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Policy and Systems

 

 

 
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File RRA Annuity Application

File RRA Annuity Application

 

You must file an RRA application for a spouse annuity or divorced spouse annuity to receive railroad retirement spouse or divorced spouse benefits.

If you were previously entitled to spouse benefits based on Child-in-Care that terminated when the child attained age 18, you may need to file another spouse annuity application. This application is required to pay spouse benefits based on your age. Please discuss this with an RRB representative.

  • Read more about File RRA Annuity Application

Stop Railroad Work

Stop Railroad Work

 

In addition to the requirements in Applying for Your Annuity, if you are working for a railroad, you must stop the railroad work and give up any rights you have to return to such work.

Also note that, after the annuity is awarded, payment cannot be made for any month in which you return to work for a railroad employer.

  • Read more about Stop Railroad Work

When Your Annuity Can Begin

When Your Annuity Can Begin

 

  • Read more about When Your Annuity Can Begin

Selecting Type of Annuity on Your Application

Selecting Type of Annuity on Your Application

 

When you file your application for a spouse annuity or divorced spouse annuity, your application must indicate the type of annuity for which you are filing.

Spouse Annuity

The type of annuity on your application should be based on whether you are filing based on your age or based on having a Child-in-Care.

  • Read more about Selecting Type of Annuity on Your Application

Additional Requirements for Annuities Based on 60-119 Months of Railroad Service with at Least 60 Months of Railroad Service After 1995

Additional Requirements for Annuities Based on 60-119 Months of Railroad Service with at Least 60 Months of Railroad Service After 1995

 

If the employee annuity is based on 60-119 months of railroad service with at least 60 months of railroad service after 1995, the employee must have a "Social Security (SS) Act Insured Status" on combined railroad earnings, creditable military service earnings, and social security earnings to qualify you for a spouse annuity Tier I component or for a divorced spouse annuity. An SS Act Insured Status is based on Quarters of Coverage (QC).

  • Read more about Additional Requirements for Annuities Based on 60-119 Months of Railroad Service with at Least 60 Months of Railroad Service After 1995

Additional Requirements You Must Meet to Receive a Divorced Spouse Annuity

Additional Requirements You Must Meet to Receive a Divorced Spouse Annuity

 

In addition to the marriage requirements for a divorced spouse annuity and the age requirement for a divorced spouse annuity, the RRA states that, to qualify for a divorced spouse annuity, the following conditions must also apply:

  • Read more about Additional Requirements You Must Meet to Receive a Divorced Spouse Annuity

Annuity Based on Child-in-Care

Annuity Based on Child-in-Care

 

Spouse Annuity

A spouse may qualify for a full spouse annuity, based on having a child of the employee in care. The employee must have attained age 62 (or age 60 with 30 years of service) to qualify the spouse for this annuity. The child must be either:

  • Read more about Annuity Based on Child-in-Care

Divorced Spouse Annuity Age Requirements

Divorced Spouse Annuity Age Requirements

 

If the employee is not receiving an annuity, the employee must be at least age 62 for a full month.

If the employee is totally disabled with a disability freeze, the employee must be at least age 62. If the employee is receiving an age and service annuity or a disability annuity without a disability freeze, the employee must be at least age 62 for a full month.

You must have attained age 62 for a full month.

  • Read more about Divorced Spouse Annuity Age Requirements

Age Requirements For Spouse Annuity or Divorced Spouse Annuity

Age Requirements For Spouse Annuity or Divorced Spouse Annuity

 

The employee must be currently receiving an employee annuity and must attain a certain age in order for you to qualify for a spouse annuity or divorced spouse annuity. If the employee has attained the required age, you may then be eligible for a spouse annuity, regardless of your age, if you have the employee's Child-in-Care. Otherwise, your own age requirement is explained in this section.

  • Read more about Age Requirements For Spouse Annuity or Divorced Spouse Annuity

Divorced Spouse Annuity Marriage Requirements

Divorced Spouse Annuity Marriage Requirements

 

The marriage requirement for a divorced spouse annuity is met if your marriage ended by a final divorce decree and:

  1. you were legally married to the railroad employee for at least 10 consecutive years immediately preceding the date of your final divorce decree; and,
  2. you are divorced from that railroad employee; and,
  3. you are not currently married to anyone. (If you remarried after the divorce from the employee, the later marriage must have terminated.)
  • Read more about Divorced Spouse Annuity Marriage Requirements

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