Frequently Asked Questions
MEMBERSHIP
Is the BR&CF an Insurance Company?
No, the BR&CF is a Non-Profit Fraternal Organization.
How do I become a member of the BR&CF?
You must submit an Application for Membership and be approved. (Click here to apply)
Does the BR&CF have a paper application for membership?
No, prospective members must submit an electronic application for membership at the website.
Will I be required to submit a dues payment with my application for membership?
No, the first two months of membership are at no cost.
If my application for membership is approved, when will my membership become effective?
The 1st day of the succeeding month, or upon successful completion of your new-hire probationary period, whichever occurs later.
How do I increase my daily benefit level?
Log in to your account, select ‘Increase Daily Benefit Level’ and submit an application for increase. (Click here to log in)
How do I update my personal information?
Log in to your account, select ‘Personal Information’, and then select ‘Edit Information’.
Where can I view the BR&CF Constitution?
Log in to your account and select ‘View BR&CF Constitution’.
How do I cancel my membership?
Select ‘Electronic Forms’ and submit the Cancel Membership Form.
How can I correspond with BR&CF?
The vast majority of member interaction with the staff and officers can be conducted via the electronic forms available at the website. We welcome your questions via telephone during office hours.
DUES
Are my dues current?
To verify your current membership status and dues paid through date, log in to your account and select ‘Membership Information’.
How are my monthly dues applied?
Dues received in the current month are applied to the succeeding month.
Where can I check my dues paid through date?
Log in to your account and select ‘Membership Information’.
If I am not working, do I still have to pay dues?
If you are off work a complete calendar month, you may be relieved of dues. Select ‘Electronic Forms’ and submit a Complete Relief of Dues Form. Please Note: A relief of dues is not available if you are receiving “Held Out of Service” benefits or if you have reached maximum benefit eligibility.
I placed my membership in an Inactive Status because I was not working. How do I reactivate my membership?
Log in to your account and select ‘Reactivate Membership’ under Membership Information. No dues payment will be required.
How do I update my banking information?
Log in to your account and select ‘Update Banking Information’ under ‘Membership Information’.
What are the consequences of allowing my membership to become expelled for non-payment of dues?
You are ineligible to receive any benefits whatsoever for any discipline assessed for incidents that occur while your membership is in expelled status. Payment of back dues is required to reinstate.
How can I reinstate my membership if I am expelled for non-payment of dues?
Log in to your account and select ‘Reinstate Membership” under ‘Membership Information’.
Are discounts offered for semi-annual or annual dues payments?
No.
BENEFITS
I was involved in an incident today and was removed from service pending an investigation. Can I start receiving benefits since I am withheld from service?
No, we require an Official Notice of Discipline (OND). An OND is issued after a formal investigation is conducted or upon signing a Waiver of Hearing/Investigation. The OND will state the cause of discipline and the length of suspension.
How do I file for “Held Out of Service” benefits?
Complete an Application for “Held Out of Service” Benefits and submit with the required documents.
What documents must be submitted with an Application for “Held Out of Service” benefits?
You must provide the notice of investigation, notice of discipline, and notice of FRA Certificate Revocation, if applicable. It’s best to submit all documents you have received from your employer related to your incident. In some circumstances, a copy of the complete transcript of the investigation, including all exhibits, will be required.
Must I attend a Hearing/Investigation if a Waiver is offered?
No, however, the maximum duration of benefit eligibility when waiving your right to a hearing/investigation is 180 days.
How long will it take to receive payment of benefits after I submit my Application for “Held Out of Service” benefits?
The majority of applications are reviewed, processed, and approved for payment within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt.
Are benefits paid weekly?
No, benefits are paid bi-monthly on the 1st and 15th.
Will I receive payment of benefits by check?
No, payments are transferred electronically via Direct Deposit.
Where can I find what discipline is eligible for “Held Out of Service” benefits?
The Railroads assess discipline for many types of rule infractions. It is impossible for the Fund to list every infraction that is eligible for benefits. Examples of the types of infractions that are eligible for benefits are available by selecting ‘Eligibility & Exclusions’.
Where can I find what discipline is not eligible for “Held Out of Service” benefits?
Examples of the types of infractions that are excluded from benefit eligibility can be viewed by selecting ‘Eligibility & Exclusions’.
Does BR&CF provide benefits if I am furloughed?
No, but you can apply for a complete relief of dues if you are off a complete calendar month.
Does my membership provide benefits for Parental Leave or Medical Leave?
No, benefits are provided for discipline assessed for eligible infractions.
Do I have to reimburse the BR&CF if I receive ‘Held Out of Service” benefits and discipline is subsequently expunged at arbitration and I receive back wages?
No, we pay for the discipline assessed and served; therefore, reimbursement is not required.
Is there a minimum number of days that I must be suspended in order to receive “Held Out of Service” benefits for an eligible occurrence?
No, benefits are provided for suspensions ranging from 1 day to 365 days.
Will the BR&CF provide benefits if I am dismissed by my employer for an eligible occurrence?
Yes, up to your maximum number of days of benefit eligibility.
Does the BR&CF provide a “Retirement” benefit?
Yes, the “Retirement” benefit is a lump-sum payment calculated at $50.00 for each full year of beneficial membership. Each member is vested after 10 years.
If I previously received “Held Out of Service” benefits, am I disqualified from receiving the “Retirement” benefit?
No, the “Retirement” benefit is independent of any other benefit.
Am I required to pay income taxes on benefits received from BR&CF?
If you receive $600.00 or more in benefit payments during a calendar year, the BR&CF will issue you a 1099-MISC in January the following year and report the benefit amount received to the IRS.
Is Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance included with membership? If so, where and when am I covered?
Yes, up to $50,000. Coverage is only available while at work and on duty.
How do I verify or update my AD&D named beneficiary?
Log in to your account and select ‘Change Beneficiary’ under ‘Personal Information’. You will be prompted to submit a Beneficiary Designation Form.
REFERRAL PROGRAM
Does the BR&CF have a designated, professional sales force?
No, we rely upon existing BR&CF members to refer their coworkers to the Fund. If you refer a coworker, and they apply for membership and are approved, we will provide you a $250.00 Referral Fee. It’s that simple!
Does the BR&CF have any information available that I may distribute to my coworkers?
Yes, we have Referral Cards and Posters. If you would like to order Referral Cards and Posters, please log in to your account, select ‘Referral Program’, and submit the Supply Order Form.
Does the BR&CF provide promotional items to pass out to prospective members?
No, the production, shipping, and handling costs of such items is prohibitive. Research and experience has proven that these items are not necessary as an enticement to attract membership in this Brotherhood.
How are Referral Fees be paid?
All Referral Fees are paid via Direct Deposit. If you are considering referring your coworkers to the Fund, you are encouraged to complete and submit the Direct Deposit Authorization Form as soon as possible. The form is located by selecting ‘Electronic Forms’.
If I receive a Referral Fee deposit to my bank account, how will I know who the Referral Fee is for?
To review a summary of your referral activity, log in to your account, select ‘Referral Program’, and then select ‘Referral Payment History’.
MEMBERSHIP
Is the BR&CF an Insurance Company?
No, the BR&CF is a Non-Profit Fraternal Organization.
How do I become a member of the BR&CF?
You must submit an Application for Membership and be approved. (Click here to apply)
Does the BR&CF have a paper application for membership?
No, prospective members must submit an electronic application for membership at the website.
Will I be required to submit a dues payment with my application for membership?
No, the first two months of membership are at no cost.
If my application for membership is approved, when will my membership become effective?
The 1st day of the succeeding month, or upon successful completion of your new-hire probationary period, whichever occurs later.
How do I increase my daily benefit level?
Log in to your account, select ‘Increase Daily Benefit Level’ and submit an application for increase. (Click here to log in)
How do I update my personal information?
Log in to your account, select ‘Personal Information’, and then select ‘Edit Information’.
Where can I view the BR&CF Constitution?
Log in to your account and select ‘View BR&CF Constitution’.
How do I cancel my membership?
Select ‘Electronic Forms’ and submit the Cancel Membership Form.
How can I correspond with BR&CF?
The vast majority of member interaction with the staff and officers can be conducted via the electronic forms available at the website. We welcome your questions via telephone during office hours.
DUES
Are my dues current?
To verify your current membership status and dues paid through date, log in to your account and select ‘Membership Information’.
How are my monthly dues applied?
Dues received in the current month are applied to the succeeding month.
Where can I check my dues paid through date?
Log in to your account and select ‘Membership Information’.
If I am not working, do I still have to pay dues?
If you are off work a complete calendar month, you may be relieved of dues. Select ‘Electronic Forms’ and submit a Complete Relief of Dues Form. Please Note: A relief of dues is not available if you are receiving “Held Out of Service” benefits or if you have reached maximum benefit eligibility.
I placed my membership in an Inactive Status because I was not working. How do I reactivate my membership?
Log in to your account and select ‘Reactivate Membership’ under ‘Membership Information’. No dues payment will be required.
How do I update my banking information?
Log in to your account and select ‘Update Banking Information’ under ‘Membership Information’.
What are the consequences of allowing my membership to become expelled for non-payment of dues?
You are ineligible to receive any benefits whatsoever for any discipline assessed for incidents that occur while your membership is in expelled status. Payment of back dues is required to reinstate.
How can I reinstate my membership if I am expelled for non-payment of dues?
Log in to your account and select ‘Reinstate Membership” under ‘Membership Information’.
Are discounts offered for semi-annual or annual dues payments?
No.
BENEFITS
I was involved in an incident today and was removed from service pending an investigation. Can I start receiving benefits since I am withheld from service?
No, we require an Official Notice of Discipline (OND). An OND is issued after a formal investigation is conducted or upon signing a Waiver of Hearing/Investigation. The OND will state the cause of discipline and the length of suspension.
How do I file for “Held Out of Service” benefits?
Complete an Application for “Held Out of Service” Benefits and submit with the required documents.
What documents must be submitted with an Application for “Held Out of Service” benefits?
You must provide the notice of investigation, notice of discipline, and notice of FRA Certificate Revocation, if applicable. It’s best to submit all documents you have received from your employer related to your incident. In some circumstances, a copy of the complete transcript of the investigation, including all exhibits, will be required.
Must I attend a Hearing/Investigation if a Waiver is offered?
No, however, the maximum duration of benefit eligibility when waiving your right to a hearing/investigation is 180 days.
How long will it take to receive payment of benefits after I submit my Application for “Held Out of Service” benefits?
The majority of applications are reviewed, processed, and approved for payment within twenty-four (24) hours of receipt.
Are benefits paid weekly?
No, benefits are paid bi-monthly on the 1st and 15th.
Will I receive payment of benefits by check?
No, payments are transferred electronically via Direct Deposit.
Where can I find what discipline is eligible for “Held Out of Service” benefits?
The Railroads assess discipline for many types of rule infractions. It is impossible for the Fund to list every infraction that is eligible for benefits. Examples of the types of infractions that are eligible for benefits are available by selecting ‘Eligibility & Exclusions’.
Where can I find what discipline is not eligible for “Held Out of Service” benefits?
Examples of the types of infractions that are excluded from benefit eligibility can be viewed by selecting ‘Eligibility & Exclusions’.
Does BR&CF provide benefits if I am furloughed?
No, but you can apply for a complete relief of dues if you are off a complete calendar month.
Does my membership provide benefits for Parental Leave or Medical Leave?
No, benefits are provided for discipline assessed for eligible infractions.
Do I have to reimburse the BR&CF if I receive ‘Held Out of Service” benefits and discipline is subsequently expunged at arbitration and I receive back wages?
No, we pay for the discipline assessed and served; therefore, reimbursement is not required.
Is there a minimum number of days that I must be suspended in order to receive “Held Out of Service” benefits for an eligible occurrence?
No, benefits are provided for suspensions ranging from 1 day to 365 days.
Will the BR&CF provide benefits if I am dismissed by my employer for an eligible occurrence?
Yes, up to your maximum number of days of benefit eligibility.
Does the BR&CF provide a “Retirement” benefit?
Yes, the “Retirement” benefit is a lump-sum payment calculated at $50.00 for each full year of beneficial membership. Each member is vested after 10 years.
If I previously received “Held Out of Service” benefits, am I disqualified from receiving the “Retirement” benefit?
No, the “Retirement” benefit is independent of any other benefit.
Am I required to pay income taxes on benefits received from BR&CF?
If you receive $600.00 or more in benefit payments during a calendar year, the BR&CF will issue you a 1099-MISC in January the following year and report the benefit amount received to the IRS.
Is Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance included with membership? If so, where and when am I covered?
Yes, up to $50,000. Coverage is only available while at work and on duty.
How do I verify or update my AD&D named beneficiary?
Log in to your account and select ‘Change Beneficiary’ under ‘Personal Information’. You will be prompted to submit a Beneficiary Designation Form.
REFERRAL PROGRAM
Does the BR&CF have a designated, professional sales force?
No, we rely upon existing BR&CF members to refer their coworkers to the Fund. If you refer a coworker, and they apply for membership and are approved, we will provide you a $250.00 Referral Fee. It’s that simple!
Does the BR&CF have any information available that I may distribute to my coworkers?
Yes, we have Referral Cards and Posters. If you would like to order Referral Cards and Posters, please log in to your account, select ‘Referral Program’, and submit the Supply Order Form.
Does the BR&CF provide promotional items to pass out to prospective members?
No, the production, shipping, and handling costs of such items is prohibitive. Research and experience has proven that these items are not necessary as an enticement to attract membership in this Brotherhood.
How are Referral Fees be paid?
All Referral Fees are paid via Direct Deposit. If you are considering referring your coworkers to the Fund, you are encouraged to complete and submit the Direct Deposit Authorization Form as soon as possible. The form is located by selecting ‘Electronic Forms’.
If I receive a Referral Fee deposit to my bank account, how will I know who the Referral Fee is for?
To review a summary of your referral activity, log in to your account, select ‘Referral Program’, and then select ‘Referral Payment History’.