You must have a Current Connection with the railroad industry to qualify for an occupational disability annuity, a supplemental annuity or for future survivor benefits. You have a regular current connection with the railroad industry if you meet either of the following conditions:
- you worked for a railroad in at least 12 of the 30 consecutive months immediately before the month in which your annuity begins; or,
- you worked in the railroad industry in at least 12 months in any earlier period of 30 consecutive months and you did not work in any significant nonrailroad employment between the end of that 30 month period and the month in which your annuity begins.
However, work for certain government agencies will not break your current connection. Also, self-employment or employment after your employee annuity beginning date will not break your current connection.