- How It Works
- ServicesServicesOverviewChoose the right level of support for your plan and needsExpert ReviewA comprehensive review of inputs and reports to get you on the right pathFiling AssistanceLet our experts deal with Social Security for youClawback AssistanceFor those who need help fighting a Social Security benefit clawback
.png)
- Why Choose Us
- ResourcesResourcesBooksFrom the world-renowned economist behind Maximize My Social SecurityWebinars & PodcastsExpert tips and guides to help you get the maximum from Maximize My Social SecurtyArticlesIn-depth commentary on Social Security from our founderAsk LarryThousands of questions answered by our Social Security expertsBlogSocial Security insights to help you maximize your lifetime benefitsFAQYour most pressing questions answered
- Pricing
Ask Larry
Experts at Maximize My Social Security have answered more than 10,000 questions about Social Security over many years. Search for your questions and answers here.
Would I Be Able To Claim Any Railroad Retirement Benefits?
I worked for the Illinois Central Railroad from 1976 to 1983 and have been in the private sector since then, paying into Social Secuirty. I am planning on starting Social Security benefits this October when I turn 70. Would I be able to claim any railroad retirement benefits?
Thank you
Hi,
If all of your railroad work was prior to 1996, I don't believe you'd qualify for Railroad Retirement (RR) benefits unless you had at least 10 years of railroad service. I'm not an expert on RR benefits, though, so you'll probably want to check with the Railroad Retirement Board.
Assuming that you had less than 10 years of railroad service and you don't qualify for a RR pension, Social Security can use your railroad earnings to calculate your Social Security benefits. So, if your years of railroad work were among your highest 35 years of wage-indexed earnings (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10070.pdf), you should get some benefit from your RR credits in the form of a higher Social Security benefit rate.
Best, Jerry
Category:
Posted:
June 6, 2019