This section contains instructions for coordinating the processing of the Social Security
Administration (SSA) claims with the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) when a claimant,
or the claimant’s current or former spouse, had railroad earnings covered by the Railroad
Retirement Act (RR Act). Whenever railroad earnings are alleged, or appear on an earnings
record, railroad is involved.
While SSA has unique processing instructions for claims with railroad earnings, only
the RRB has the necessary information to explain the effect of SSA entitlement on
a RRB annuity and to make determinations on total benefits payable from SSA and the
RRB. Direct caller inquiries to the RRB. You will find information on contacting the
RRB and the location of RRB offices on the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board’s website
at www.rrb.gov.