I current receive a small amount from my husbands railroad retirement. If I collect the full amount once I turn 66, can I cease collecting this and then collect my full retirement from my social security at the age of 70?

Hi,

Yes, you can. Obviously, it would only be advantageous for you to do so if the Social Security benefit amount is higher. Social Security will credit you with delayed retirement credits from age 66 to 70, even if you're receiving railroad benefits during that time.

Railroad Retirement Benefits consist of 2 tiers. Tier 1 is roughly an equivalent of Social Security, and tier 2 is based strictly on railroad credits, much like a company pension in the private sector. If you apply for Social Security benefits on your account at age 70, that would replace your tier 1 railroad benefit, assuming that the SS benefit is higher. You would also continue to receive any tier 2 benefits that you're entitled to from Railroad Retirement.

Best, Jerry