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Mike Murburg, P.A. was established in 1986 to help people with disabilities. As part of our practice we represent railroaders who are unable to work because of a disability. We routinely represent disabled railroad workers on the eastern seaboard and throughout the United States on their Tier 1 and Tier 2 Railroad Retirement Board disability claims. We also handle appeals of Railroad Retirement Board decisions.
Because we solely handle disability claims, we devote our entire staff, substantial resources and extensive experience to helping you access your full range of benefits options. Our lawyers evaluate whether you are eligible for RRB total disability, RRB occupational disability, Social Security disability or other programs. Our Railroad Board disability attorneys gather crucial evidence, prepare your applications and handle appeals of negative decisions.
Claiming Benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board
Disabled railroad workers can claim disability benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board. The laws governing the award of benefits to disabled railroad workers are similar to the laws used to award Social Security Disability benefits. For example, eligibility is based upon the number of work credits the railroad worker has earned during his or her career. In addition, the two administering agencies apply similar procedures and calculations. For instance, the statutory definition of substantial gainful activity is the same. The Social Security Administration and the Railroad Retirement Board consider earnings above $1,070 per month to be substantial.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 Railroad Retirement Board Disability Claims
Our RRB disability attorneys review your eligibility for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Railroad disability benefits and help you maximize your benefits recovery. You become eligible for Tier 1 disability benefits if you have worked in the railroad industry for at least 20 years or if you are between 60 years old and retirement age and have worked for the railroads for at least 10 years. Tier 2 is more like a private pension and is based upon your five years of highest pay.
RRB Appeals Process
The appeals process is similar to, but not the same as, the procedure followed for Social Security disability claims. The Bureau of Hearings and Appeals of the Railroad Retirement Board administers and decides the claims. Our Railroad Board disability attorneys handle hearings before the assigned hearing officer who presides over these disability claims.
The law imposes strict deadlines for appealing decisions regarding disability benefits. Therefore, do not delay in contacting us about appealing a denial of Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits.
Why You Need a Railroad Retirement Attorney
Mike Murburg, P.A. explains your rights and options to disability benefits at a free case evaluation. Our disability lawyers discuss such important topics as the application process, eligibility for benefits, railroad disability annuity and relevant Social Security matters. Call our lawyers at (813) 264-5363 or contact us online.
Our firm represents clients in jurisdictions throughout the country. We do not charge attorneys’ fees or expenses until we recover compensation on behalf of our client.
Photo orginally posted on Flickr taken from Wikipedia
Photo taken by William Grimes taken from Wikipedia