I worked for the usps for 9 years and paid into both RRB and SS. My husband passed away in 2011 and I have been receiving survivors SS benefits since. Am I also eligible for any RRB ? Can I draw both without reducing my current SS benefit?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Your Social Security (SS) wouldn't be reduced if you file for Railroad Retirement (RR) benefits, but RR would only pay you the higher of your SS benefit amount or your Tier 1 RR amount, plus any Tier 2 RR benefits for which you may be eligible. You should probably check with the RR Board to see if you qualify.

Typically, you would need at least 10 years of RR work or 5 years of RR work after 1995 to be eligible for an RR benefit based on your own work. If you had less than that amount, your RR earnings could be combined with your SS earnings to calculate your SS retirement benefit rate. However, it would probably only be advantageous for you to file for SS retirement benefits if your benefit amount is higher than your widow's rate. And if it is, it would likely be best to wait until age 70 to file on your own record.

Best, Jerry