Survivor | RRB.Gov

General Conditions Under Which a Person is Entitled to a Railroad Retirement Widow(er)/Surviving Divorced Spouse Annuity

Current Connection

The employee must have a current connection to the railroad industry at the earlier of retirement or death to qualify you for survivor benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA). Otherwise, the Social Security Administration (SSA) would pay the survivor benefits.

Age Requirement

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When Military Service is Creditable G-177B

Certain military service (M/S) may be used in the same way as railroad service months to provide eligibility for, or to increase the amount of benefits payable to railroad employees and their survivors. Credit is given only for active duty service in the Armed Forces of the United States.

For M/S to be Creditable

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How Earnings Affect Payment of Survivor Annuities

You can work for a nonrailroad employer and still receive survivor benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board. However, your benefits will be reduced if you are under full retirement age and earn over the annual exempt amount. Once you attain full retirement age, no benefits are withheld because of nonrailroad work, no matter how much you earn. Full retirement age extends from age 65 for survivor beneficiaries born before 1940, to age 67 for those born in 1962 and later.

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Q&A: Comparison of Benefits Under Railroad Retirement and Social Security

Annuity rates under the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) are generally higher than the benefit rates paid under the Social Security Act, especially for railroad employees who have 30 or more years of creditable railroad service. These higher rates can be attributed to the additional retirement taxes paid by employers and employees covered under the RRA.

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