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Chapter: 1800 Income Program: TCA 41 The following are three different railroad retirement benefits:

1. The retirement benefit is payable only to the railroad employee or the employee's spouse. Benefits may be increased because of dependent children; however, the amount of the increase is considered income to the individual rather than the child(ren). 2. The survivor benefit is payable to widows/widowers and children or to dependent parents if no widow(er) or child qualifies. 3. Checks for unemployment, sickness, and strike benefits cover a period up to two weeks.

Retirement and survivor benefits are paid monthly. Payment received in the current month is the amount due the individual for the prior month.

Railroad retirement benefits are adjusted for cost of living at the same time as SSA. However, differences in amounts may exist due to individual case circumstances. Verification of differences should be made by reviewing an award notice. When contact with the railroad board (RRB) is necessary, contact the local RRB district office, not the RRB in Chicago. 1820.0910 Unemployment Compensation (TCA) Payments received pursuant to a state or federal unemployment law, or paid by a union or employer are included as unearned income. 1820.0912 Severance Pay (TCA) Severance pay is included as unearned income. 1820.0914 Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (TCA) Payments made to individuals under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICP) Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-398) are excluded as income. 1820.0915 Domestic Volunteer Services Act (TCA) The following are excluded income:

1. assistance to volunteers who participate in ACTION Programs funded under Public Law 93-113, including VISTA or AmeriCorps VISTA and other programs under Title I of that law; and 2. payments for supportive services or reimbursement for expenses made to volunteers serving as foster grandparents, senior health aides, or senior companions, and to persons serving on the Service Corps of Retired Executives, Active Corps of Executives, and other programs under Title II and III of the act. 1820.0917 Indian Tribe/Alaskan Native (TCA) Exclusions include:

1. Any funds distributed per capita to or held in trust for members of any Indian tribe under Public Laws 92-254, 93-134 (Sections 7 and 8), or 94-540 including funding from leases on restricted land and initial purchases made with funds distributed under Public Law 93- 134 or Public Law 98-64 (as amended by Public Law 103-66); and

2. Any of the following distributions made to a household, individual or descendant of a native, by a Native Corporation established by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (Public Law 92-203 as amended):

a. per capita payments of $2,000 or less per year including cash dividends on stock from a Native Corporation,