Hello Larry,

I am a teacher who has worked in NYSTRS for 30 years and my husband 36 years at metro north rail road. I know there is two tiers in the RRRS and that the first tier is supplemental for social security in essence. But my question is. When he retires am I automatically elegable for his RR Retirement? I have made a substantial amount more that him and I am going to take my social security at 62. Will he receive his tier 1 and 2 and his spousal benefit from SS??

Hi,

I'm sorry, but my only area of expertise is Social Security, so I can't tell you whether or not or when you might qualify for Railroad Retirement (RR) benefits.

As for Social Security (SS), if your husband files for Social Security spousal benefits on your record and he is also receiving RR benefits, he will receive the higher of his RR tier 1 benefit or his SS benefit, plus his tier 2 RR benefit. The same principle would apply for you if you file for both SS & RR benefits.

Best, Jerry