967. Is work covered by the Railroad Retirement Act covered by Social Security?

Work covered by the Railroad Retirement Act is not covered by Social Security. However, earnings from railroad employment are counted for Social Security purposes at the death or retirement of a worker if he or she does not qualify under the railroad retirement program. For example, when a railroad worker retires with less than 120 months of railroad service and with less than 60 railroad service months accrued after December 31, 1995, no railroad retirement annuity is payable. However, his or her railroad earnings after 1936 would then be considered in determining his or her rights to Social Security disability or retirement benefits.

Additional information on the Railroad Retirement Act is in Chapter 23.

Last Revised: Jan. 20, 2006