow or widower who is entitled to an annuity under section 231a(d) of this title solely on the basis of railroad service which was performed prior to Jan. 1, 1937, the amount provided under this section with respect to any month shall not be less than the first amount appearing in column IV of the table appearing in section 215(a) of the Social Security Act as in effect on December 31, 1974, after reduction in accordance with the provisions of section 202(k) and 202(q) of that Act in the same manner as would be applicable to a widow's insurance benefit or widower's insurance benefit payable under section 202(e) or 202(f) of that Act.
Subsec. (f)(2)(iii). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(f), added par. (iii).
Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(e)(2), added subdiv. (3).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(g), revised windfall component in computation of survivor annuity benefits and substituted provisions fixing windfall component equal to 50 per centum of employee's windfall component which would be payable to employee if he were living, 15 per centum for children, parents 35 per centum, with family minimum of 35 per centum and family maximum of 80 per centum, for provisions fixing such component equal to 30 per centum of the social security level widow's or widower's annuity which would be payable to such survivor if railroad service were covered by the Social Security Act, and clarified that divorced wives, remarried widows, and surviving divorced mothers do not receive a windfall amount.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(h)(1), (4), designated existing provisions as subdiv. (1) and added subdiv. (2).
Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(h)(2), substituted "during the period from January 1, 1975, to January 1, 1982 or, if earlier, to" for "during the period from January 1, 1975".
Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(h)(3), substituted "pursuant to section 202(k) or 202(q) of the Social Security Act and subsection (i)(2) of this section" for "pursuant to section 202(k) or 202(q) of the Social Security Act".
Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(i)(1), substituted "spouse or divorced wife" for "spouse" in two places.
Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(i)(2), inserted ", after a reduction pursuant to section 231a(c)(2) of this title" after "for any month shall".
Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(i)(3), struck out "wife's or husband's" before "insurance benefit".
Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(i)(4), inserted "(before any deduction on account of work)" after "insurance benefit".
Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 97–35, §1119(i)(1), substituted "spouse or divorced wife" for "spouse" in three places.
1976—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 94–547, §2(a), inserted references to spouses under subsection (e)(3) of this section in two places and inserted proviso that if a widow or widower of a deceased employee is entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title and if either such widow or widower of such deceased employee completed ten years of service prior to Jan. 1, 1975, the amount of the annuity of such widow or widower under the preceding provisions of this subsection would be increased by an amount equal to the amount, if any, by which (A) the widow's or widower's insurance annuity to which such widow or widower would have been entitled, upon attaining age 65, under section 5(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 as in effect on Dec. 31, 1974 (without regard to the proviso of that section or the first proviso of section 3(e) of that Act), on the basis of the deceased employee's remuneration and service prior to Jan. 1, 1975, increased by the same percentage, or percentages, as widow's and widower's insurance benefits under section 202 of the Social Security Act are increased during the period from Jan. 1, 1975, to the later of the date on which such widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue or the date on which such widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(d)(1) of this title began to accrue, exceeds (B) the total of the annuity amounts to which the widow or widower was entitled (after any reductions pursuant to subsection (i)(2) of this section but before any deductions on account of work) under subsec. (f) of the section and the preceding provisions of this subsection as of the later of the date on which such widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title began to accrue or the date on which such widow's or widower's annuity under section 231a(d)(1) of this title began to accrue.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 94–547, §2(b), revised the benefit formula by providing that the additional benefit amount for the widows and widowers in question be equal to the difference between (A) the amount of the widow's or widower's insurance annuity which would have been payable under the 1937 Act railroad retirement formula on the basis of the deceased employee's remuneration and service prior to 1975, with this amount being increased by the percentages of benefit increases occurring during the period from Jan. 1, 1975, to the date on which the widow's or widower's survivor annuity or social security benefit, whichever is awarded latest, begins, and (B) the total amount of the two survivor annuity components payable to the widow or widower under this subchapter, after reduction due to the receipt of a social security benefit, as of the time the widow's or widower's survivor annuity or social security benefit, whichever is awarded latest, begins, with a proviso to assure that, where the widow or widower had been receiving a "windfall" dual benefit as a spouse under this subchapter, the total annuity amounts, including dual benefit amounts, payable to that widow or widower will not be less than the annuity amounts, again including dual benefit amounts, which the widow or widower received as a spouse in the month preceding the employee's death.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2001 Amendment
Pub. L. 107–90, title I, §101(b), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 879, provided that:
"(1)
"(A) on or after that date; and
"(B) before that date, but only if the annuity amount under section 4(g) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231c(g)) was computed under such section, as amended by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Public Law 97–35; 95 Stat. 357).
"(2)
Pub. L. 107–90, title I, §102(d), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 879, provided that:
"(1)
"(2)
Amendment by section 103(e) of Pub. L. 107–90 effective Jan. 1, 2002, see section 103(j) of Pub. L. 107–90, set out as a note under section 405 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Amendment by section 104(b) of Pub. L. 107–90 effective Jan. 1, 2002, and applicable to annuity amounts accruing for months after Dec. 2001, see section 104(c) of Pub. L. 107–90, set out as a note under section 231b of this title.
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Amendment by section 101(b) of Pub. L. 98–76 effective July 1, 1984, and applicable only with respect to awards in certain specified cases, see section 101(c) of Pub. L. 98–76, set out as a note under section 231b of this title.
Amendment by section 102(b), (c) of Pub. L. 98–76 effective Aug. 12, 1983, see section 102(d) of Pub. L. 98–76, set out as a note under section 231b of this title.
Amendment by section 106(h) of Pub. L. 98–76 effective Aug. 12, 1983, except such amendment inapplicable to certain annuity amounts, see section 106(k) of Pub. L. 98–76, set out as a note under section 231a of this title.
Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §406(b), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 435, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall be effective October 1, 1981."
Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §407(b), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 435, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall be effective with respect to annuities awarded on and after the date of enactment [Aug. 12, 1983]."
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by section 1119(b)(5), (c), (h)(3), (i)(3) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Jan. 1, 1975, amendment by section 1119(b)(1) of Pub. L. 97–35 not to apply with respect to annuities awarded before Oct. 1, 1981, amendment by section 1119(d)(2), (h)(1), (4) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Aug. 13, 1981, amendment by section 1119(i)(4) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Jan. 1, 1982, and amendment by other provisions of section 1119 of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Oct. 1, 1981, and applicable only with respect to annuities awarded on or after Oct. 1, 1981, see section 1129 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 231 of this title.
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Pub. L. 94–547, §2(c), Oct. 18, 1976, 90 Stat. 2525, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall be effective with respect to annuities accruing for months after the month in which this Act is enacted [October, 1976]: Provided, however, That the amendments made by subsection (b) of this section [amending this section] shall not operate to decrease any annuity amounts awarded under section 4(h) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [subsec. (h) of this section] prior to the date on which these amendments become effective."
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a closing parenthesis.
2 So in original. The comma probably should not appear.
3 So in original. Probably should be "section".
4 So in original. Probably should not be capitalized.
5 See References in Text note below.
6 So in original. Probably should be "on".
§231d. Annuity beginning and ending dates
(a) Annuities under section 231a of this title
Subject to the limitations set forth below, an annuity under section 231a of this title shall begin with the month in which eligibility therefor was otherwise acquired, but—
(i) not earlier than the date specified in the application therefor;
(ii) in the case of an applicant otherwise entitled to an annuity under paragraph (iv) or (v) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title or under section 231a(d)(1)(i) of this title on the basis of disability, not earlier than the later of (A) the first day of the sixth month following the onset date of the disability for which such annuity is awarded or (B) the first day of the twelfth month before the month in which the application therefor was filed;
(iii) in the case of an applicant otherwise entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1), 231a(c), or 231a(d) of this title where paragraph (ii) does not apply, not earlier than the latest of (A) the first day of the sixth month before the month in which the application therefor was filed, (B) the first day of the month in which the application therefor was filed if the effect of beginning such annuity in an earlier month would result in a greater age reduction in the annuity, unless beginning the annuity in the earlier month would enable an annuity under section 231a(c) of this title which is not subject to an age reduction to be payable in such earlier month, (C) in the case of an applicant otherwise entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) or 231a(c) of this title, the date following the last day of compensated service of the applicant, or (D) in the case of an applicant otherwise entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) or 231a(c) of this title, the first day of the first month throughout which the applicant meets the age requirement for the annuity applied for;
(iv) in the case of an applicant otherwise entitled to an annuity under section 231a(c)(4) or (d)(1)(v) of this title, not earlier than the month an annuity would begin to accrue to such individual under such section if section 202(j)(1) and section 202(j)(4) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402(j)(1), (4)] were applicable to this subchapter.1
(v) an annuity amount provided by section 231b(h)(1) or 231b(h)(2) of this title shall not be paid to an individual otherwise eligible therefor for any month before the month such individual would be entitled, upon filing an application therefor, to an old-age insurance benefit or a disability insurance benefit under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] and an annuity amount provided by section 231b(h)(3) or section 231b(h)(4) of this title shall not be paid to an individual otherwise eligible therefor for any month before the month such individual would be entitled, upon filing an application therefore,2 to an insurance benefit as a wife, husband, widow, or widower under title II of the Social Security Act;
(vi) an annuity amount provided by section 231c(e)(1) or 231c(e)(2) of this title shall not be paid to a spouse otherwise eligible therefor for any month prior to the month such spouse would be entitled, upon filing an application therefor, to an old-age or disability insurance benefit under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.]; and
(vii) an annuity amount provided by section 231c(e)(3) of this title shall not be paid to a spouse otherwise eligible therefor for any month prior to the month such spouse would be entitled, upon filing an application therefor, to a wife's or husband's insurance benefit under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.].
For the purpose of determining annuity amounts provided under sections 231b(a), 231c(a), and 231c(f) of this title, the provisions with respect to the beginning dates of annuities set forth in this subsection shall be deemed to govern the beginning dates of monthly benefits provided under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.].
(b) Applications for payment
An application for any payment under this subchapter shall be made and filed in such manner and form as the Board may prescribe. An application filed with the Board for an employee annuity, spouse annuity, or divorced spouse annuity on the basis of the employment record of an employee who will have completed less than ten years of service shall be deemed to be an application for any benefit to which such applicant may be entitled under this subchapter or section 202(a), section 202(b), or section 202(c) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402(a), (b), (c)]. An application filed with the Board for an annuity on the basis of the employment record of an employee who will have completed ten years of service shall, unless the applicant specified otherwise, be deemed to be an application for any benefit to which such applicant may be entitled under this subchapter or title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.]. An individual who was entitled to an annuity under paragraph (iv) or (v) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title for the month preceding the month in which he attained retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(l)]), shall be deemed to have filed an application for an annuity under paragraph (i) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title on the date on which he attained retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act), and a widow or widower who was entitled to an annuity under section 231a(d)(1) of this title on the basis of disability for the month preceding the month in which she or he attained age 60, shall be deemed to have filed an application for an annuity under such section 231a(d)(1) of this title on the basis of age on the date on which she or he attained age 60.
(c) Individual's entitlement
(1) An individual's entitlement to an annuity under paragraph (i), (ii), or (iii) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title or to a supplemental annuity under section 231a(b) of this title shall end with the month preceding the month in which he dies.
(2) An individual's entitlement to an annuity under paragraph (iv) or (v) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title shall end on (A) the last day of the second month following the month in which he ceases to be disabled as provided for purposes of such paragraphs, (B) the last day of the month preceding the month in which he attains retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(l)]) or (C) the last day of the month preceding the month in which he dies, whichever first occurs.
(3) The entitlement of a spouse of an individual to an annuity under section 231a(c) of this title shall end on the last day of the month preceding the month in which (A) the spouse or the individual dies, (B) the spouse and the individual are absolutely divorced, or (C) in the case of a wife who does not satisfy the requirements of clause (ii)(A) or (ii)(B) of section 231a(c)(1) of this title (other than a wife who is receiving such annuity by reason of an election under section 231a(c)(2) of this title), such wife no longer has in her care a child described in clause (ii)(C) of section 231a(c)(1) of this title, whichever first occurs. The entitlement of the divorced wife of an individual to an annuity under section 231a(c) of this title shall end on the last day of the month preceding the month in which (A) the divorced wife or the individual dies or (B) the divorced wife remarries.
(4) The entitlement of a widow or widower of a deceased employee to an annuity under paragraph (i) of section 231a(d)(1) of this title on the basis of age shall end on (A) the last day of the month preceding the month in which she or he dies or (B) the last day of the month preceding the month in which she or he remarries after the employee's death, whichever first occurs.
(5) The entitlement of a widow or widower of a deceased employee to an annuity under paragraph (i) of section 231a(d)(1) of this title on the basis of disability shall end on (A) the last day of the month preceding the month in which she or he dies, (B) the last day of the month preceding the month in which she or he remarries after the employee's death, (C) the last day of the second month following the month in which she or he ceases to be disabled as provided for purposes of such paragraph, or (D) the last day of the month preceding the month in which she or he attains age 60, whichever first occurs.
(6) The entitlement of a widow of a deceased employee to an annuity under paragraph (ii) of section 231a(d)(1) of this title shall end on (A) the last day of the month preceding the month in which she dies, (B) the last day of the month preceding the month in which she remarries after the employee's death, or (C) the last day of the month preceding the month in which she no longer has in her care a child described in clause (B) of such paragraph (ii) whichever first occurs.
(7) The entitlement of a child of a deceased employee to an annuity under paragraph (iii) of section 231a(d)(1) of this title shall end on (A) the last day of the month preceding the month in which he or she dies, (B) the last day of the month preceding the month in which he or she marries, (C) the last day of the month preceding the month in which he or she attains age 18 and does not meet the qualifications set forth in clause (B) or (C) of such paragraph (iii), (D) the last day of the month preceding (i) the month during no part of which he or she is a full-time elementary or secondary school student or (ii) the month in which he or she attains age 19, and does not meet the qualifications set forth in clause (A) or (C) of such paragraph (iii), or (E) the last day of the second month following the month in which he or she ceases to be disabled for purposes of such paragraph (iii) and does not meet the qualifications set forth in clause (A) or (B) of such paragraph (iii), whichever first occurs. A child whose entitlement to an annuity under paragraph (iii) of section 231a(d)(1) of this title terminated by reason of clause (E) of this subdivision because he or she ceased to be disabled and who again becomes disabled as provided in clause (C) of such paragraph (iii), may become reentitled to an annuity on the basis of such disability upon his or her application for such reentitlement. A child whose entitlement to an annuity under paragraph (iii) of section 231a(d)(1) of this title terminated with the month preceding the month in which he or she attained age 18, or with a subsequent month, may again become entitled to such an annuity (providing no event to disqualify the child has occurred) beginning with the first month thereafter in which he or she meets the qualifications set forth in clause (B) or (C) of such paragraph (iii), if he or she has filed an application for such reentitlement.
(8) The entitlement of a parent of a deceased employee to an annuity under paragraph (iv) of section 231a(d)(1) of this title shall end on the last day of the month preceding the month in which (A) such parent dies or (B) such parent remarries after the employee's death, whichever first occurs.
(9) No annuity shall accrue with respect to the calendar month in which an annuitant dies. In cases where an individual entitled to an annuity under this subchapter disappears, no annuity shall accrue to that individual with respect to any month until and unless such individual is shown, by evidence satisfactory to the Board, to have continued in life throughout such month, but—
(A) where an annuity would accrue for such month under section 231a(a)(1) of this title to an individual who had a current connection with the railroad industry at the time of such individual's disappearance, and under section 231a(c) of this title to such individual's spouse, had such individual been shown to be alive during such month, such individual shall be deemed, for the purposes of benefits under section 231a(d) of this title, to have died in the month in which such individual disappeared, and where an annuity would accrue for such month under section 231a(a)(1) of this title to an individual who did not have a current connection with the railroad industry at the time of such individual's disappearance, and under section 231a(c) of this title to such individual's spouse, had such individual been shown to be alive during such month, such individual shall be deemed, for purposes of benefits payable under section 231a(c) of this title, to be alive during such month unless the death of such individual has been established or the annuity of the spouse of such individual is otherwise terminated under subsection (c)(3) of this section, and
(B) if such individual is later determined to have been alive during any of such months, recovery of any benefits paid on the basis of such individual's compensation under section 231a(d) of this title for the months in which such individual was not known to be alive, minus the total of the amounts that would have been paid as a spouse's annuity during such months (treating the application for a widow's or widower's annuity as an application for spouse's annuity), shall be made in accordance with section 231l of this title.
For purposes of the payment of benefits under this subchapter, the death of an individual shall be presumed based on such individual's unexplained absence of not less than seven years, except that whenever the death of an individual is so established, such individual shall be deemed to have died in the month in which such individual disappeared.
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §5, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1332; amended Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1120, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 636; Pub. L. 98–76, title I, §§103(a), 104(c), 106(i), (j), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 415, 416, 418; Pub. L. 107–90, title I, §103(f), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 881; Pub. L. 109–280, title X, §1003(a), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1053; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §110(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5112.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Title II of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
Amendments
2008—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–458, which directed repeal of subsec. (d) of section 5 of the Railroad Retirement Act, was executed by striking out subsec. (d) of this section, which is section 5 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Text read as follows: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the payment of any portion of an annuity computed under section 231b(b) of this title to a surviving former spouse in accordance with a court decree of divorce, annulment, or legal separation or the terms of any court-approved property settlement incident to any such court decree shall not be terminated upon the death of the individual who performed the service with respect to which such annuity is so computed unless such termination is otherwise required by the terms of such court decree."
2006—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–280 added subsec. (d).
2001—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–90 inserted second and third sentences and struck out former second sentence which read as follows: "An application filed with the Board for an annuity under this subchapter shall, unless the applicant specifies otherwise, be deemed to be an application for any benefit to which such applicant may be entitled under this subchapter or title II of the Social Security Act."
1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–76, §103(a)(1), substituted "Subject to the limitations set forth below, an annuity" for "An annuity" in provisions preceding cl. (i).
Pub. L. 98–76, §103(a)(3), inserted provision following cl. (vii) that for purpose of determining annuity amounts provided under sections 231b(a), 231c(a), and 231c(f) of this title, provisions with respect to beginning dates of annuities set forth in this subsection shall be deemed to govern beginning dates of monthly benefits provided under Social Security Act.
Subsec. (a)(ii). Pub. L. 98–76, §103(a)(2), amended cl. (ii) generally, substituting "in the case of an applicant otherwise entitled to an annuity under paragraph (iv) or (v) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title or under section 231a(d)(1)(i) of this title on the basis of disability, not earlier than the later of (A) the first day of the sixth month following the onset date of the disability for which such annuity is awarded or (B) the first day of the twelfth month before the month in which the application therefor was filed" for "not earlier than the first day of the twelfth month before the month in which the application therefor was filed".
Subsec. (a)(iii). Pub. L. 98–76, §103(a)(2), amended cl. (iii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iii) read as follows: "in the case of an applicant otherwise eligible for an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) or 231a(c) of this title not earlier than the date following the last day of compensated service of the applicant; and".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–76, §106(i), substituted "retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act)" for "the age of 65" and "age 65".
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 98–76, §106(j), substituted "retirement age (as defined in section 216(l) of the Social Security Act)" for "age 65".
Subsec. (c)(7)(D)(i). Pub. L. 98–76, §104(c)(1), substituted "full-time elementary or secondary school student" for "full-time student".
Subsec. (c)(7)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 98–76, §104(c)(2), substituted "19" for "22".
1981—Subsec. (a)(iv) to (vii). Pub. L. 97–35, §1120(a), added pars. (iv) to (vii).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–35, §1120(b), substituted "title II of the Social Security Act" for "the Social Security Act".
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 97–35, §1120(c), inserted provision that entitlement of the divorced wife of an individual to an annuity under section 231a(c) shall end on the last day of the month preceding the month in which (A) the divorced wife or the individual dies or (B) the divorced wife remarries.
Subsec. (c)(9). Pub. L. 97–35, §1120(d), added subdiv. (9).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §110(b)(2), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5112, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a)(2) [amending this section] shall take effect upon the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2008]."
Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
Pub. L. 109–280, title X, §1003(b), Aug. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 1053, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 17, 2006]."
Effective Date of 2001 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–90 effective Jan. 1, 2002, see section 103(j) of Pub. L. 107–90, set out as a note under section 405 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Pub. L. 98–76, title I, §103(b), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 416, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall become effective on the first day of the first month beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 12, 1983], and shall apply only with respect to annuities awarded on the basis of applications filed on or after that day."
Amendment by section 104(c) of Pub. L. 98–76 effective with respect to annuities accruing for months after Aug. 1983, with certain exceptions, see section 104(d) of Pub. L. 98–76, set out as a note under section 231a of this title.
Amendment by section 106(i), (j) of Pub. L. 98–76 effective Aug. 12, 1983, except such amendment inapplicable to certain annuity amounts, see section 106(k) of Pub. L. 98–76, set out as a note under section 231a of this title.
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by section 1120(a), (d) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Jan. 1, 1975, amendment by section 1120(b) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Oct. 1, 1981, and amendment by other provisions of section 1120 of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Oct. 1, 1981, and applicable only with respect to annuities awarded on or after Oct. 1, 1981, see section 1129 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 231 of this title.
1 So in original. The period probably should be a semicolon.
2 So in original. Probably should be "therefor,".
§231e. Lump sum payments
(a) Eligible annuities; applications; reversion; determination of status of recipient
(1) Annuities under section 231a(a)(1) of this title and supplemental annuities under section 231a(b) of this title which will have become due an individual but will not have been paid at the time of such individual's death shall be payable to the person, if any, who is determined by the Board to be such individual's widow or widower and to have been living with such individual at the time of such individual's death and who will not have died before receiving payment of such annuities. If there be no such widow or widower, such annuities shall be payable to any person or persons, equitably entitled thereto, to the extent and in the proportions that he or they shall have paid the expenses of burial of such individual, and to the extent that he or they will not have been reimbursed under subsection (b) of this section for having paid such expenses. If there be no person or persons so entitled, or if the total of such annuities exceeds the amount payable under this subdivision to such person or persons, such total, or the remainder thereof, as the case may be, shall be paid to the children, grandchildren, parents, or brothers and sisters of the deceased individual in the same manner as if such annuities were a lump sum payable under subsection (c)(1) of this section.
(2) Annuities under section 231a(d) of this title which will have become due a survivor of an employee but will not have been paid at the time of such survivor's death shall be payable to the person, if any, who is determined by the Board to be such employee's widow or widower and to have been living with such employee at the time of the employee's death and who will not have died before receiving payment of such annuities. If there be no such widow or widower, such annuities shall be payable to the children, grandchildren, parents, or brothers and sisters of the deceased employee in the same manner as if such unpaid annuities were a lump sum payable under subsection (c)(1) of this section.
(3) Annuities under section 231a(c) of this title which will have become due a spouse or divorced wife of an individual but which will not have been paid at the time of such spouse's or divorced wife's death shall be payable to the individual from whose employment such annuities derived and who will not have died before receiving payment of such annuities. If there be no such individual, such annuities shall be paid as provided in the last two sentences of subdivision (1) of this subsection as if such annuities were annuities due to an individual but unpaid at the time of such individual's death.
(4) Applications for accrued and unpaid annuities provided for in the preceding subdivisions of this subsection shall be filed prior to the expiration of two years after the death of the person to whom such annuities were originally due.
(5) If there is no person to whom all or any part of the payments described in subdivision (1), (2), or (3) can be made, such payment or part thereof shall escheat to the credit of the Railroad Retirement Account.
(6) For the purposes of this subsection and subsection (c) of this section, a widow or widower of an individual shall be deemed to have been living with the individual at the time of the individual's death if the applicable conditions set forth in section 216(h)(2) or (3) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(h)(2) or (3)], as in effect before 1957, are fulfilled.
(7) In determining for purposes of this subsection and subsections (c) and (d) of this section whether an applicant is the widow, widower, child, or parent of an employee as claimed, the rules set forth in section 216(h) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 416(h)] shall be applied. In determining for purposes of this subsection and subsections (c) and (d) of this section whether an applicant is the grandchild, brother, or sister of an employee as claimed, the Board shall apply such law as would be applied in determining the devolution of intestate personal property by the courts of the State in which such employee was domiciled at the time of his death, or if such employee was not so domiciled in any State by the courts of the District of Columbia. Applicants who according to such law would have the same status relative to taking personal property as a grandchild, brother, or sister shall be deemed such.
(b) Payments in accordance with Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 and Social Security Act
(1) Upon the death of an individual who will have completed ten years of service prior to January 1, 1975, and will have had a current connection with the railroad industry at the time of his death, a lump-sum payment shall be made in accordance with the provisions of section 5(f)(1) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228e(f)(1)] as in effect on December 31, 1974, in an amount, if any, which would have been payable under such section on the basis of (A) the individual's compensation after December 31, 1936, and prior to January 1, 1975, and (B) the individual's wages (as defined in section 209 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 409]) prior to January 1, 1975. Any lump sum payable under this subdivision shall be in an amount computed as if the individual had died on January 1, 1975. No lump sum shall be payable under this subdivision if the employee died leaving a surviving divorced wife who would on proper application therefore be entitled to receive an annuity under section 231a(d) of this title for the month in which the employee's death occurred.
(2) Upon the death of an individual who will not have completed ten years of service prior to January 1, 1975, but who (i) will have completed ten years of service (or five or more years of service, all of which accrues after December 31, 1995) at the time of his death, (ii) will have had a current connection with the railroad industry at the time of his death, and (iii) will have died leaving no widow, surviving divorced wife, widower, child, or parent who would on proper application therefor be entitled to receive an annuity under section 231a(d) of this title for the month in which such death occurred, a lump-sum death payment shall be made in accordance with the provisions of section 202(i) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 402(i)] in an amount equal to the amount which would have been payable under such section 202(i) if such individual's service as an employee after December 31, 1936, were included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act. If a lump sum would be payable to a widow or widower under this subdivision except for the fact that a survivor will have been entitled to receive an annuity for the month in which the individual will have died, but within one year after the individual's death there will not have accrued to survivors of the individual, by reason of his death, annuities which, after all deductions pursuant to section 231a(g) and 231a(h) of this title, are equal to such lump sum, a payment equal to the amount by which such lump sum exceeds such annuities so accrued after such deductions shall then nevertheless be made under this subdivision to the widow or widower to whom a lump sum would have been payable under this subdivision except for the fact that a monthly benefit under section 231a(d) of this title was payable for the month in which the individual died, if such widow or widower will not have died before receiving payment of such lump sum.
(c) Payments in the absence of further benefits
(1) Whenever it shall appear, with respect to the death of an employee, that no benefits, or no further benefits (other than benefits payable to a widow, widower, or parent under either this subchapter or the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] upon attaining the age of eligibility therefor at a future date) will be payable under this subchapter or under the Social Security Act, a lump sum in an amount computed under subdivision (2) of this subsection shall be paid to such person or persons as the deceased employee may have designated by a writing filed with the Board prior to his or her death, or if there be no designation, to the following person (or, if more than one, in equal shares to the persons) whose relationship to the deceased employee will have been determined by the Board and who will not have died before receiving payment of the lump sum provided for in this subdivision—
(i) the widow or widower of the deceased employee who was living with such employee at the time of such employee's death; or
(ii) if there be no such widow or widower, to any child or children of such employee; or
(iii) if there be no such widow, widower, or child, to any grandchild or grandchildren of such employee; or
(iv) if there be no such widow, widower, child, or grandchild, to any parent or parents of such employee; or
(v) if there be no such widow, widower, child, grandchild, or parent, to any brother or sister of such employee; or
(vi) if there be no such widow, widower, child, grandchild, parent, brother, or sister, to the estate of such employee:
Provided, however, That if the employee is survived by a widow, widower, or parent who may upon attaining the age of eligibility be entitled to benefits under this subchapter or under the Social Security Act, such lump sum shall not be paid unless such widow, widower, or parent makes and files with the Board an irrevocable election, in such form as the Board may prescribe, to have such lump sum be paid in lieu of all benefits to which such widow, widower, or parent might otherwise become entitled under this subchapter on the basis of the deceased employee's compensation and years of service or under the Social Security Act on the basis of the deceased employee's wages from (A) employment with an employer as defined in section 231(a) of this title or (B) service as an employee representative as defined in section 231(c) of this title. Any election made and filed by a widow, widower, or parent pursuant to this subdivision shall be legally effective according to its terms. After a lump sum with respect to the death of an employee is paid pursuant to an election filed with the Board under the provisions of this subsection, no further benefits shall be paid (other than to a survivor in the circumstances described in paragraph (3)) under this subchapter or the Social Security Act on the basis of such employee's compensation and service under this subchapter, except that nothing in this subchapter or the Social Security Act shall operate to deprive a widow, widower, or parent making such election of any insurance benefit under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] to which such individual would have been entitled if the employee had not rendered service as an employee under this subchapter.
(2) The lump sum provided under subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be in an amount equal to (A) the sum of 4 per centum of the deceased employee's compensation paid after December 31, 1936, and prior to January 1, 1947, plus 7 per centum of such employee's compensation paid after December 31, 1946, and before January 1, 1959, plus 7½ per centum of such employee's compensation paid after December 31, 1958, and before January 1, 1962, plus 8 per centum of such employee's compensation paid after December 31, 1961, and before January 1, 1966, plus an amount equal to the total of all employee taxes payable by such employee after December 31, 1965, and before January 1, 1975, under the provisions of section 3201 of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act [26 U.S.C. 3201] (excluding, for this purpose, the amount of the employee tax attributable to that portion of the tax rate derived from section 3101(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 3101(b)]), plus one-half of 1 per centum of the compensation on which such taxes were payable, deeming the compensation attributable to creditable military service after June 30, 1963, and before January 1, 1975, to be taxable compensation, and one-half of the taxes payable by an employee representative under section 3211 of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act [26 U.S.C. 3211] to be employee taxes under section 3201 of such Act, minus (B) the sum of all benefits paid to such employee, and to others deriving from such employee, during his or her life, or to others by reason of his or her death, under this subchapter, the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228a et seq.], or the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] (excluding, for this purpose, payments to providers of services under section 231f(d) of this title or section 21 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228s–2], any supplemental annuity payments made to the employee under section 231a(b) of this title or section 3(j) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228c(j)], any amounts by which that portion of the annuities provided the employee under section 231b(a) of this title or his spouse or divorced wife under section 231c(a) of this title were increased by reason of the employee's wages and self-employment income derived from employment and self-employment under the Social Security Act, that portion of the annuities provided the employee under section 231b(h) of this title or his spouse under section 231c(e) of this title, and so much of the benefits paid to the employee and to others deriving from him or her under the Social Security Act during his or her lifetime as would have been payable under that Act if such employee had not rendered service as an employee as defined in section 231(b) of this title). In computing compensation for purposes of this subdivision there shall be excluded compensation in excess of $300 for any month before July 1, 1954; compensation in excess of $350 for any month after June 30, 1954, and before June 1, 1959; compensation in excess of $400 for any month after May 31, 1959, and before November 1, 1963; compensation in excess of $450 for any month after October 31, 1963, and before October 1, 1965; and compensation in excess of (i) $450 or (ii) an amount equal to one-twelfth of the current maximum annual taxable "wages" as defined in section 3121 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 3121], whichever is greater, for any month after September 30, 1965.
(3) Notwithstanding the last sentence of paragraph (1), benefits shall be paid to a survivor who—
(A) is a divorced wife; and
(B) through administrative error received benefits otherwise precluded by the making of a lump sum payment under this section to a widow;
if that divorced wife makes an election to repay to the Board the lump sum payment. The Board may withhold up to 10 percent of each benefit amount paid after October 21, 1998, toward such reimbursement. The Board may waive such repayment to the extent the Board determines it would cause an unjust financial hardship for the beneficiary.
(d) Payments to recipients ineligible for certain other annuities
(1) Every individual who will have completed ten years of service at the time of his retirement or death, but does not meet the qualifications for an annuity amount determined under the provisions of section 231b(h)(1) or 231b(h)(2) of this title, shall, at the time his annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title begins to accrue, be entitled to a lump sum in the amount provided under subdivision (2) of this subsection. If an individual otherwise eligible for a lump sum under this section dies before he becomes entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title, or before he receives payment of such lump sum, such lump sum shall be payable to the person, if any, who is determined by the Board to be such individual's widow or widower and who will not have died before receiving payment of such lump sum. If there be no such widow or widower, such lump sum shall be payable to the children, grandchildren, parents, brothers and sisters, or the estate of the deceased individual in the same manner as if such lump sum were a lump sum payable under subsection (c)(1) of this section.
(2) The lump sum provided under subdivision (1) of this subsection shall be in an amount equal to the sum of (A) 1.5 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for any calendar year after 1950 and before 1954 as is in excess of $3,600, plus (B) 2 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for any calendar year after 1953 and before 1957 as is in excess of $4,200, plus (C) 2.25 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for any calendar year after 1956 and before 1959 as is in excess of $4,200, plus (D) 2.5 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for the calendar year 1959 as is in excess of $4,800, plus (E) 3 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for each of the calendar years 1960 and 1961 as is in excess of $4,800, plus (F) 3.125 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for the calendar year 1962 as is in excess of $4,800, plus (G) 3.625 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for any calendar year after 1962 and before 1966 as is in excess of $5,400, plus (H) 4.2 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for the calendar year 1966 as is in excess of $6,600, plus (I) 4.4 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for the calendar year 1967 as is in excess of $6,600, plus (J) 3.8 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for the calendar year 1968 as is in excess of $7,800, plus (K) 4.2 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for each of the calendar years 1969 and 1970 as is in excess of $7,800, plus (L) 4.6 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for the calendar year 1971 as is in excess of $7,800, plus (M) 4.6 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for the calendar year 1972 as is in excess of $9,000, plus (N) 4.85 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for the calendar year 1973 as is in excess of $10,800, plus (O) 4.95 per centum of so much of such individual's combined earnings for the calendar year 1974 as is in excess of $13,200. For purposes of this subsection, the term "combined earnings" shall include "compensation" as defined in section 1(h) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228a(h)], "wages" as defined in section 209 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 409], and "self-employment" income as defined in section 211(b) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 411(b)].
(e) Additional lump sum payment in certain cases
(1) Every individual who will have completed ten years of service (or five or more years of service, all of which accrues after December 31, 1995) at the time of his retirement or death, who will have received compensation in the nature of separation or severance pay on or after January 1, 1985, and who would have been credited with additional months of service pursuant to section 231b(i)(4) of this title except for the fact that such individual was not in an employment relation to one or more employers nor an employee representative in such months, shall, at the time his annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title begins to accrue, be entitled to a lump sum in the amount provided under subdivision (2) of this subsection. If the full amount of a lump sum under this subsection cannot be determined at the time an individual's annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title begins to accrue, such lump sum shall be payable at such time thereafter as such amount can be determined. If an individual otherwise eligible for a lump sum under this section dies before he becomes entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title, or before he receives payment of such lump sum, such lump sum shall be payable to the person, if any, who is determined by the Board to be such individual's widow or widower and who will not have died before receiving payment of such lump sum. If there be no such widow or widower, such lump sum shall be payable to the children, grandchildren, parents, brothers and sisters, or the estate of the deceased individual in the same manner as if such lump sum were a lump sum payable under subsection (c)(1) of this section.
(2) The lump sum provided under subdivision (l) 1 of this subsection shall be in an amount equal to the product of (A) the compensation attributable to the additional months of service which would have been credited to the individual due to the receipt of payments in the nature of separation or severance pay pursuant to section 231b(i)(4) of this title if such individual had remained in an employment relation to one or more employers or had continued to be an employee representative and (B) the rate of tax, or rates of tax, imposed on the compensation described in clause (A) of this subdivision by section 3201(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 3201(b)].
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §6, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1334; amended Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1121, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 637; Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §408, Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 435; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 100–647, title VII, §7301, Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3776; Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VII, §709(a)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-391; Pub. L. 107–90, title I, §103(i)(1), (4), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 882.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (c), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Title II of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), is act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, 49 Stat. 867, as amended generally by act June 24, 1937, ch. 382, part I, 50 Stat. 307, which was classified principally to subchapter III (§228a et seq.) of this chapter. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 was amended generally and redesignated the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 is classified generally to this subchapter. For complete classification of these Acts to the Code, see Tables.
Sections 1, 3, 5, and 21 of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, referred to in subsecs. (b)(1), (c)(2), and (d)(2), which were classified to sections 228a, 228c, 228e, and 228s–2 of this title, have been omitted from the Code.
Amendments
2001—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 107–90, §103(i)(4), inserted "(or five or more years of service, all of which accrues after December 31, 1995)" after "but who (i) will have completed ten years of service".
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 107–90, §103(i)(1), inserted "(or five or more years of service, all of which accrues after December 31, 1995)" after "ten years of service".
1998—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VII, §709(a)(1)], inserted "(other than to a survivor in the circumstances described in paragraph (3))" after "no further benefits shall be paid" in last sentence.
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VII, §709(a)(2)], added par. (3).
1988—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–647 added subsec. (e).
1986—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954" wherever appearing.
1983—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 98–76 inserted provision that no lump sum shall be payable under this subdivision if employee died leaving a surviving divorced wife who would on proper application therefore be entitled to receive an annuity under section 231a(d) of this title for month in which employee's death occurred.
1981—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub L. 97–35, §1121(a), substituted "spouse or divorced wife of an individual but which will not have been paid at the time of such spouse's or divorced wife's death" for "spouse of an individual but which will not have been paid at the time of such spouse's death".
Subsec. (b)(2)(iii). Pub. L. 97–35, §1121(b), substituted "widow, surviving divorced wife," for "widow,".
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 97–35, §1121(c)(1), inserted provision that after a lump sum with respect to the death of an employee is paid pursuant to an election filed with the Board under the provisions of this subsection, no further benefits shall be paid under this subchapter or the Social Security Act on the basis of such employee's compensation and service under this subchapter, except that nothing in this subchapter or the Social Security Act shall operate to deprive a widow, widower, or parent making such election of any insurance benefit under title II of the Social Security Act to which such individual would have been entitled if the employee had not rendered service as an employee under this subchapter.
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 97–35, §1121(c)(3), substituted "spouse or divorced wife" for "spouse".
Pub. L. 97–35, §1121(c)(2), substituted "any supplemental annuity payments made to the employee under section 231a(b) of this title or section 3(j) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, any amounts" for "any amounts".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2001 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–90 effective Jan. 1, 2002, see section 103(j) of Pub. L. 107–90, set out as a note under section 405 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VII, §709(b)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-391, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to any benefits paid before the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 21, 1998] as well as to benefits payable on or after the date of the enactment of this Act."
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by section 1121(c)(1), (2) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Jan 1, 1975, and amendment by other provisions of section 1121 of Pub. L. 97–35, effective Oct. 1, 1981, and applicable only with respect to annuities awarded on or after Oct. 1, 1981, see section 1129 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 231 of this title.
1 So in original. Probably should be subdivision "(1)".
§231f. Railroad Retirement Board
(a) Administration
This subchapter shall be administered by the Railroad Retirement Board established by the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228a et seq.] as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government and composed of three members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Each member shall hold office for a term of five years, except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of the term and any member holding office pursuant to appointment under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 when this subchapter becomes effective shall hold office until the term for which he was appointed under such Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 expires. One member shall be appointed from recommendations made by representatives of the employees and one member shall be appointed from recommendations made by representatives of employers as defined in paragraph (i) of section 231(a)(1) of this title, in both cases as the President shall direct, so as to provide representation on the Board satisfactory to the largest number, respectively, of employees and employers concerned. One member, who shall be the chairman of the Board, shall be appointed without recommendation by either employers or employees and shall not be in the employment of or be pecuniarily or otherwise interested in any employer or organization of employees. Vacancies in the Board shall not impair the powers or affect the duties of the Board or of the remaining members of the Board, of whom a majority of those in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Upon the expiration of his term of office a member shall continue to serve until his successor is appointed and shall have qualified.
(b) Powers and duties
(1) The Board shall have and exercise all the duties and powers necessary to administer this subchapter. The Board shall take such steps as may be necessary to enforce such subchapter and make awards and certify payments. Decisions by the Board upon issues of law and fact relating to annuities or death benefits shall not be subject to review by any other administrative or accounting officer, agent, or employee of the United States.
(2) In the case of—
(A) an individual who will have completed ten years of service (or five or more years of service, all of which accrues after December 31, 1995) creditable under this subchapter,
(B) the wife or divorced wife or husband of such an individual,
(C) any survivor of such an individual if such survivor is entitled, or could upon application become entitled, to an annuity under section 231a of this title, and
(D) any other person entitled to benefits under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] on the basis of the wages and self-employment income of such an individual (except a survivor of such an individual where such individual did not have a current connection with the railroad industry at the time of his death);
the Board shall provide for the payment on behalf of the Managing Trustee of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund of monthly benefits payable under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] which are certified by the Secretary to it for payment under the provisions of title II of the Social Security Act.
(3) If the Board finds that an applicant is entitled to an annuity or death benefit under the provisions of this subchapter then the Board shall make an award fixing the amount of the annuity or benefit, as the case may be, and shall certify the payment thereof as hereinafter provided; otherwise the application shall be denied. For purposes of this section, the Board shall have and exercise such of the powers, duties and remedies provided in subsections (a), (b), (d), and (n) of section 12 of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act [45 U.S.C. 362] as are not inconsistent with the express provisions of this subchapter. The Board is authorized to delegate to any member, officer, or employee of the Board any of the powers conferred upon the Board by this subchapter, excluding only the power to prescribe rules and regulations, including the power to make decisions on applications for annuities or other benefits: Provided, however, That any person aggrieved by a decision on his application for an annuity or other benefit shall have the right to appeal to the Board. Notice of a decision of the Board, or of an employee thereof, shall be communicated to the applicant in writing within thirty days after such decision shall have been made.
(4)(A) The Secretary of the Treasury shall serve as the disbursing agent for benefits payable under this subchapter, under such rules and regulations as the Secretary may in the Secretary's discretion prescribe.
(B) The Board shall from time to time certify—
(i) to the Secretary of the Treasury the amounts required to be transferred from the Social Security Equivalent Benefit Account and the Dual Benefits Payments Account to the disbursing agent to make payments of benefits and the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer those amounts;
(ii) to the Board of Trustees of the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust the amounts required to be transferred from the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust to the disbursing agent to make payments of benefits and the Board of Trustees shall transfer those amounts; and
(iii) to the disbursing agent the name and address of each individual entitled to receive a payment, the amount of such payment, and the time at which the payment should be made.
(5) The Board shall establish and promulgate rules and regulations to provide for the adjustment of all controversial matters arising in the administration of this subchapter. All rules, regulations, or decisions of the Board shall require the approval of at least two members, and they shall be entered upon the records of the Board, which shall be a public record.
(6) The Board shall gather, keep, compile, and publish in convenient form such records and data as may be necessary to assure proper administration of this subchapter, including subdivision (2) of this subsection. The Board shall have power to require all employers and employees and any officer, board, commission, or other agency of the United States to furnish such information and records as shall be necessary for the administration of this subchapter, including subdivision (2) of this subsection. The several district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction upon suit by the Board to compel obedience to any order of the Board issued pursuant to this section. The orders, writs, and processes of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in such suits may run and be served anywhere in the United States. Witnesses summoned before the Board shall be paid the same fees and mileage that are paid witnesses in the district courts of the United States. The Board shall make an annual report to the President of the United States to be submitted to Congress.
(7) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall furnish the Board certified reports of wages, self-employment income, and periods of service and of other records in his possession, or which he may secure, pertinent to the administration of this subchapter, the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act [45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.],,1 the Milwaukee Railroad Restructuring Act [45 U.S.C. 901 et seq.], and the Rock Island Railroad Transition and Employee Assistance Act [45 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.]..1 The Board shall furnish the Secretary of Health and Human Services certified reports of records of compensation and periods of service reported to it pursuant to section 231h of this title, of determinations under section 231a of this title, and of other records in its possession, or which it may secure, pertinent to subsection (c) of this section or to the administration of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] as affected by section 231q of this title. Such certified reports shall be conclusive in adjudication as to the matters covered therein: Provided, however, That if the Board or the Secretary of Health and Human Services receives evidence inconsistent with a certified report and the application involved is still in course of adjudication or otherwise open for such evidence such recertification of such report shall be made as, in the judgment of the Board or the Secretary of Health and Human Services, whichever made the original certification, the evidence warrants. Such recertification and any subsequent recertification shall be treated in the same manner and be subject to the same conditions as an original certification.
(8) Any department or agency of the United States maintaining records of military service, at the request of the Board, shall certify to the Board, with respect to any individual, the number of months of military service which such department or agency finds the individual to have had during any period or periods with respect to which the Board's request is made, the date and manner of entry into such military service, and the conditions under which such service was continued. Any department or agency of the United States which is authorized to make awards of pensions, disability compensation, or any other gratuitous benefits or allowances payable, on the periodic basis or otherwise, under any other Act of Congress on the basis of military service, at the request of the Board, shall certify to the Board, with respect to any individual, the calendar months for all or part of which any such pension, compensation, benefit, or allowance is payable to, or with respect to, the individual, the amounts of any such pension, compensation, benefit, or allowance, and the military service on which such pension, compensation, benefit, or allowance is based. Any certification made pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision shall be conclusive on the Board: Provided, however, That if evidence inconsistent with any such certification is submitted, and the claim is in the course of adjudication or is otherwise open for such evidence, the Board shall refer such evidence to the department or agency which made the original certification and such department or agency shall make such recertification as in its judgment the evidence warrants. Such recertification, and any subsequent recertification, shall be conclusive, made in the same manner, and subject to the same conditions as an original certification.
(9) The Board shall maintain such offices, provide such equipment, furnishings, supplies, services, and facilities, and employ such individuals and provide for their compensation and expenses as may be necessary for the proper discharge of its functions. All positions to which such individuals are appointed, except one administrative assistant to each member of the Board, shall be in and under the competitive civil service and shall not be removed or excepted therefrom. In the employment of such individuals under the civil service laws and rules the Board shall give preference over all others to individuals who have had experience in railroad service, if, in the judgment of the Board, they possess the qualifications necessary for the proper discharge of the duties of the positions to which they are to be appointed. For purposes of its administration of this subchapter or the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act [45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.], or both, the Board may place, without regard to the numerical limitations contained in section 5108(c)(9) 2 of title 5, four positions in grade GS–16 of the General Schedule established by that Act, four positions in grade GS–17 of such schedule, and one position in grade GS–18 of such schedule.
(c) Sources of payments; adjustments
(1) Benefit payments determined by the Board to be payable under this subchapter shall be made by the disbursing agent under subsection (b)(4) from money transferred to it from the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust or the Social Security Equivalent Benefit Account, as the case may be, except that payments of annuity amounts made under sections 231b(h), 231c(e), and 231c(h) of this title and under sections 204(a)(3), 204(a)(4), 206(3), and 207(3) of Public Law 93–445 shall be made by the disbursing agent under subsection (b)(4) from money transferred to it from the Dual Benefits Payments Account. In any fiscal year, the total amounts paid under such sections shall not exceed the total sums appropriated to the Dual Benefits Payments Account for that fiscal year. The Board shall prescribe regulations for allocation of annuity amounts which would without regard to such regulations be payable under sections 231b(h), 231c(e), and 231c(h) of this title and sections 204(a)(3), 204(a)(4), 206(3), and 207(3) of Public Law 93–445 so that the sums appropriated to the Dual Benefits Payments Account for a fiscal year so far as practicable, are expended in equal monthly installments throughout such fiscal year, and are distributed so that recipients are paid annuity amounts which bear the same ratio to the annuity amounts such recipients would have received but for such regulations as the ratio of the total sums appropriated to pay such annuity amounts bear to the total sums necessary to pay such annuity amounts without regard to such regulations. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the entitlement of an individual to an annuity amount under section 231b(h), 231c(e), or 231c(h) of this title or section 204(a)(3), 204(a)(4), 206(3), or 207(3) of Public Law 93–445 for any month in which the amount payable to such individual is allocated under the regulations prescribed by the Board under this subsection shall not exceed the amount so allocated for that month to such individual.
(2) At the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and each fiscal year thereafter, the Board and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall determine the amounts, if any, which if added to or subtracted from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund would place each such Trust Fund in the same position in which it would have been if (A) service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term "employment" as defined in the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] and in the Federal Insurance Contributions Act [26 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.] and (B) this subchapter had not been enacted. Such determination with respect to each such Trust Fund shall be made no later than June 15 following the close of the fiscal year. If, pursuant to any such determination, any amount is to be added to any such Trust Fund, the Board shall, within ten days after the determination, certify such amount to the Secretary of the Treasury for transfer from the Railroad Retirement Account to such Trust Fund. If, pursuant to any such determination, any amount is to be subtracted from any such Trust Fund, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall, within ten days after the determination, certify such amount to the Secretary of the Treasury for transfer from such Trust Fund to the Railroad Retirement Account. Any amounts so certified shall further include interest (at the rate determined in subdivision (3) for the fiscal year under consideration) payable from the close of such fiscal year until the date of certification. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized and directed to transfer to the Railroad Retirement Account from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, or the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund or to any such Trust Fund from the Railroad Retirement Account, as the case may be, such amounts as, from time to time, may be determined by the Board and the Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision and certified by the Board or the Secretary of Health and Human Services for transfer from any such Trust Fund or from the Railroad Retirement Account.
(3) For purposes of subdivision (2), for any fiscal year, the rate of interest to be used shall be equal to the average rate of interest, computed as of May 31 preceding the close of such fiscal year, borne by all interest-bearing obligations of the United States then forming a part of the public debt; except that where such average rate is not a multiple of one-eighth of 1 per centum, the rate of interest shall be the multiple of one-eighth of 1 per centum next lower than such average rate.
(4) After the end of each month beginning with the month of October 1983, the Board shall determine the net amount, if any, which if added to or subtracted from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund would, with respect to such month, place those Trust Funds, taken as a whole, in the same position in which they would have been if (A) service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term "employment" as defined in the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] and in the Federal Insurance Contributions Act [26 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.], and (B) this subchapter had not been enacted. If for any month the net amount so determined would be subtracted from those Trust Funds, the Board shall, within ten days after the end of such month, report such amount to the Secretary of the Treasury for transfer from the general fund to the Railroad Retirement Account. Any amount so reported shall further include interest (at an annual rate equal to the rate of interest borne by a special obligation issued to the Railroad Retirement Account in the month in which the transfer is made to the Account) payable from the close of the month for which the transfer is made until the date of transfer. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized and directed to transfer to the Railroad Retirement Account from the general fund such amounts as, from time to time, may be determined by the Board pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision and reported by the Board for transfer. For such purpose the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to use as a public debt transaction the proceeds of the sale of any securities issued after August 12, 1983, under section 3102 of title 31, and the purpose for which securities may be issued under section 3102 of title 31 are extended to include such purpose. Each such transfer shall be made by the Secretary of the Treasury within five days after a report of the amount to be transferred is received. Not later than December 31 following the close of each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 1984, the Board shall certify to the Secretary of the Treasury the total of all amounts transferred pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision for months in such fiscal year. Within ten days after a transfer, or transfers, pursuant to subdivision (2) for a particular fiscal year, the Board shall request the Secretary of the Treasury to retransfer from the Railroad Retirement Account to the general fund an amount equal to (A) the total of all amounts, exclusive of interest, transferred to such Account pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision for months in such fiscal year, plus (B) interest (at the rate determined in subdivision (3) for such fiscal year) payable with respect to each amount transferred for a month during such fiscal year from the close of the month for which the transfer of the amount was made until the date of retransfer of such amount. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized and directed to retransfer from the Railroad Retirement Account to the general fund such amounts as, from time to time, may be determined by the Board pursuant to the provisions of the preceding sentence of this subdivision and reported by the Board for retransfer.
(d) Hospital insurance benefits; certified beneficiaries; disability insurance benefits; services in Canada; exchange of information
(1) The Board shall, for purposes of this subsection, have the same authority to determine the rights of individuals described in subdivision (2) to have payments made on their behalf for hospital insurance benefits consisting of inpatient hospital services, posthospital extended care services, home health services, hospice care, and outpatient hospital diagnostic services (all hereinafter referred to as "services") under section 226 [42 U.S.C. 426], and parts A and E of title XVIII [42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq., 1395x et seq.], of the Social Security Act as the Secretary of Health and Human Services has under such section and such parts with respect to individuals to whom such sections and such parts apply. For purposes of section 231g of this title, a determination with respect to the rights of an individual under this subsection shall, except in the case of a provider of services, be considered to be a decision with respect to an annuity.
(2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, every person who—
(i) has attained age 65 and (A) is entitled to an annuity under this subchapter or (B) would be entitled to such an annuity had he ceased compensated service and, in the case of a spouse or divorced wife, had such spouse's husband or wife ceased compensated service or (C) bears a relationship to an employee which, by reason of section 231b(f)(2) of this title, has been, or would be, taken into account in calculating the amount of the annuity of such employee; or
(ii) has not attained age 65 and (A) has been entitled to an annuity under section 231a of this title, or under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228a et seq.] and section 231a of this title, or could have been includible in the computation of an annuity under section 231b(f)(2) of this title, for not less than 24 months and (B) could have been entitled for 24 calendar months, and could currently be entitled, to monthly insurance benefits under section 223 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 423] or under section 202 of that Act [42 U.S.C. 402] on the basis of disability if service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term "employment" as defined in that Act and if an application for disability benefits had been filed,
shall be certified to the Secretary of Health and Human Services as a qualified railroad retirement beneficiary under section 226 of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 426].
(3) If an individual entitled to an annuity under paragraph (iv) or (v) of section 231a(a)(1) of this title would have been insured for disability insurance benefits as determined under section 223(c)(1) of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 423(c)(1)] at the time such annuity began, he shall be deemed, solely for purposes of paragraph (ii) of subdivision (2), to be entitled to a disability insurance benefit under section 223 of the Social Security Act for each month, and beginning with the first month, in which he would meet the requirements for entitlement to such a benefit, other than the requirement of being insured for disability insurance benefits, if service as an employee after December 31, 1936, had been included in the term "employment" as defined in the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 301 et seq.] and if an application for disability benefits had been filed.
(4) The rights of individuals described in subdivision (2) of this subsection to have payment made on their behalf for the services referred to in subdivision (1) but provided in Canada shall be the same as those of individuals to whom section 226 [42 U.S.C. 426] and part A of title XVIII [42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq.] of the Social Security Act apply, and this subdivision shall be administered by the Board as if the provisions of section 226 and part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act were applicable, as if references to the Secretary of Health and Human Services were to the Board, as if references to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund were to the Railroad Retirement Account, as if references to the United States or a State included Canada or a subdivision thereof, and as if the provisions of sections 1862(a)(4), 1863, 1864, 1868, 1869, 1874(b), and 1875 [42 U.S.C. 1395y(a)(4), 1395z, 1395aa, 1395ee, 1395ff, 1395kk(b), 1395ll] were not included in such title. The payments for services herein provided for in Canada shall be made from the Railroad Retirement Account (in accordance with, and subject to, the conditions applicable under subsection (b), in making payment of other benefits) to the hospital, extended care facility, or home health agency providing such services in Canada to individuals to whom subdivision (2) of this subsection applies, but only to the extent that the amount of payments for services otherwise hereunder provided for an individual exceeds the amount payable for like services provided pursuant to the law in effect in the place in Canada where such services are furnished. For the purposes of section 231i of this title, any overpayment under this subdivision shall be treated as if it were an overpayment of an annuity.
(5) The Board and the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall furnish each other with such information, records, and documents as may be considered necessary to the administration of this subsection or section 226 [42 U.S.C. 426], and part A of title XVIII [42 U.S.C. 1395c et seq.], of the Social Security Act.
(e) Acceptance of gifts and bequests
The Board is authorized to accept on behalf of the United States money gifts and bequests made unconditionally to the Railroad Retirement Account, to the Railroad Retirement Supplemental Account, or to the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Account, or to the Board, or any member, officer, or employee thereof, for the benefit of such accounts or any activity financed through such accounts. Any such gift accepted pursuant to the authority granted in this subsection shall be deposited in the specific account designated by the donor or, if the donor has made no such specific designation, in the Railroad Retirement Account.
(f) Congressional copies of documents submitted or transmitted to President or Office of Management and Budget
Whenever the Board submits or transmits any budget estimate, budget request, supplemental budget estimate, or other budget information, legislative recommendation, prepared testimony for congressional hearings, or comment on legislation to the President or to the Office of Management and Budget, it shall concurrently transmit a copy thereof to the Congress. No officer or agency of the United States shall have any authority to require the Board to submit its budget requests or estimates, legislative recommendations, prepared testimony for congressional hearings, or comments on legislation to any officer or agency of the United States for approval, comments, or review, prior to the submission of such recommendations, testimony, or comments to the Congress.
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §7, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1338; amended Pub. L. 96–88, title V, §509(b), Oct. 17, 1979, 93 Stat. 695; Pub. L. 96–101, §10(h), Nov. 4, 1979, 93 Stat. 742; Pub. L. 96–254, title I, §106(f), May 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 402, as amended Pub. L. 96–448, title VII, §701(b)(1), Oct. 14, 1980, 94 Stat. 1960; Pub. L. 96–265, title I, §103(a)(4), June 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 444; Pub. L. 96–499, title IX, §930(r), Dec. 5, 1980, 94 Stat. 2633; Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1122, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 638; Pub. L. 97–248, title I, §122(a)(2), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 356; Pub. L. 98–76, title III, §301(a), title IV, §416, Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 430, 436; Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, title III, §2349(b)(2), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1097; Pub. L. 105–33, title IV, §4002(f)(1), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 329; Pub. L. 107–90, title I, §§103(i)(2), 104(a)(2)(B), 106(a), 107(e), (f), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 882, 887, 889; Pub. L. 108–173, title I, §101(e)(1), Dec. 8, 2003, 117 Stat. 2150; Pub. L. 109–305, §2, Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1719.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Railroad Retirement Act of 1937, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (d)(2)(ii), is act Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, as amended generally by act June 24, 1937, ch. 382, part I, 50 Stat. 307, which was classified principally to subchapter III (§228a et seq.) of this chapter. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 was amended generally and redesignated the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 by Pub. L. 93–445, title I, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1305. The Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 is classified generally to this subchapter. For complete classification of these Acts to the Code, see Tables.
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (b)(2), (7), (c)(2), (4), and (d)(1), (3) to (5), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, which is classified generally to chapter 7 (§301 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Title II of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42. Parts A and E of title XVIII of the Social Security Act are classified generally to Parts A (§1395c et seq.) and E (1395x et seq.), respectively, of subchapter XVIII of chapter 7 of Title 42. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(7), (9), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 680, 52 Stat. 1094, which is classified principally to chapter 11 (§351 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 367 of this title and Tables.
The Milwaukee Railroad Restructuring Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(7), is Pub. L. 96–101, Nov. 4, 1979, 93 Stat. 736, which is classified principally to chapter 18 (§901 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 901 of this title and Tables.
The Rock Island Railroad Transition and Employee Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(7), is title I of Pub. L. 96–254, May 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 399, which is classified principally to chapter 19 (§1001 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.
Section 5108(c)(9) of title 5, referred to in subsec. (b)(9), was repealed by Pub. L. 95–454, §414(a)(1)(A), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1177.
Sections 204, 206, and 207 of Pub. L. 93–445, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), are set out as part of a Transitional Provisions note under section 231 of this title.
The Federal Insurance Contributions Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(2), (4), is act Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, §§3101, 3102, 3111, 3112, 3121 to 3128, 68A Stat. 415, which is classified generally to chapter 21 (§3101 et seq.) of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 3128 of Title 26 and Tables.
Codification
As originally enacted, the third sentence of subsec. (b)(6) of this section contained words "and the District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia" after "the several district courts of the United States". The words "and the District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia" have been deleted entirely as superfluous in view of section 132(a) of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, which states that "There shall be in each judicial district a district court which shall be a court of record known as the United States District Court for the district" and section 88 of the Title 28 which states that "the District of Columbia constitutes one judicial district".
In the fourth sentence of subsec. (b)(6) of this section, "United States District Court for the District of Columbia" substituted for "District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia" in conformity with similar changes made throughout the Code pursuant to section 32(b) of act June 25, 1948, ch. 646, as amended by act May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §127, 63 Stat. 107, which provided for such substitution to be made in all laws of the United States in force on September 1, 1948. See note captioned "Circuit Court of Appeals:" "Senior Circuit Judge," Etc. Defined, set out under section 451 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.
In subsec. (b)(9), "section 5108(c)(9) of title 5" substituted for "section 505 of the Classification Act of 1949, as amended", on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, §7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. Section 505 of the Classification Act of 1949 had enacted section 1105 of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees.
August 12, 1983, referred to in subsec. (c)(4), was in the original "the date of enactment of this Act" which was translated as meaning the date of enactment of Pub. L. 98–76, which enacted subsec. (c)(4) of this section, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
Amendments
2006—Subsec. (b)(4)(A). Pub. L. 109–305 amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: "The Railroad Retirement Board, after consultation with the Board of Trustees of the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust and the Secretary of the Treasury, shall enter into an arrangement with a nongovernmental financial institution to serve as disbursing agent for benefits payable under this subchapter who shall disburse consolidated benefits under this subchapter to each recipient. Pending the taking effect of that arrangement, benefits shall be paid as under the law in effect prior to December 21, 2001."
2003—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 108–173 substituted "parts A and E" for "parts A and D".
2001—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 107–90, §103(i)(2), inserted "(or five or more years of service, all of which accrues after December 31, 1995)" after "ten years of service".
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 107–90, §107(e), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: "The Board shall from time to time certify to the Secretary of the Treasury the name and address of each individual entitled to receive a payment, the amount of such payment, and the time at which it should be made, and the Secretary of the Treasury through the Fiscal Service of the Treasury Department, and prior to audit by the General Accounting Office, shall make payment in accordance with the certification by the Board."
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 107–90, §107(f), substituted "by the disbursing agent under subsection (b)(4) from money transferred to it from the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust or the Social Security Equivalent Benefit Account, as the case may be" for "from the Railroad Retirement Account" and inserted "by the disbursing agent under subsection (b)(4) from money transferred to it" after "Public Law 93–445 shall be made".
Pub. L. 107–90, §106(a), struck out "payments of supplemental annuities under section 231a(b) of this title shall be made from the Railroad Retirement Supplemental Account, and" before "payments of annuity amounts made under sections 231b(h),".
Subsec. (d)(2)(i), (ii). Pub. L. 107–90, §104(a)(2)(B), substituted "section 231b(f)(2)" for "section 231b(f)(3)".
1997—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 105–33 substituted "parts A and D of title XVIII" for "parts A and C of title XVIII".
1984—Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 98–369 struck out "1867," after "1864,".
1983—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 98–76, §301(a), added par. (4).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 98–76, §416, added subsec. (f).
1982—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 97–248 inserted "hospice care," after "home health services,".
1981—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 97–35, §1122(a)(1), substituted "wife or divorced wife" for "wife".
Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 97–35, §1122(a)(2), inserted reference to the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 97–35, §1122(c), inserted provisions relating to payment of annuity amounts from the Dual Benefits Payments Account, authorization of Board to prescribe regulations for allocation of annuity amounts, and maximum limits on entitlement of an individual to an annuity amount.
Subsec. (d)(2)(i)(C). Pub. L. 97–35, §1122(b)(2), added cl. (C).
Pub. L. 97–35, §1122(b)(1), substituted "spouse or divorced wife" for "spouse".
1980—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 96–254, as amended by Pub. L. 96–448, inserted reference to the Rock Island Railroad Transition and Employee Assistance Act.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 96–499 substituted "home health services" for "posthospital home health services".
Subsec. (d)(2)(ii). Pub. L. 96–265 substituted "24 months" and "24 calendar months" for "24 consecutive months" and "24 consecutive calendar months", respectively.
1979—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 96–101 substituted "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary" for "The Secretary" and inserted "and the Milwaukee Railroad Restructuring Act" after "administration of this subchapter".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Secretary of Health and Human Services" substituted for "Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare" in subsecs. (b)(7), (c)(2), and (d)(4) and (5) pursuant to section 509(b) of Pub. L. 96–88, which is classified to section 3508(b) of Title 20, Education.
Effective Date of 2001 Amendment
Amendment by section 103(i) of Pub. L. 107–90 effective Jan. 1, 2002, see section 103(j) of Pub. L. 107–90, set out as a note under section 405 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Amendment by section 104(a) of Pub. L. 107–90 effective Jan. 1, 2002, and applicable to annuity amounts accruing for months after Dec. 2001, see section 104(c) of Pub. L. 107–90, set out as a note under section 231b of this title.
Amendment by section 106(a) of Pub. L. 107–90 effective Jan. 1, 2002, see section 106(e)(1) of Pub. L. 107–90, set out as a note under section 231n of this title.
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 effective July 18, 1984, see section 2349(c) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 907a of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Pub. L. 98–76, title III, §301(c)(1), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 432, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall be effective on October 1, 1983."
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–248 applicable to hospice care provided on or after Nov. 1, 1983, see section 122(h)(1)(A) of Pub. L. 97–248, as amended, set out as a note under section 1395c of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by section 1122(a)(2), (b)(1), (c) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Oct. 1, 1981, and amendment by other provisions of section 1122 of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Oct. 1, 1981, and applicable only with respect to annuities awarded on or after Oct. 1, 1981, see section 1129 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 231 of this title.
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–499 effective with respect to services furnished on or after July 1, 1981, see section 930(s)(1) of Pub. L. 96–499, set out as a note under section 1395x of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–448 effective Oct. 14, 1980, see section 710(d) of Pub. L. 96–448, set out as a note under section 1170 of Title 11, Bankruptcy.
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–265 applicable with respect to hospital insurance or supplementary medical insurance benefits for services provided on or after first day of sixth month which begins after June 9, 1980, see section 103(c) of Pub. L. 96–265, set out as a note under section 426 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
Effective Date
Pub. L. 93–445, title VI, §602(e), Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1361, provided that: "The provisions of section 7(e) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 [subsec. (e) of this section] shall be effective on the enactment date of this Act [Oct. 16, 1974] and shall apply with respect to all gifts and bequests covered thereunder, regardless of the date on which such gifts or bequests were made."
Repeals
Section 106(f) of Pub. L. 96–254, cited as a credit to this section, was omitted in the complete revision of section 106 of Pub. L. 96–254 by Pub. L. 97–468, title II, §231, Jan. 14, 1983, 96 Stat. 2543.
Limitation on the Office of Inspector General
Pub. L. 110–161, div. G, title IV, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2206, provided in part: "That funds made available under the heading in this Act [the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, Pub. L. 110–161, div. G, see Tables for classification], or subsequent Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Acts, may be used for any audit, investigation, or review of the Medicare Program."
Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title IV], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, 2681-381, provided in part: "That none of the funds made available under this heading in this Act [probably means the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999, Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337, see Tables for classification], or subsequent Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Acts, may be used for any audit, investigation, or review of the Medicare Program."
Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:
Pub. L. 105–78, title IV, Nov. 13, 1997, 111 Stat. 1512.
Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(e) [title IV], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–233, 3009-268.
References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay Rates
References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
"Fiscal Service" substituted for "Division of Disbursements" in subsec. (b)(4) on authority of section 1(a)(1) of 1940 Reorg. Plan No. III, eff. June 30, 1940, 5 F.R. 2107, 54 Stat. 1231, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, which consolidated such division into Fiscal Service of Treasury Department. See section 306 of Title 31, Money and Finance.
Delegation of Reporting Authority
Memorandum of President of the United States, Feb. 9, 2005, 70 F.R. 7631, provided:
Memorandum for the Chairman of the Railroad Retirement Board
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby delegate to you the functions and authority conferred upon the President by section 7(b)(6) of the Railroad Retirement Act [of 1974, 45 U.S.C. 231f(b)(6)] and section 12(l) of the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act [45 U.S.C. 362(l)] to provide the specified report to the Congress.
You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
George W. Bush.
2 See References in Text note below.
§231f–1. Annual actuarial report
As part of the annual report required under section 231u(a) of this title, the Railroad Retirement Board shall submit to the Congress a report on the actuarial status of the railroad retirement system under various economic and employment assumptions. Such report shall include any recommendation for financing changes which might be advisable, including—
(1) any adjustment the Railroad Retirement Board recommends regarding the rates of taxes imposed by sections 3201(b), 3211(a)(2), and 3221(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 3201(b), 3211(a)(2), 3221(b)], and
(2) if there are sufficient reserves in the Railroad Retirement Account, whether—
(A) the rates of such taxes should be reduced, or
(B) any part of the tax imposed by section 3221(b) of such Code should be diverted to the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Account to aid in the repayment of its debt to the Railroad Retirement Account.
(Pub. L. 98–76, title V, §502, Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 440; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 104–66, title II, §2221(a), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 733.)
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Railroad Retirement Solvency Act of 1983, and not as part of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 which comprises this subchapter.
Amendments
1995—Pub. L. 104–66 which directed the amendment of this section by substituting "As part of the annual report required under section 231u(a) of this title" for "On or before July 1, 1985, and each calendar year thereafter", was executed by making the substitution for "On or before July 1 of 1985, and of each calendar year thereafter", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.
1986—Par. (1). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954".
§231g. Court jurisdiction
Decisions of the Board determining the rights or liabilities of any person under this subchapter shall be subject to judicial review in the same manner, subject to the same limitations, and all provisions of law shall apply in the same manner as though the decision were a determination of corresponding rights or liabilities under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act [45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.] except that the time within which proceedings for the review of a decision with respect to an annuity, supplemental annuity, or lump-sum benefit may be commenced shall be one year after the decision will have been entered upon the records of the Board and communicated to the claimant.
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §8, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1343.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, referred to in text, is act June 25, 1938, ch. 680, 52 Stat. 1094, which is classified principally to chapter 11 (§351 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 367 of this title and Tables.
§231h. Returns of compensation; conclusiveness
Employers shall file with the Board, in such manner and form and at such times as the Board by rules and regulations may prescribe, returns of compensation of employees, and, if the Board shall so require, shall furnish employees with statements of their compensation as reported to the Board. The Board's record of the compensation so returned shall be conclusive as to the amount of compensation paid to an employee during each period covered by the return, and the fact that the Board's records show that no return was made of the compensation claimed to have been paid to an employee during a particular period shall be taken as conclusive that no compensation was paid to such employee during that period, unless the error in the amount of compensation returned in the one case, or the failure to make return of the compensation in the other case, is called to the attention of the Board within four years after the day on which return of the compensation was required to be made.
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §9, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1343.)
§231i. Erroneous payments
(a) Recovery
If the Board finds that at any time more than the correct amount of annuities or other benefits has been paid to any individual under this subchapter, or payment has been made to an individual not entitled thereto, recovery by adjustment in subsequent payments to which such individual, or any other individual on the basis of the same compensation, wages, or self-employment income, is entitled under this subchapter, or the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act [45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.] may, except as otherwise provided in this section, be made under regulations prescribed by the Board. If the individual to whom more than the correct amount has been paid dies before recovery is completed, recovery may be made by setoff or adjustments, under regulations prescribed by the Board, in subsequent payments due, under this subchapter, or the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, to the estate of such individual or to any person on the basis of the compensation, wages, or self-employment income of such individual. The Board shall have the authority to recover from any payment which would be made to an individual by the Board under section 231f(b)(2) of this title the amount of annuity payments made to such individual which are erroneous because of such individual's entitlement to monthly insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.].
(b) Adjustments
Adjustments under this section may be made either by deductions from subsequent payments or, with respect to payments which are to be made during a lifetime or lifetimes, by subtracting the total amount of annuities or other benefits paid in excess of the proper amount from the actuarial value, as determined by the Board, of such payments to be made during a lifetime or lifetimes and recertifying such payments on the basis of the reduced actuarial value. In the latter case, recovery shall be deemed to have been completed upon such recertification.
(c) Decision not to recover
There shall be no recovery in any case in which more than the correct amount of annuities or other benefits has been paid under this subchapter to an individual or payment has been made to an individual not entitled thereto who, in the judgment of the Board, is without fault when, in the judgment of the Board, recovery would be contrary to the purpose of this subchapter or the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act [45 U.S.C. 351 et seq.] or would be against equity or good conscience.
(d) Liability of officers
No certifying or disbursing officer shall be held liable for any amount certified or paid by him in good faith to any person where the recovery of such amount is waived under subsection (c) of this section or has been begun but cannot be completed under subsection (a) of this section.
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §10, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1344; amended Pub. L. 97–35, title XI, §1123, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 638.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (c), is act June 25, 1938, ch. 680, 52 Stat. 1094, which is classified principally to chapter 11 (§351 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 367 of this title and Tables.
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620. Title II of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
Amendments
1981—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–35 inserted provisions authorizing Board to recover from any payment which would be made to an individual by Board under section 231f(b)(2) of this title amount of annuity payments made to such individual which are erroneous because of such individual's entitlement to monthly insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–35 effective Jan. 1, 1975, see section 1129 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 231 of this title.
§231j. Waiver of annuities
Any person awarded an annuity under this subchapter may decline to accept all or any part of such annuity by a waiver signed and filed with the Board. Such a waiver may be revoked in writing at any time, but no payment of the annuity waived shall be made covering the period during which such waiver was in effect. Such a waiver will have no effect on entitlement to, or the amount of, any other annuity or benefit.
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §11, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1344.)
§231k. Incompetence
(a) Every individual receiving or claiming benefits, or to whom any right or privilege is extended, under this subchapter or any other Act of Congress now or hereafter administered, in whole or in part, by the Board shall be conclusively presumed to have been competent until the date on which the Board receives written notice, in a form and manner acceptable to the Board, that he is an incompetent, or a minor, for whom a guardian or other person legally vested with the care of his person or estate has been appointed: Provided, however, That, regardless of the legal competency or incompetency of an individual entitled to a benefit administered by the Board, the Board may, if it finds the interest of such individual to be served thereby, recognize actions by, and conduct transactions with, and make payments to, such individual, or recognize actions by, and conduct transactions with, and make payments to, a relative or some other person for such individual's use and benefit.
(b) Every guardian or other person legally vested with the care of the person or estate of an incompetent or minor who is receiving or claiming benefits, or to whom any right or privilege is extended, under this subchapter or any other Act of Congress now or hereafter administered, in whole or in part, by the Board shall have power everywhere, in the manner and to the extent prescribed by the Board, but subject to the provisions of the preceding subsection, to take any action necessary or appropriate to perfect any right or exercise any privilege of the incompetent or minor and to conduct all transactions on his behalf under this subchapter or any other Act of Congress now or hereafter administered, in whole or in part, by the Board. Any payment made pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be a complete settlement and satisfaction of any claim, right, or interest in and to such payment.
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §12, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1345.)
§231l. Penalties
(a) Any person who shall knowingly fail or refuse to make any report or furnish any information required by the Board in the administration of this subchapter, including the provisions of section 231f(b)(2) of this title or who shall knowingly make or cause to be made any false or fraudulent statement or report when a statement or report is required to be made for the purpose of this subchapter, or who shall knowingly make or aid in making any false or fraudulent statement or claim for the purpose of causing an award or payment to be made, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both.
(b) All fines and penalties imposed by a court pursuant to this subchapter shall be paid to the court and be remitted from time to time by order of the judge to the Treasury of the United States to be credited to the Railroad Retirement Account.
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §13, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1345.)
§231m. Assignability; exemption from levy
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.], notwithstanding any other law of the United States, or of any State, territory, or the District of Columbia, no annuity or supplemental annuity shall be assignable or be subject to any tax or to garnishment, attachment, or other legal process under any circumstances whatsoever, nor shall the payment thereof be anticipated 1
(b)(1) This section shall not operate to exclude the amount of any supplemental annuity paid to an individual under section 231a(b) of this title from income taxable pursuant to the Federal income tax provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.].
(2) This section shall not operate to prohibit the characterization or treatment of that portion of an annuity under this subchapter which is not computed under section 231b(a), 231c(a), or 231c(f) of this title, or any portion of a supplemental annuity under this subchapter, as community property for the purposes of, or property subject to, distribution in accordance with a court decree of divorce, annulment, or legal separation or the terms of any court-approved property settlement incident to any such court decree. The Board shall make payments of such portions in accordance with any such characterization or treatment or any such decree or settlement.
(3)(A) Payments made pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection shall not require that the employee be entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title: Provided, however, That where an employee is not entitled to such an annuity, payments made pursuant to paragraph (2) may not begin before the month in which the following three conditions are satisfied:
(i) The employee has completed ten years of service in the railroad industry or, five years of service all of which accrues after December 31, 1995.
(ii) The spouse or former spouse attains age 62.
(iii) The employee attains age 62 (or if deceased, would have attained age 62).
(B) Payments made pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection shall terminate upon the death of the spouse or former spouse, unless the court document provides for termination at an earlier date. Notwithstanding the language in a court order, that portion of payments made pursuant to paragraph (2) which represents payments computed pursuant to section 231b(f)(2) of this title shall not be paid after the death of the employee.
(C) If the employee is not entitled to an annuity under section 231a(a)(1) of this title, payments made pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection shall be computed as though the employee were entitled to an annuity.
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §14, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated Pub. L. 93–445, title I, §101, Oct. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1345; amended Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §419(a), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 438; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §110(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5112.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2008—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 110–458 added par. (3).
1986—Subsecs. (a), (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954".
1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–76, §419(a)(1), substituted "(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, notwithstanding" for "Notwithstanding".
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 98–76, §419(a)(2), substituted "(b)(1) This" for ": Provided, however, That the provisions of this".
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 98–76, §419(a)(3), added par. (2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
Pub. L. 110–458, title I, §110(b)(1), Dec. 23, 2008, 122 Stat. 5112, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a)(1) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to payments due for months after August 2007. If, prior to the effective date of such amendment, payment pursuant to paragraph (2) of section 14(b) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231m(b)) was terminated because of the employee's death, payment to the former spouse may be reinstated for months after August 2007."
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Pub. L. 98–76, title IV, §419(b), Aug. 12, 1983, 97 Stat. 438, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall apply with respect to annuity amounts payable for months beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 12, 1983]."
1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a period.
§231n. Railroad Retirement Account
(a) Maintenance of account; authorization of appropriations
The Railroad Retirement Account established by section 15(a) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228o(a)] shall continue to be maintained in the Treasury of the United States. There is hereby appropriated to such Account for each fiscal year, beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, to provide for the payment of benefits to be made from such Account in accordance with the provisions of section 231f(c)(1) of this title, and to provide for expenses necessary for the Board in the administration of all provisions of this subchapter, an amount equal to amounts covered into the Treasury (minus refunds) during each fiscal year under the Railroad Retirement Tax Act [26 U.S.C. 3201 et seq.].
(b) Authorization of appropriations; military service costs and administrative expenses
In addition to the amount appropriated in subsection (a) of this section, there is hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Railroad Retirement Account for each fiscal year, beginning with the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, such amount as the Board determines to be necessary to meet (A) the additional costs, resulting from the crediting of military service under this subchapter, of benefits payable under section 231a of this title, but only to the extent that such Account is not reimbursed for such costs under section 231f(c)(2) of this title, (B) the additional administrative expenses resulting from the crediting of military service under this subchapter, and (C) any loss in interest to such Account resulting from the payment of additional benefits based on military service credited under this subchapter: Provided, however, That, in determining the amount to be appropriated to the Railroad Retirement Account for any fiscal year pursuant to the provisions of this subsection, there shall not be considered any costs resulting from the crediting of military service under this subchapter for which appropriations to such Account have already been made pursuant to section 4(l) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 [45 U.S.C. 228c–1(l)]. Any determination as to loss in interest to the Railroad Retirement Account pursuant to clause (C) of the first sentence of this subsection shall take into account interest from the date each annuity based, in part, on military service began to accrue or was increased to the date or dates on which the amount appropriated is credited to the Account. The cost resulting from the payment of additional benefits under this subchapter based on military service determined pursuant to the preceding provisions of this subsection shall be adjusted by applying thereto the ratio of the total net level cost of all benefits under this subchapter to the portion of such net level cost remaining after the exclusion of administrative expenses and interest charges on the unfunded accrued liability as determined under the last completed actuarial valuation pursuant to the provisions of subsection (g) of this section. At the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and each fiscal year thereafter, the Board shall, as promptly as practicable, determine the amount to be appropriated to the Account pursuant to the provisions of this subsection, and shall certify such amount to the Secretary of the Treasury for transfer from the general fund in the Treasury to the Railroad Retirement Account. When authorized by an appropriation Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to the Railroad Retirement Account from the general fund in the Treasury such amounts as, from time to time, may be determined by the Board pursuant to the provisions of this subsection and certified by the Board for transfer to such Account. In any determination made pursuant to section 231f(c)(2) of this title, no further charges shall be made against the Trust Funds established by title II of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.] for military service rendered before January 1, 1957, and with respect to which appropriations authorized by clause (2) of the first sentence of section 4(l) of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1937 shall have been credited to the Railroad Retirement Account, but the additional benefit payments incurred by such Trust Funds by reason of such military service shall be taken in account in making any such determination.
(c) Repealed. Pub. L. 107–90, title I, §106(b), Dec. 21, 2001, 115 Stat. 887
(d) Dual Benefits Payments Account
(1) There is hereby created an account in the Treasury of the United States to be known as the Dual Benefits Payments Account. There is hereby authorized to be appropriated to such account for each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 1982, such sums as are necessary to pay during such fiscal year the amounts of annuities estimated by the Board to be paid under sections 231b(h), 231c(e), and 231c(h) of this title and under sections 204(a)(3), 204(a)(4), 206(3), and 207(3) of Public Law 93–445. Not more than 30 days prior to each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending September 30, 1982, the Board may request the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer from the Railroad Retirement Account to the credit of the Dual Benefits Payments Account any amount not exceeding the amount that the Board estimates will be necessary to pay on the first day of the next succeeding month the annuity amounts under sections 231b(h), 231c(e), and 231c(h) of this title and under sections 204(a)(3), 204(a)(4), 206(3), and 207(3) of Public Law 93–445, taking into account any reduction in such annuity amounts as determined under section 231f(c)(1) of this title, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall make such transfer, but at no time shall the total amount of money outstanding to the Dual Benefits Payments Account from the Railroad Retirement Account exceed the amount necessary to pay the annuity amounts under sections 231b(h), 231c(e), and 231c(h) of this title and sections 204(a)(3), 204(a)(4), 206(3), and 207(3) of Public Law 93–445 for one month. Not more than 10 days after the funds appropriated to the Dual Benefits Payments Account for each such fiscal year are received into such Account, the Board shall request the Secretary of the Treasury to retransfer from the Dual Benefits Payments Account to the credit of the Railroad Retirement Account an amount equal to the amount transferred to the Dual Benefits Payments Account prior to or during such fiscal year under the preceding sentence, together with such additional amount determined by the Board to be equal to the loss of interest to the Railroad Retirement Account resulting from such transfer, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall make such retransfer. The Secretary of the Treasury shall from time to time transfer from the Dual Benefits Payments Account to the disbursing agent under section 231f(b)(4) of this title amounts necessary to pay benefits payable from that Account.
(2) The Secretary of the Treasury—
(i) shall transfer from the general fund as a loan to the Board on January 1, 1984, one-third of the special amount described in subdivision (3) of this subsection;
(ii) shall transfer from the general fund as a loan to the Board on January 1, 1985, one-third of the special amount described in subdivision (3) of this subsection, plus an amount equal to the interest that one-third would have earned had it been in the Railroad Retirement Account since January 1, 1984; and
(iii) shall transfer from the general fund as a loan to the Board on January 1, 1986, the final one-third of the special amount described in subdivision (3) of this subsection, plus an amount equal to the interest that one-third would have earned had it been in the Railroad Retirement Account since January 1, 1984.
(3) The special amount referred to in subdivision (2) of this subsection is the amount which, as of January 1, 1984, would place the Railroad Retirement Account in the same position it would have been on that date if no annuity amounts had been paid during the period beginning January 1, 1975 and ending September 30, 1981, under sections 231b(h), 231c(e), and 231c(h) of this title and under sections 204(a)(3), 204(a)(4), 206(3), and 207(3) of Public Law 93–445, and no sums had been appropriated as authorized in this subsection.
(4) For the purposes of subdivision (2) of this subsection, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to use as a public debt transaction the proceeds of the sale of any securities issued after August 12, 1983, under section 3102 of title 31 and the purposes for which securities may be so issued are extended to include such purposes.
(5) The amounts transferred to the Board as loans under subdivision (2) of this subsection shall be deposited in the Railroad Retirement Account.
(6) The amounts transferred as loans under subdivision (2) of this subsection shall be repaid to the general fund to the extent sums are appropriated for that purpose, and there are hereby authorized to be appropriated, in addition to any other sums authorized to be appropriated for the purposes of this subchapter and from any sums in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be necessary to make such repayments.
(e) Investments
At the request and direction of the Board, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury (hereinafter referred to as the "Secretary") to invest such portion of the amounts credited to the Railroad Retirement Account and the Dual Benefits Payments Account as are not transferred to the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust as the Board may determine in interest-bearing obligations of the United States or in obligations guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the United States. For such purpose such obligations may be acquired (A) on original issue at the issue price; or (B) by purchase of outstanding obligations at the market price. The purposes for which obligations of the United States may be issued under chapter 31 of title 31, are hereby extended to authorize the issuance at par of special obligations exclusively to the accounts. Such obligations issued for purchase by the accounts shall have maturities fixed with due regard for the needs of the accounts, and shall bear interest at a rate equal to the average market yield, computed as of the end of the calendar month next preceding the date of such issue, borne by all marketable interest-bearing notes of the United States then forming a part of the public debt that are not due or callable until after the expiration of three years from the end of such calendar month, except that where such rate is not a multiple of one-eighth of 1 per centum, the rate of interest on such obligation shall be the multiple of one-eighth of 1 per centum nearest such rate: Provided, That the rate of interest on such obligations shall in no case be less than 3 per centum per annum. At the request of the Board the Secretary shall purchase other interest-bearing obligations of the United States, or obligations guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the United States, or other obligations which are lawful investments for trust funds of the United States, on original issue or at the market price: Provided, That the interest yield of such obligations shall not be less than the interest rate determined in accordance with the preceding sentence. At the request of the Board, the Secretary shall sell at the market price such obligations in the accounts (other than special obligations issued exclusively to the accounts) as the Board designates. The Board shall from time to time request the Secretary to redeem such special obligations issued exclusively to the accounts as the Board designates and upon such request the Secretary shall redeem such obligations at par plus accrued interest. All requests of the Board to the Secretary, provided for in this subsection, shall be mandatory upon the Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Board to determine at all times what proportion of the accounts shall be invested in other than special obligations issued to the accounts and further to determine which of such obligations available to the accounts consistent with the requirements of this subsection will provide the greatest rate of return on the funds invested.
(f) Actuarial Advisory Committee
The Board is hereby authorized and directed to select two actuaries, one from recommendations made by representatives of employees and the other from recommendations made by representatives of employers as defined in paragraph (i) of section 231(a)(1) of this title. These actuaries, along with a third who shall be designated by the Secretary of the Treasury, shall be known as the Actuarial Advisory Committee with respect to the Railroad Retirement Account. The actuaries so selected shall hold membership in the American Academy of Actuaries and shall be qualified in the evaluation of pension plans: Provided, however, That these requirements shall not apply to any actuary who served as a member of the Committee prior to January 1, 1975. The Committee shall examine the actuarial reports and estimates made by the Board and shall have authority to recommend to the Board such changes in actuarial methods as they may deem necessary. The compensation of the members of the Committee, exclusive of the member designated by the Secretary, shall be fixed by the Board on a per diem basis.
(g) Annual report
The Board shall include in its annual report a statement of the status and the operations of the Railroad Retirement and Railroad Retirement Supplemental Accounts, and the Dual Benefits Payments Account. At intervals not longer than three years the Board shall make an estimate of the liabilities created by this subchapter and shall include such estimate in its annual report.
(h) Authorization of appropriations; administrative expenses of subchapter
There are hereby authorized to be appropriated from time to time such sums as may be necessary to provide for the expenses of the Board in administering the provisions of this subchapter.
(i) Crediting of accounts for unnegotiated benefit checks
(1) The Secretary of the Treasury shall implement procedures to permit the identification of each check issued for benefits under this subchapter that has not been presented for payment by the close of the sixth month following the month of its issuance.
(2) The Secretary of the Treasury shall, on a monthly basis, credit each account established in the Treasury for the payment of benefits under this subchapter for the proportionate amount of benefit checks (including interest thereon) drawn on each such Account more than six months previously but not presented for payment and not previously credited to such Account, to the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts.
(3) If a benefit check is presented for payment to the Treasury and the amount of the appropriate portion thereof has been previously credited pursuant to paragraph (2) to an Account or Accounts, the Secretary of the Treasury shall nevertheless pay such check, if otherwise proper, recharge such Account or Accounts for the amount of such check attributable to such Account or Accounts and notify the Board.
(4) A benefit check bearing a current date may be issued to an individual who did not negotiate the original benefit check and who surrenders such check for cancellation if the Secretary of the Treasury determines it is necessary to effect proper payment of benefits.
(j) National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust
(1) Establishment
The National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the "Trust") is hereby established as a trust domiciled in the District of Columbia and shall, to the extent not inconsistent with this subchapter, be subject to the laws of the District of Columbia applicable to such trusts. The Trust shall manage and invest its assets in the manner set forth in this subsection.
(2) Not a Federal agency or instrumentality
The Trust is not a department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government of the United States and shall not be subject to title 31.
(3) Board of Trustees
(A) Generally
(i) Membership
The Trust shall have a Board of Trustees, consisting of 7 members. Three shall represent the interests of labor, 3 shall represent the interests of management, and 1 shall be an independent Trustee. The members of the Board of Trustees shall not be considered officers or employees of the Government of the United States.
(ii) Selection
(I) The 3 members representing the interests of labor shall be selected by the joint recommendation of labor organizations, national in scope, organized in accordance with sections 151a and 152 of this title, and representing at least 2/3 of all active employees, represented by such national labor organizations, covered under this subchapter.
(II) The 3 members representing the interests of management shall be selected by the joint recommendation of carriers as defined in section 151 of this title employing at least 2/3 of all active employees covered under this subchapter.
(III) The independent member shall be selected by a majority of the other 6 members of the Board of Trustees.
A member of the Board of Trustees may be removed in the same manner and by the same constituency that selected that member.
(iii) Dispute resolution
In the event that the parties specified in subclause (I), (II), or (III) of the previous clause cannot agree on the selection of Trustees within 60 days of the date of enactment or 60 days from any subsequent date that a position of the Board of Trustees becomes vacant, an impartial umpire to decide such dispute shall, on the petition of a party to the dispute, be appointed by the District Court of the United States for the District of Columbia.
(B) Qualifications
Members of the Board of Trustees shall be appointed only from among persons who have experience and expertise in the management of financial investments and pension plans. No member of the Railroad Retirement Board shall be eligible to be a member of the Board of Trustees.
(C) Terms
Except as provided in this subparagraph, each member shall be appointed for a 3-year term. The initial members appointed under this paragraph shall be divided into equal groups so nearly as may be, of which one group will be appointed for a 1-year term, one for a 2-year term, and one for a 3-year term. The Trustee initially selected pursuant to clause (ii)(III) shall be appointed to a 3-year term. A vacancy in the Board of Trustees shall not affect the powers of the Board of Trustees and shall be filled in the same manner as the selection of the member whose departure caused the vacancy. Upon the expiration of a term of a member of the Board of Trustees, that member shall continue to serve until a successor is appointed.
(4) Powers of the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees shall—
(A) retain independent advisers to assist it in the formulation and adoption of its investment guidelines;
(B) invest assets of the Trust in a manner consistent with such investment guidelines, either directly or through the retention of independent investment managers;
(C) adopt bylaws and other rules to govern its operations;
(D) employ professional staff, and contract with outside advisers, including the Railroad Retirement Board, to provide legal, accounting, investment advisory or management services (compensation for which may be on a fixed contract fee basis or on such other terms as are customary for such services), or other services necessary for the proper administration of the Trust;
(E) sue and be sued and participate in legal proceedings, have and use a seal, conduct business, carry on operations, and exercise its powers within or without the District of Columbia, form, own, or participate in entities of any kind, enter into contracts and agreements necessary to carry out its business purposes, lend money for such purposes, and deal with property as security for the payment of funds so loaned, and possess and exercise any other powers appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Trust;
(F) pay administrative expenses of the Trust from the assets of the Trust; and
(G) transfer money to the disbursing agent or as otherwise provided in section 231f(b)(4) of this title, to pay benefits payable under this subchapter from the assets of the Trust.
(5) Reporting requirements and fiduciary standards
The following reporting requirements and fiduciary standards shall apply with respect to the Trust:
(A) Duties of the Board of Trustees
The Trust and each member of the Board of Trustees shall discharge their duties (including the voting of proxies) with respect to the assets of the Trust solely in the interest of the Railroad Retirement Board and through it, the participants and beneficiaries of the programs funded under this subchapter—
(i) for the exclusive purpose of—
(I) providing benefits to participants and their beneficiaries; and
(II) defraying reasonable expenses of administering the functions of the Trust;
(ii) with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims;
(iii) by diversifying investments so as to minimize the risk of large losses and to avoid disproportionate influence over a particular industry or firm, unless under the circumstances it is clearly prudent not to do so; and
(iv) in accordance with Trust governing documents and instruments insofar as such documents and instruments are consistent with this subchapter.
(B) Prohibitions with respect to members of the Board of Trustees
No member of the Board of Trustees shall—
(i) deal with the assets of the Trust in the Trustee's own interest or for the Trustee's own account;
(ii) in an individual or in any other capacity act in any transaction involving the assets of the Trust on behalf of a party (or represent a party) whose interests are adverse to the interests of the Trust, the Railroad Retirement Board, or the interests of participants or beneficiaries; or
(iii) receive any consideration for the Trustee's own personal account from any party dealing with the assets of the Trust.
(C) Exculpatory provisions and insurance
Any provision in an agreement or instrument that purports to relieve a Trustee from responsibility or liability for any responsibility, obligation, or duty under this subchapter shall be void: Provided, however, That nothing shall preclude—
(i) the Trust from purchasing insurance for its Trustees or for itself to cover liability or losses occurring by reason of the act or omission of a Trustee, if such insurance permits recourse by the insurer against the Trustee in the case of a breach of a fiduciary obligation by such Trustee;
(ii) a Trustee from purchasing insurance to cover liability under this section from and for his own account; or
(iii) an employer or an employee organization from purchasing insurance to cover potential liability of one or more Trustees with respect to their fiduciary responsibilities, obligations, and duties under this section.
(D) Bonding
Every Trustee and every person who handles funds or other property of the Trust (hereafter in this subsection referred to as "Trust official") shall be bonded. Such bond shall provide protection to the Trust against loss by reason of acts of fraud or dishonesty on the part of any Trust official, directly or through the connivance of others, and shall be in accordance with the following:
(i) The amount of such bond shall be fixed at the beginning of each fiscal year of the Trust by the Railroad Retirement Board. Such amount shall not be less than 10 percent of the amount of the funds handled. In no case shall such bond be less than $1,000 nor more than $500,000, except that the Railroad Retirement Board, after consideration of the record, may prescribe an amount in excess of $500,000, subject to the 10 per centum limitation of the preceding sentence.
(ii) It shall be unlawful for any Trust official to receive, handle, disburse, or otherwise exercise custody or control of any of the funds or other property of the Trust without being bonded as required by this subsection and it shall be unlawful for any Trust official, or any other person having authority to direct the performance of such functions, to permit such functions, or any of them, to be performed by any Trust official, with respect to whom the requirements of this subsection have not been met.
(iii) It shall be unlawful for any person to procure any bond required by this subsection from any surety or other company or through any agent or broker in whose business operations such person has any control or significant financial interest, direct or indirect.
(E) Audit and report
(i) The Trust shall annually engage an independent qualified public accountant to audit the financial statements of the Trust.
(ii) The Trust shall submit an annual management report to the Congress not later than 180 days after the end of the Trust's fiscal year. A management report under this subsection shall include—
(I) a statement of financial position;
(II) a statement of operations;
(III) a statement of cash flows;
(IV) a statement on internal accounting and administrative control systems;
(V) the report resulting from an audit of the financial statements of the Trust conducted under clause (i); and
(VI) any other comments and information necessary to inform the Congress about the operations and financial condition of the Trust.
(iii) The Trust shall provide the President, the Railroad Retirement Board, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a copy of the management report when it is submitted to Congress.
(F) Enforcement
The Railroad Retirement Board may bring a civil action—
(i) to enjoin any act or practice by the Trust, its Board of Trustees, or its employees or agents that violates any provision of this subchapter; or
(ii) to obtain other appropriate relief to redress such violations, or to enforce any provisions of this subchapter.
(6) State and local taxes
The Trust shall be exempt from any income, sales, use, property, or other similar tax or fee imposed or levied by a State, political subdivision, or local taxing authority. The district courts of the United States shall have original jurisdiction over a civil action brought by the Trust to enforce this subsection and may grant equitable or declaratory relief requested by the Trust.
(7) Quorum
Five members of the Board of Trustees constitute a quorum to do business. Investment guidelines must be adopted by a unanimous vote of the Trustees then holding office. All other decisions of the Board of Trustees shall be decided by a majority vote of the quorum present. All decisions of the Board of Trustees shall be entered upon the records of the Board of Trustees.
(k) Transfers to the Trust
The Board shall, upon establishment of the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust and from time to time thereafter, direct the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer, in such manner as will maximize the investment returns to the Railroad Retirement system, that portion of the Railroad Retirement Account that is not needed to pay current administrative expenses of the Board to the National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust. The Secretary shall make that transfer.
(l) National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust
The National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust shall from time to time transfer to the disbursing agent described in section 231f(b)(4) of this title or as otherwise directed by the Railroad Retirement Board pursuant to section 231f(b)(4) of this title, such amounts as may be necessary to pay benefits under this subchapter (other than benefits paid from the Social Security Equivalent Benefit Account or the Dual Benefit Payments Account).
(Aug. 29, 1935, ch. 812, §15, as restated June 24, 1937, ch. 382, pt. I, 50 Stat. 307, as restated