Larry you answered my question, but I was not clear. Actually (I am 85) I have been receiving Railroad Retirement since 1991 and thought it and social security had coordinated; however, I now discover that I can file for my 40 yrs of work under social security. Probably the Guiness book of records for this one. I am wondering if I can now get any delayed retirement credits (having never filed), any possible retroactive or lump sum benefits, and will my railroad Tier I benefits be deducted even though fully insured under both? I gave my daughter your website information as she is approaching SS benefit decisions. Tks for your earlier quick response.

Hi,

Social Security applications for retirement benefits have a maximum retroactivity of 6 months from the month of filing, so if are due a higher total benefit by filing for Social Security, you would only be able to get back pay for 6 months.

If you apply for Social Security retirement benefits and you had at least 40 quarters of coverage at the time you reached your full retirement age, then Social Security would include delayed retirement credits (DRC) in the calculation of your benefit amount. Upon filing, you would effectively be paid your rate as though you had started your benefits at age 70, inclusive of delayed retirement credits but with the 6 month retroactivity limit noted above. If this rate is higher than your tier 1 Railroad benefit, the tier 1 benefit will stop. If your Social Security benefit is lower than the tier 1, it will offset your tier 1 dollar for dollar, and you will not receive any increase in your total benefit.

Bottom line, if your Social Security benefit rate is higher than your tier 1 RR benefit, you should probably apply for your Social Security benefit as soon as possible. If it isn't, there would be no net gain in filing.

Best, Jerry