Requirements

• Employee retired, receiving annuity, meets age requirements
• Spouse married 1 year to employee or is natural parent of their child

Notes:

• Exception to 1 year marriage requirement--spouse was eligible for a railroad retirement widow(er)’s, parent’s, or disabled child’s annuity in the month before marrying the employee or the spouse was previously married to the employee and received a spouse annuity.
• Spouse must give up railroad employment, if any.
• Marriage does not have to take place before retirement or leaving railroad work in order for spouse annuity to be payable.
• If the employee retired on a disability annuity, the spouse becomes eligible for benefits when the employee reaches his or her regular retirement age. In addition, the spouse must meet the age requirement or have the employee’s minor or disabled child in care.