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Case of the Week: Railroad Retirement Benefits

Case of the Week

The ERISA consultants at the Retirement Learning Center Resource regularly receive calls from financial advisors on a broad array of technical topics related to IRAs, qualified retirement plans and other types of retirement savings plans. We bring Case of the Week to you to highlight the most relevant topics affecting your business.

A recent call with a financial advisor is representative of a common inquiry related to Railroad Retirement Benefits. The advisor asked: 

“I have a client who participates in a pension with the railroad. Can you give me information on the arrangement?”

Highlights of the Discussion

The client is probably covered by the Railroad Retirement Act and the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act, federal laws that provide retirement and disability benefits for qualified railroad employees and their spouses, as well as survivor benefits for family members. The program is governed by the Railroad Retirement Board and has been in existence since the 1930s.

Railroad Retirement Benefits are provided under a federal program parallel to the way Social Security operates for nonrailroad workers. There are several differences, however. For more information, visit U.S. Railroad Retirement Board and An Overview of the Railroad Retirement Program.

Generally, Railroad Retirement Benefits have two tiers. Tier I was designed to be equivalent to Social Security benefits, while Tier II was structured to provide additional benefits comparable to private pension plans. And those covered by Railroad Retirement Benefits can login in here to check their benefits: https://rrb.gov/Benefits/myRRB.

The form of payment is an annuity at full retirement age, which is approaching age 67 (like Social Security). Payments can start as early as age 62, with a reduction in benefit amount (also like Social Security). And if an individual has at least 30 years of service with the railroad, benefits can start at age 60 with no reduction of benefit. 

Annuities are payable to surviving widow(er)s, children, and certain other dependents. Lump-sum benefits are payable only in limited circumstances (i.e., after the death of a railroad employee if there are no qualified survivors of the employee, and in the case of a residual lump sum death benefit). 

Railroad companies can also cover their employees with their own defined contribution or defined benefit plans. Receipt of a private railroad pension (but not a 401(k) distribution) could reduce the amount of annuity benefits payable by the Railroad Retirement Board (see Private Rail Pensions May Reduce Supplemental Annuities).

Conclusion

Railroad employees may be eligible for unique benefits paid through the federal Railroad Retirement Board. Railroad companies could also sponsor private qualified retirement plans for their employees. 

Any information provided is for informational purposes only. It cannot be used for the purposes of avoiding penalties and taxes. Consumers should consult with their tax advisor or attorney regarding their specific situation. 

©2022, Retirement Learning Center, LLC. Used with permission.

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