When Will My Wife Start Her Railroad Retirement Survivor Annuity If I Pass?

Understanding Survivor Annuities in Railroad Retirement: A Reader Question

Welcome back to another installment of the Highball Advisors Railroad Retirement Mailbag! I’m John McNamara from Highball Advisors, and today we’re taking a look at an important question from a reader named Jerome.

Jerome writes: “I’ve already completed 30 years of railroad service, but I’m still several years away from turning 60. My wife is one year older than I am. If I pass away before age 60 and there’s no break in my current railroad connection, would my wife be able to receive my full retirement benefits at age 61 as a survivor annuity? Or would she have to take a reduction or wait longer to receive what I would have collected?”

What Happens to Survivor Benefits in This Situation?

First, congratulations to Jerome on reaching 30 years of service—an important milestone in Railroad Retirement.

Here’s the key information:

• If a rail worker passes away before reaching retirement age, the spouse can begin receiving a survivor annuity at age 60, assuming there is no break in the railroad connection.
• Survivor benefits can begin earlier only if there are eligible dependent children.
• However, even with 30 years of service, the survivor annuity will be subject to an age reduction if the spouse begins receiving it before full retirement age.
   In other words, Jerome’s wife would not receive the full, unreduced amount at age 60 or 61.

For a deeper explanation, including how reductions are calculated, check out my video: “What You Need to Know About Your Survivor Annuity in Railroad Retirement.”

Have a Question?

If you’re a railroader with questions about your retirement or survivor benefits, feel free to send them in—I may feature your question in a future video.

Until next time, stay safe, stay on track, and take care!

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Disclaimer: This article is provided for general information and illustration purposes only. Nothing contained in the material constitutes tax advice, a recommendation for purchase or sale of any security, or investment advisory services. Highball Advisors encourages you to consult a financial planner, accountant, and/or legal counsel for advice specific to your situation. Reproduction of this material is prohibited without written permission from Highball Advisors, and all rights are reserved from Highball Advisors, and all rights are reserved.