Filing for Social Security Benefits

Railroad workers and retirees should contact a Board office before filing for any social security benefits.

Notes:

• A major cause of overpayments is a lack of information about the coordination between railroad retirement and social security benefits.
• It may be advantageous to file a claim with social security if
  • an employee has minor or disabled children;
  • an employee is still working for a railroad and has
    attained full retirement age; or
  • a spouse has reached full retirement age.
• It is generally disadvantageous to file a claim with social security if the husband and wife are both railroad employees.

Board field offices can help annuitants decide if and when they should file for social security benefits.