The first payment you receive from the RRB will be separate from your annuity award letter. Annuities are payable at the beginning of the month following the month for which the annuity accrued. The payment that you receive at the beginning of the month actually represents the annuity that accrued for the previous month.
Advance Filing Cases
When you file up to three months before the earliest date your spouse annuity or divorced spouse annuity can begin, no payment is due until the first day of the month after the first month of annuity entitlement.
Other Than Advance Filing Cases
If you are not filing in advance of your annuity beginning date, the initial payment may be a partial payment, with an estimated monthly rate, representing payment due through the end of the preceding month. You will continue to receive this partial amount until your final rate can be determined and awarded. Once your final rate has been certified, you will receive any increase due from your annuity beginning date. You may receive this payment at any time during the month.
Remember: The payment that you receive after your initial payment will be made once a month on the first day of the month. If the first day of the month falls on a Sunday or a holiday, the payment will be received on the next business day. The payment that you receive at the beginning of each month actually represents the annuity that accrued for the previous month.