The United States Postal Service (USPS) has temporarily suspended international mail to Canada due to the Canadian Union Postal Workers strike. This may impact any annuitant or claimant who is issued a paper check mailed to Canada. The RRB processed the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) December 2024 Monthly Payments and placed them in the mail before the suspension. We are unable, at this time, to determine if the checks were delivered to RRB recipients.
Since we cannot determine when the Canadian Union Postal Workers strike will end, we encourage all annuitants and claimants residing in Canada, and receiving a paper check, to enroll in the Direct Deposit program. RRA annuitants living in Canada can choose to receive their payment via International Direct Deposit (IDD) or through a Canadian Bank with a U.S. Routing Number.
Starting on December 23, 2024, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will be releasing the annual rate letters to over 400,000 annuitants informing them of their new monthly annuity rates due to the cost-of-living increase. However, if you reside in Canada, you may not receive your annual rate letter timely due to the current strike. If you reside in Canada and you want to know what your new monthly annuity rate is for 2025, please contact your nearest RRB field office after January 1, 2025, if you are still not receiving mail from the US.
For Direct Deposit (IDD) enrollment assistance, contact the RRB at 877-772-5772.