Railroad Retirement Calculator
Calculate your Railroad Retirement Board benefits including Tier I, Tier II, and spousal benefits. See how much more you get compared to Social Security.
Years of Railroad Service
Total years of creditable railroad employment
Note: You need at least 10 years of railroad service to qualify for Railroad Retirement benefits. With 30+ years, you can retire at age 60 with full benefits.
Railroad Retirement Benefits Explained
Two-Tier System
Railroad Retirement provides Tier I (Social Security equivalent) plus Tier II (additional railroad pension). Most workers get significantly more than SS alone.
30-Year Rule
With 30 years of railroad service, you can retire at age 60 with full benefits - 2 years earlier than Social Security's earliest claiming age.
Spousal Benefits
Spouses receive 50% of Tier I plus 45% of Tier II benefits. This is more generous than Social Security's spousal benefits.
Survivor Protection
Surviving spouses can receive up to 100% of both Tier I and Tier II benefits, providing strong financial protection.
Understanding the Two Tiers
Tier I: Social Security Equivalent
- *Calculated like Social Security using combined railroad and non-railroad earnings
- *Subject to Social Security wage base limits
- *Receives annual COLA adjustments
- *Early retirement reductions similar to SS (up to 30% at 62)
Tier II: Railroad Pension
- *Based only on railroad service and earnings
- *Formula: ~0.7% x years x highest 60-month average
- *This is the "extra" that railroad workers get
- *Full benefits at 60 with 30 years of service
Sample Calculation
30 years service | $7,000/month average earnings | Age 62
Tier I (approx)
$2,800
Tier II (approx)
$1,470
Total Monthly
$4,270
That is $1,470/month more than Social Security alone would provide!
Railroad Retirement Eligibility
| Years of Service | Earliest Full Retirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30+ years | Age 60 | Full Tier I and Tier II - no reductions |
| 10-29 years | Age 62 (reduced) / 67 (full) | Tier I follows SS rules, Tier II has own schedule |
| 5-9 years | Age 62 (reduced) | May receive Tier I only; credits transfer to SS |
| <5 years | N/A | Credits transfer to Social Security |
Railroad Retirement FAQ
How is Railroad Retirement different from Social Security?^
Railroad Retirement provides a two-tier benefit system. Tier I is equivalent to Social Security, while Tier II is an additional pension based on railroad service only. Combined, railroad workers typically receive 30-50% more than they would from Social Security alone.
Can I receive both Railroad Retirement and Social Security?^
Generally no - your railroad credits are used to calculate your Tier I benefit, which replaces Social Security. However, if you have substantial non-railroad employment, you may receive some SS benefits, potentially reduced by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).
What happens to my benefits if I return to railroad work?^
Your Tier I and Tier II benefits may be reduced or suspended if you return to work for a railroad employer before your Full Retirement Age. Work for non-railroad employers is generally not affected until you reach certain earnings limits.
How do spousal benefits work with Railroad Retirement?^
Spouses receive 50% of the worker's Tier I plus 45% of Tier II at full retirement age. This is more generous than Social Security. Divorced spouses may also qualify if married 10+ years.
Can I roll my railroad pension into a Gold IRA?^
Tier I and Tier II benefits themselves cannot be rolled over - they are defined benefit pensions. However, if you have a Railroad Retirement 401(k) or other qualified plan, that can typically be rolled into a Gold IRA after separation from service or at retirement age.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on simplified formulas. Actual Railroad Retirement benefits depend on your complete earnings record, specific service history, and RRB calculations. For accurate benefit estimates, contact the Railroad Retirement Board directly or review your annual Statement of Account.
30 Years on the Rails. Protect What You've Built.
Your Tier I and Tier II benefits are strong - but any 401(k) or IRA savings are still at risk. A Gold IRA protects your supplemental savings from the next crash.