WHY do I lose my Social Security Benefit amount if I receive RR benefits. What is the rational behind taking my legally earned retirement amount? I know RR benefits will be reduced dollar for dollar, but WHY? Will it do any good to hire a lawyer? or is that just more money down the drain? Thank you, Marie

Hi Marie,

Actually, only your tier 1 Railroad Retirement (RR) would be offset if you are entitled to both Social Security (SS) and RR benefits. The reason for the offset is that your Social Security covered earnings are included in computing RR tier 1 benefits. So, if you were able to draw both SS and RR benefits in full you would effectively be receiving double credit for the same earnings and payroll taxes. Here is additional information from RR's website: https://www.rrb.gov/index.php/RB-9/Social_Security_Benefits.

It's up to you if you choose to challenge this regulation on appeal or in court, but I doubt if you would be successful.

Best, Jerry