Railroad Retirement

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Are there any penalties if I opt for the Social Security benefit over the railroad’s tier I benefit?

Full question: I’m the spouse of a railroad retiree and I’m currently receiving both tier I and tier II benefits based on my husband’s retirement income. I’m now at the age where I can apply to receive Social Security, and I’m strongly considering applying to receive as the benefit would be approximately $500 more per…

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Does HR82 impact Railroad Retirement Benefits?

Full question: My husband receives Railroad retirement. I elected to receive my Social Security due to being more. Will the new HR82 allow me to receive both with no penalty? Hi there, The Social Security Fairness Act, signed by the President on January 5, 2025, will end two statutory reductions for railroad retirees, their spouses,…

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How will my husband’s Railroad benefits effect my Social Security benefit amount?

Full question: My husband retired from RR with 40 year and receives full retirement. I am the spouse getting ready for retirement . My SS is more than RR tier 1. Do I qualify for tier 2 and will that affect my SS benefit? Hi there, The Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) and the Social Security…

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I am switching from Railroad Benefits to my Social Security benefits. Will there be a delay in receiving my monthly payment?

Full question: I am switching from Railroad Benefits to my Social Security benefit at age 70. I understand my check will still come from SSA. Will I see it the same date as before or could my first check be delayed by the transfer? Hi there, We researched this topic and recommend that you also…

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Will my own Social Security benefits be more than my current railroad survivor benefits?

Full question: I am drawing the railroad widow benefits. I will be 70 next January. I worked many years and would collect a sizable Social Security check. How do I tell if it would be larger than the tier 1 check from my husband, or is that what I compare? Hi there, You can find…

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Do I need to notify RRB of my spouse’s death?

Full question: My hubsand died on his birthday, December 23 and was scheduled to get pension and annuity January 1. Will it still be disbursed or do I have call RRB immediately so they can adjust the amount? Hi there, When a spouse dies it is always important for the survivor to notify any agency…

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