No. You cannot physically work and file for your Railroad Disability Annuity.

The best way to know is to give us a call for a free consultation.

A Total and Permanent Disability Annuity (TDA) is based on a medical or mental impairment that prevents you from performing any regular, gainful work whatsoever.

Requirements: Generally requires at least 10 years (120 months) of railroad service. Under certain conditions, employees with at least 5 years of service after 1995 may also qualify.

Age & Waiting Period: Payable at any age, subject to a standard 5-month waiting period before benefits begin.

An occupational disability applies if a physical or mental impairment prevents you from performing the duties of your regular railroad occupation, even if you are still capable of doing other types of work.

Requirements: You must have a "current connection" to the railroad industry and either 240 months of service OR 120 months of service and be at least 60 years old.

Benefits: This provides an annuity for employees who can no longer safely or effectively work in their specific railroading role, recognizing the physically demanding nature of the industry.

The difference can have a major impact on your claim. We'd be happy to explain which type of disability may apply during a free consultation.

A denial doesn't always mean your case is over. Many valid claims are denied because of missing medical evidence, incomplete documentation, or other issues that can sometimes be addressed.

Before giving up, let us review your claim. A fresh look by an experienced Railroad Disability attorney may make all the difference.

Every claim is different. Some cases move relatively quickly, while others take longer depending on the medical evidence, work history, and review process. The strongest claims are often those that are well-prepared from the very beginning.

Our goal is to help you avoid unnecessary delays and move your claim forward as efficiently as possible.

You're not required to have an attorney, but getting experienced guidance early can help you avoid mistakes that may delay your claim or make approval more difficult. The decisions made at the beginning of the process can have a lasting impact.

Many clients tell us they wish they had called sooner. A free consultation can help you understand your options before you file.