Ask Larry

If I'm Receiving Divorcee Railroad Benefits Can I Still Apply For My Early Retirement?

I am recieving divorcee RRR can I still apply for my early retirement

Hi. By 'early retirement', I assume you're referring to reduced Social Security retirement benefits. You can potentially be paid Social Security (SS) benefits even If you're drawing Railroad Retirement (RR) benefits, but the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) would then offset your Tier 1 RR benefit dollar for dollar by the amount of your SS benefit. Therefore, if you're already drawing RR benefits it's generally only advantageous to apply for SS benefits if your SS benefit rate is higher than your Tier 1 RR rate. And, if it is higher, it may be more advantageous to wait to apply for your Social Security retirement benefits until you reach age 70.

It sounds like you should probably contact Social Security and the RRB to check out your options.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
May 11 2021 - 10:18am
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