Agency: 
Railroad Retirement Board
Scheme Nickname: 
Primary RRA/RUIA benefits scheme

Primary informal adjudication scheme for benefits claims (and related issues) under the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA). Hearing and appeal procedures are primarily set forth in 20 CFR Parts 260 & 320. RRA/RUIA matters adjudicated include: review of unfavorable initial decisions on applications for benefits; modifications of annuity or lump-sum payments; existence of erroneous payments; revision (reopening) of final decisions; and, issues related to legal age or legal competence of beneficiary found be incapacitated and in need of representative payee.

Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 
The RRB Bureau of Hearings and Appeals, which is an independent unit in the Office of General Counsel, provides hearing-level review of RRB initial decisions (after mandatory exhaustion via request for reconsideration to the program office that made initial decision.)
Types of Adjudication: 
Type B
Comments/Notes on Related Schemes: 
In this scheme (RRBOBENE0001), which adjudicates benefits claims and related matters, the Board serves as the first (and only) level of appellate review. In scheme RRBBDHRG0003, the Board serves as a hearing-level body -- with or without the assistance of a Hearing Examiner -- on disputes related to employer or employee status under RRA/RUIA and other smaller matters not covered by the "main" benefits adjudication scheme.
Resources & Articles: 
USRRB - Railroad Retirement Handook 2012: http://www.rrb.gov/pdf/opa/handbook.pdf
RRB Appeals Procedures (Dec. 2011): http://www.rrb.gov/pdf/opa/pub_1112.pdf
RRB Form HA-1 (claimant appeal form): http://www.rrb.gov/pdf/ha2.pdf
RRB Adjudication Instruction Manual (AIM): http://www.rrb.gov/general/admin_manuals_index.asp
GAO Report on Long Island Railroad Scandal (2010): http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-351R
GAO Report on RRB (Octhttp://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-09-821R. 2009):
News Report of Fraud Charges related to LIRR Scandal: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/132683463.html
Verified by Agency: 
Verified
Is this a Major Adjudication: 
Yes