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Policy and Systems

 

 

 
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Basic Formula

Basic Formula

 

Regular railroad retirement annuities are calculated under the following two-tier formula:

Tier I Component

  • Read more about Basic Formula

Age Reductions For Employees Who Have Less Than 360 Months Service

Age Reductions For Employees Who Have Less Than 360 Months Service

 

  • Read more about Age Reductions For Employees Who Have Less Than 360 Months Service

The Effects of a Separation Allowance After Your Date Last Worked

The Effects of a Separation Allowance After Your Date Last Worked

 

This section concerns payments that you may receive from your employer after the actual date you last performed service for the railroad, but after you resigned and relinquished your rights to railroad employment. These payments do not have an effect on your annuity beginning date.

Under the Railroad Retirement Act, a Separation Allowance is compensation paid, from railroad operating funds, to an employee who agrees to relinquish job rights to obtain the payment. The payment can be made in a lump sum or in periodic installment payments.

  • Read more about The Effects of a Separation Allowance After Your Date Last Worked

The Effects of Dismissal Allowance, Pay For Time Lost and Some Types of Vacation Pay

The Effects of Dismissal Allowance, Pay For Time Lost and Some Types of Vacation Pay

 

This section concerns payments that you may receive from your employer after the actual date you last performed service for the railroad, but while you were still carried on their payroll. These payments can have an effect on your annuity beginning date.

Definitions

  • Read more about The Effects of Dismissal Allowance, Pay For Time Lost and Some Types of Vacation Pay

The Effects of Unemployment or Sickness Benefits After Your Date Last Worked

The Effects of Unemployment or Sickness Benefits After Your Date Last Worked

 

Benefits Under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act

Provided you meet the eligibility requirements, you may receive benefits under the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA) after your actual date last worked. These benefits have no effect on your annuity beginning date. Your annuity can begin as early as the day after your actual date last worked. However, any RUIA benefits paid to you after your annuity beginning date will be recovered from your annuity accrual.

Sick Pay Under Certain Wage Continuation Plans

  • Read more about The Effects of Unemployment or Sickness Benefits After Your Date Last Worked

Stop Railroad Work

Stop Railroad Work

 

Your age and service annuity cannot begin until you stop all railroad work for pay. 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

Earliest Annuity Beginning Date Permitted by Law

Earliest Annuity Beginning Date Permitted by Law

 

General

Most applicants select the earliest date permitted by law. This means the RRB will set your annuity beginning date as the very first day it could legally begin. If you choose to select a beginning date yourself, your annuity will begin on that date. However, the date you choose cannot be before the earliest date permitted by law.

The earliest age and service annuity beginning date permitted by law is the latest of the following:

  • Read more about Earliest Annuity Beginning Date Permitted by Law

File an Application

File an Application

 

You must file an application for an employee annuity to receive railroad retirement benefits based on your age and service. When you file an application for an age and service annuity, you may select the day you want your annuity to begin. You have two choices: the earliest date permitted by law, or a later date designated by you.

  • Read more about File an Application

When Your Annuity can Begin

When Your Annuity can Begin

 

Refer to RB-1d, Employer Disability Benefits, if you are applying for a disability annuity.

  • Read more about When Your Annuity can Begin

Garnishment For Alimony Or Child Support

Garnishment For Alimony Or Child Support

 

A court order can cause the RRB to pay a designated portion of your Special Guaranty increase to another person. Our Office of General Counsel handles all alimony and child support matters and makes all decisions related to the appropriateness and acceptability of legal notices of garnishment and the removal of those orders.

  • Read more about Garnishment For Alimony Or Child Support

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U.S. Railroad Retirement Board
William O. Lipinski Federal Building
844 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611-1275
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