I worked for the railroad for 12 years, then worked in local government for 23 years. Since I receive a spousal benefit through railroad retirement, the local Social Security office advised I am not eligible for any payment from them. The Railroad Retirement Board says I am only eligible for an additional $100 per month. Is that right? I’m not able to collect anything I’ve paid in to Social Security?

Hi,

If you qualify and file for both Social Security benefits and Railroad Retirement (RR) benefits, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will offset your tier 1 RR benefits dollar for dollar by the amount of your Social Security benefits. Therefore, you would likely only increase your net benefits by filing for Social Security if your Social Security benefit rate is higher than your tier 1 RR rate.

Best, Jerry