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Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 1 of 20

105 Introduction 

The PIN/Password (PPW) system allows our customers to access specific internet 

services via the RRB website at WWW.RRB.GOV. The Benefit Online Services menu 

page displays the option to create a PPW account, as well as all other internet services 

options. The system provides the security necessary to protect the privacy of all users. 

Only current or former RR employees (not receiving an annuity) can establish a PPW 

account at this time.

Currently, employees who establish a PPW account will be able to access the following 

Benefit Online Services online:

• View Railroad Service and Compensation History

• Use Retirement Planner to request employee and spouse estimates (for 

employees who have not yet retired)

• Apply for Unemployment Benefits

• Claim Unemployment Benefits (for employees who have already filed an 

application for unemployment benefits)

• View RUIA Account Statement

The following is a list of terms you should know:

Term Definition

PRC PRC is the acronym for Password Request Code. The PRC is used to

validate the identity of the user and establish a PIN/Password account. A 

PRC is used only once (initially) to establish a PPW account. For security 

reasons, the PRC is mailed to the user’s address (as shown on RRB 

records.) A PRC never changes, expires 30 days after issuance and can 

be extended.

PIN The PIN is the user’s social security number. After entering the PRC, PIN 

and a password (created by the user) to successfully establish an

account, a user only needs to enter their PIN and password (for future log 

ins) to use our online services.

Password The password is created by the user according to the password rules on 

the Establish your Internet Account screen. After establishing an account, 

users have the option to change their password; or can request a new 

password via the PIN PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR group mailbox. 

For security reasons, new passwords are mailed to the user’s address.
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After establishing an account, a user only needs to enter their PIN and 

password to log in.

The PPW system is used to establish a PIN/Password account. The system:

• Verifies the identity of the user by matching the user information to data in RRB 

records.

• Assigns and provides a Password Request Code (PRC). 

• When the PRC is received, the user enters the PRC, PIN (social security 

number) and password to establish the PPW account.

• The system validates the PRC and PIN and allows user access to online 

services.

• Once the account is established, only the PIN and password are needed for 

future log-ins.

When the user identification entries match the information on RRB records and the user 

enters appropriate entries for the password, a PPW account can be established 

completely online (without the intervention of any field office personnel or PPW System 

Administrators.) 

110 Web Page Design And Processing

110.1 Acknowledgement Page

When a first time user selects request a PRC from the Benefit Online Services menu

(see Section 110.7), the Acknowledgement page opens.
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The Acknowledgement page appears every time the PPW system is accessed. A user 

must access the PPW system to create a PPW account, change a password or login to 

a secure online service. The purpose of this page is to ensure that all users are notified 

of the effect of making a false/fraudulent statement to gain access to any of the internet 

services. 

The user has the option to accept or cancel from this page. If the user clicks on the OK

button, the PPW Introduction page opens.

110.2 PPW Introduction Page

The PPW Introduction page provides customers with a brief explanation of the steps 

needed to establish a PPW account. 

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

PPW Certification Statement 

Any person who knowingly and willingly makes any representation that is false to obtain 

information from Railroad Retirement Board records and/or that is intended to deceive the 

Railroad Retirement Board as to the true identity of an individual could be punished by a fine 

or imprisonment, or both. 

I have read the above statement and am the individual to whom the PIN/Password information 

applies. 
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This explanation is followed by three choices:

• Request a Password Request Code (PRC) 

• Establish your RRB Internet Account 

• Internet Services Log In 

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

PPW Introduction 

Form Approued: 0MB No. 3220-0198 

If you have already established an account you may login now. 

You must first establish an account in order to access RRB Internet services. To establish an 

account, follow steps 1 and 2. 

1. Go to Box 1 to request a Password Request Code (PRC). A PRC will be sent by US 

Mail to your address of record. 

2. Go to Box 2 when you receive your PRC. Use the PRC to establish your 

PIN/Password account. 

Once you receive your PRC and establish your account, you never need to click on Box 1 or 

2 again. You perform steps 1 and 2 only one time. Go to Box 3 for all future access to our 

online services. 

~ View wesentation about reguesting a PRC ~ 

NOTE: You will not be able to establish an account unless your web browser supports 

advanced encryption. Some older versions of web browsers are not compatible with the 

PIN/Password feature. 

1 Request a Password Obtain a Password Request Code (PRC). A PRC is needed to establish an online 

Request Code (PRC) account with the RRB. 

2 Establish your RRB 

Internet Account 

Establish an RRB Internet account after receiving a PRC in the mail. Once the 

account is established the PRC is no longer needed. 

All established accounts should select below to log in to online services 

3 Internet Services 

Login 

Access RRB online services. 
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110.3 PRC Explanation Page

First time users will click request a PRC from the Benefit Online Services menu. Users 

then click on box 1 - Request a Password Request Code (PRC). This opens the PRC 

Explanation page which provides an explanation of the PRC and lists the information 

the user will have to provide.

A PRC is used to validate the identity of the user and establish a PPW account. The 

PPW system will assign an 8 character alpha/numeric PRC to validated users through 

the U.S. mail. Each user will receive a unique PRC which may not be shared, and must 

be used within 30 days from the date of the PRC letter. A PRC is used only once, to 

initially establish an account. 

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

Pas sword Request Code (PRC) 

The PRC is used to: 

Form Approved: 0MB No. 3220-0198 

■ Establish a RRB account under the railroad employee's Social Security Number 

(SSN) 

■ Validate the identity of the person making the request 

■ Provide the ability to request a PIN and Password 

To request a PRC, you will be asked to provide the railroad employee's: 

■ Full name 

■ SSN 

■ Date of birth 

■ Mailing address 

The information you provide is matched against the employee's records , which are stored by 

the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). If the information matches, your request will be 

approved and you will receive your PRC in the mail within 10 business days from the date of 

the request. 

If the information you provide does not match the information stored by the RRB, you will be 

advised to contact the nearest RRB field office to resolve any discrepancy. 

The PRC, which is unique to each individual and may not be shared, must be used within 30 

days from the date of the letter to establish a PIN/Password account. If the PRC is not used 

within the 30 day time frame, you must contact the system administrator to request a new 

PRC letter. 

If you want to block password access to your account to ensure that your personal 

information cannot be accessed using this automated system, please contact the system 

administrator. 

At this time only ra ilroad employees can create an account. 
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To begin the request for a PRC, users will be asked to indicate where they live. The 

choices are U.S., Canada or other. Clicking the Submit button will open the appropriate

PRC request form.

110.4 Request PRC Screen

The user should complete all items on the form. The PRC request forms (for U.S and 

Canadian residents) are displayed below:

(U.S.)

Please answer the following question. 

Where does the railroad employee live? r.' United States r Canada r other ii ii 

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

Password Request Code (PRC) 

Form Approved: 0MB No. 3220-0198 

Enter information for the railroad employee 

First Ml Last 

RR Employee Name:* ---11~---

Social Security Number:"' c=J-c=J-c=J Date of Birth:"' I 

street Address:* 

City:"' state:"' I iJ Zip Code:"' ._I _ _.I-C] 

* Field is re quired 

Kill• Mi:iHI 
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Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 7 of 20

(Canadian)

If a user clicks the Other button, the following message is displayed: 

The mandatory identification items are the railroad employee’s name, social security 

number, date of birth and address. These four items must be matched to the information 

in our records. After completing the items, the user will click the Submit button at the 

bottom of the screen.

The employee’s identification items must match our records. The system will validate 

the mandatory entries against EDM. If the entries match our records, the following 

message will appear:

 

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

Pas sword Request Code (PRC) 

Form Approved: 0MB No. 3220-0198 

Enter information for the railroad employee 

RR Employee Name:* 

Social Security Number:* c=Jr==Jr==]oate of Birth:* I 

street Address:* 

Province:* I~----~ Country:* ~----~ Postal Code:* I~--~ 

* Fi eld is required 

1liME • Mi:JHI 

Password Request Code (PRq Status 

At this time, international addresses cannot request a PRC online. 

Your request must be processed at the field office. 

Please contact your local field office for more information. 

Your PRC Request has been approved. 

A PRC wi II be sent by U.S. Mai I to your address on record. 

Please allow 1 O working days for your PRC to arrive . 
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The text of the GL-60 PRC letter is shown (in the five paragraphs) below:

Your request for a Password Request Code (PRC) has been received and approved.

 Your PRC is:

A PRC is used only once to establish a PIN/Password account on the RRB Web Site 

(WWW.RRB.GOV). To use your PRC, click on the Establish Internet Account link on the 

Benefit Online Services menu page. After successfully establishing your account, your 

PRC is no longer needed and may be discarded.

Please establish your account within 30 days. The PRC provided in this letter will expire 

30 days from the date of this letter. If this PRC expires, you will be required to contact 

the PPW System Administrator for a new letter.

If you have any problems establishing your account, please contact the PPW System 

Administrator through the link on the left of the PIN/Password web page. If you have 

any questions or need any other assistance, please contact your local field office. The 

field office responsible for providing assistance to you is located at: 

If the mandatory entries do not match our records, the following message will appear:

After five failed attempts, the user is referred to the field office for assistance. The field 

office action is described under Field Office Responsibilities/Functions (Section 115 of 

this procedure.)

110.5 Establish Your Internet Account Screen

When users receive a PRC, they will access the RRB website Benefit Online Services

menu page and select Establish Internet Account (After PRC received). After clicking 

OK on the Acknowledgement page, the Establish your Internet Account screen opens.

This screen briefly explains the necessity of a PRC. It then explains password rules.

The information you provided does not match the information on our records. 

Please check your entries and try again. 
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The user makes the following required entries: PRC, PIN (enters own social security 

number), Create Your Password (created by user according to explained rules), Reenter Password (re-enters password for confirmation.) Users must create passwords 

that are between 8 and 15 characters. The password can be comprised of A through Z, 

a through z, 0 through 9, pound (#) and star (*). After completing the entries, the user 

clicks the Submit button at the bottom of the screen.

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

Estabhsh your Internet Account 

Form Approved: 0MB No. 3220-0198 

To establish an Internet account, you must have a Password Request Code (PRC). If you 

have not applied for a PRC, please click here to go to the PRC request screen. If you have a 

PRC, complete the items below and click Submit. 

Please note the following password rules: 

1. Password length must be between 8 and 15 characters 

2. Password can contain any combination of the following characters: 

■ a through z 

■ A through Z 

■ 0 through 9 

■ pound (#J 

■ star n 

■ PRC is case sensitive 

■ Enter the PRC exactly as it appears on your letter 

■ PIN is your Social Security Number (no dashes) 

PRC:"' 

PIN:* 

Create Your Password:* 

Re-enter Password:* 

~---~(999999999) 

* Field is required 
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The system will validate the PRC and PIN against information in the PPW module. The 

system also checks that the password is in the specified format. If the match is 

successful, the following message will appear:

If the PRC and PIN cannot be validated, the appropriate error message will appear. All 

error messages on this screen will include the statement: Please check your entries and 

try again. The user will be allowed five attempts, then, locked out of the session. The 

user must completely exit the PPW system and try again.

This screen provides a link to Contact an RRB office near you and PPW System 

Administrator group mailbox if the user needs assistance. 

110.6 Log In Screen

After successfully establishing a RRB account, the first time user is taken to the Log In

screen. Users who already have an account established, can access the Log In screen 

by clicking Login Now from the Benefit Online Services menu.

Establish PIN/Password Account Status 

Your PIN/Password Account has now been established. 

You may now l,Q,glrr to the Internet Services Page. 
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The Log In screen requires the user enter a PIN (social security number) and Password. 

After entering a PIN and Password, the user clicks the Login button. The system will 

validate the PIN and Password. If they are valid, the Benefit Online Services menu page

opens.

If the PIN and Password are not validated, an error message will appear. This screen 

provides a link to Contact an RRB office near you and PPW System Administrator if the 

user needs assistance.

Users who have established a PPW account and forget the password may request a

new password from this screen by clicking Forgot your password. The PPW system will 

assign a new password and mail it to the user’s home address on record. The text of 

the GL-60a reset password letter is shown (in the four paragraphs) below:

Your request for a new password has been received and approved.

 Your new password is:

You need to enter this password and your PIN to access certain Internet services on the 

RRB Web Site (WWW.RRB.GOV). To use your new password, you must click on the 

Login Now link on the Benefit Online Services menu page. After successfully logging in, 

you may change your password by clicking on Change Password from the Benefit 

Online Services menu.

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

Login 

To log in, you must have already established your Internet account. If you have established 

your account then enter your PIN (Social Security Number) and password below. 

■ PIN is your Social Security Number (no dashes) 

■ Password is case sensitive 

PIN: ~---~1(999999999) I 

Password: ~---~I Forgot your password? 

•m&i:iiii 

If you need assistance logging in, contact the system administrator 
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If you have any problems logging in, please contact the PPW System Administrator 

through the link on the left of the PIN/Password web page. If you have any questions or 

need any other assistance, please contact your local field office. The field office 

responsible for providing assistance to you is located at: 

Users with an established PPW account have the option of changing their password 

whenever they want. The option to change passwords is selected from the Benefit 

Online Services menu page. 

110.7 Benefit Online Services Menu Page

Benefit Online Services 

Use Benefit Online Services to conduct private and secure RRB business over the Internet. To 

get started, select a service below. More info 

No Login Required 

■ Request Services: 

□ Request Duplicate Tax Statement~ More info 

□ Request Monthly Rate Verification ~ More info 

□ Request Replacement Medicare Card ~ More info 

□ Request Service & Compensation History ~ More info 

■ Online Bill Payment Services : 

□ Pay Unemployment or Sickness Bill Online ~ More info 

□ Pay Retirement or Survivor Bill Online ~ More info 
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This page provides the selection of internet services available. The services requiring a 

PPW account are listed at the bottom. (Section 105 of this procedure describes the 

services currently available to users with PPW accounts.) Click More info to open a 

question/answer page of frequently asked PPW questions.

Links available to users:

• All pages/screens provide a link to Contact an RRB office near you. Users may 

use this link to contact their field office for assistance.

• All pages/screens provide a link to the PIN PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR 

group mailbox for assistance. The link opens an e-mail template (see below) 

which can be used to transmit a message to the Administrator

Login Required You are logged out [Login Now] 

First time users must request a PRC ~ More info 

~ View t=iresentation about requesting a PRC ~ 

The following Internet services are intended for railroad employees who are not receiving 

annuities. 

Apply for Unemployment Benefits, Claim Unemployment Benefits and View RUIA Account Statement are 

unavailable Monday and Thursday, from 11 : 00 P .M. to Midnight CST for routine maintenance. 

■ Establish Internet Account (After PRC received)~ More info 

■ Request New Password ~ More info 

■ Change Password (After log in)~ More info 

■ View Service & Compensation History~ More info 

■ Get Annuity Rate Estimate ~ More info 

■ 6unb: for Unemployment Benefits ~ More info 

~ View t=iresentation on At=it=ilying for Unemt=iloyment Benefits Online ~ 

■ Claim Unemployment Benefits ~ More info 

■ View RUIA Account Statement~ More info 
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PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

User PPW Services Feedback 

Before sending an inquiry, make sure you have tried the following links: 

■ Request a PRC , if you are a first time user 

■ Establish the Internet account , after the PRC is received 

■ Request a new password , if you forgot your password 

■ Contact the RRB Field Office , to report your current address or any other records 

corrections 

If you have any questions concerning benefit information, please contact your local RRB 

Field Office. 

This form is intended for PIN/Password issues only. 

This link provides a secure line for transmission of personal information. Please include your 

social security number (SSN) with your inquiry. Inquiries are handled in the order in which 

they are received. Please allow 5 days before sending a second inquiry. 

Use this form if you: 

■ Did not receive your PRC 

■ Need the expiration of your PRC extended 

■ Locked your account 

All other questions should be directed to your local RRB Field Office. 

Your Email Address:* 

Subject:"' 

Comment:* 

(Include your SSN with 

your inquiry in the box to 

the right) 

* Field is required 
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115 Field Office Responsibilities/Functions

The field office’s primary responsibility is to correct RRB records when they conflict with 

user input and answer general questions about the system. The pages/screens contain 

prompts and messages guiding the user through the process. Most accounts should be 

established completely online. However, when the user receives an error message, the 

field office may be contacted. 

Section 115.1 describes specific inquiries such as when the records don’t match, PRC 

extensions, SSN already in the system, new password doesn’t work, locked and 

fraudulent accounts. Section 115.2 describes general inquiries such as forgotten 

passwords, new employees and/or employees receiving an annuity requesting an online 

account, and security issues regarding our mailings. Sections 115.1 and 115.2 are

organized in Question/Answer information blocks. 

115.1 Specific Inquiries

Question –

Records Don’t

Match

Answer

I am getting the 

message that my 

records do not 

match RRB’s 

records. What 

should I do? 

This is the most common situation a field office will encounter. It 

occurs when the user is requesting a PRC and enters identification 

information that does not match the information on RRB records.

NOTE: The four identification items are the RR employee’s name, 

date of birth, social security number and street address. All four 

items must match what we have on EDM before the system can 

approve the PRC request. (See explanation below.)

The PRC request form requires all identification entries to be completed. This 

information is being stored in the PPW system for audit purposes. The items that must 

be an exact match for PPW validation are as follows:

• EE Name – first initial, middle initial and first 10 characters of last name

• SSN – full social security number

• Address US or Canadian – first 4 positions of street address 

• Address Canadian – province 

• Date of birth – month and year (If the day is missing from EDM, this will not 

cause a reject.) 
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NOTE: The third bullet above indicates the address must match on the first 4 positions.

The address must be entered online exactly as it appears on EDM. If there is a space 

on EDM, enter the space online. In the examples below, the positions matched against 

EDM are shown in BOLD:

• 123 Main St (1 2 3 space - matched)

• 1234 Main St (1 2 3 4 - matched)

• P.O. Box 123 (P period O period – matched)

• P O Box 123 (P space O space – matched)

• PO Box 123 (P O space B – matched)

When requesting the PRC, if one or more of these items do not match our records, an 

error message will appear. As a security measure, the error message will not specify 

which item does not match. The user will be advised to contact his nearest field office 

for assistance. The field office must correct our records to correspond with the user 

information before a PRC can be assigned. 

Handle these cases as follows:

When items do not match,

1. Compare all four items provided by the user against EDM (Refer to FOM1 130.50

for procedure on confirming the identity of callers.)

2. Determine which item(s) is incorrect

3. Verify and correct the item(s) on EDM

To correct the address, refer to FOM1 1595.33.

NOTE: Canadian addresses must be in a specific format to match. Refer 

to FOM1 1705.15.8 for valid province abbreviations.

To correct the name, date of birth or social security number refer to FOM 

V Art.6 Chapter 609.01.

4. After our records are corrected have the user resubmit the PRC request, or; you 

may submit the PRC request for the user. (It may be helpful to view the web 

pages along with the user.) The PRC request may be resubmitted immediately. If 

the PRC request is still not being accepted, send an e-mail to the PIN Password 

Administrator group mailbox. (NOTE: Use the standard Outlook e-mail message 

format. Do not use the e-G-115 General Inquiry Form template when sending 

inquiries to the PIN Password Administrator group mailbox.) In the subject line 
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Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 17 of 20

indicate PPW. In your message state that the problem is a PRC request. The 

PPW System Administrator will request the PRC bypassing EDM edits. 

Question – PRC 

Extension

Answer

My PRC expired. Can I 

get another PRC?

Once assigned to a person, a PRC never changes. A PRC, 

however, will expire if not used within 30 days from the date of 

the PRC letter. If someone needs a PRC extension, contact 

the PPW System Administrator via a (standard format) e-mail 

message sent to the PIN PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR 

group mailbox. Enter PPW in the subject line. In the message, 

indicate that the PRC needs to be extended. The PPW 

System Administrator will extend the expiration for another 30 

days by reprinting the PRC letter. 

Question – SSN 

Already in System

Answer

I am trying to request a 

PRC and receiving the 

message that my

social security number

is already in the PPW 

system. I don’t 

remember requesting a 

PRC before. What 

should I do?

If the social security number is already in the system, it means 

that person has requested and been approved for a PRC. If 

he/she does not remember receiving a PRC letter, another 

letter can be released. If the person has already used the 

PRC to establish an account and does not remember doing 

so, the person may need a new password. In either case, 

send a (standard format) e-mail message to the PIN 

PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR group mailbox. Enter PPW in 

the subject line and provide the social security number. The 

PPW System Administrator will look up the account and take 

appropriate action.

Question - New 

Password Doesn’t 

Work

Answer

I received a new 

password in the mail 

and can’t get it to work.

What should I do? 

One possibility is that the person is not entering the new 

password correctly. The password entry is case sensitive and 

must be entered exactly as it appears in the letter. The other

situation is that the person has incorrectly gone to the 

Establish Your Internet Account screen instead of the Log In

screen. After receiving a new password, a user (with an 

established account) needs to click on the Login Now link on 

the Benefit Online Services menu. This will open the Log In
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Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 18 of 20

screen, where the user enters his/her PIN (social security 

number) and the new password to login. 

Question – Account

Locked

Answer

I tried to log in and now 

my account is locked. 

What should I do?

As a security measure, an account gets locked when the 

wrong password is entered three times. Only the PPW System 

Administrator can unlock an account. When the user gets the 

error message informing them that their account has now 

been locked, the link to the PPW System Administrator 

appears in the message. Most users will click the link and ask 

the PPW System Administrator for assistance. However, 

some users may feel more comfortable contacting their local 

RRB field office for help. You should send a (standard format)

e-mail to the PIN PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR group 

mailbox. Enter PPW in the subject line. Request that the 

account be unlocked.

Question –

Fraudulent Account

Answer

I believe someone else 

established (or tried to 

establish) an account 

under my social 

security number. What 

should I do?

Field Service should notify the PPW System Administrator 

immediately. Send a (standard format) e-mail message to the 

PIN PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR group mailbox. Enter 

PPW in the subject line and provide the social security 

number. The PPW System Administrators will take 

appropriate action. 

115.2 General Inquiries 

Question –

Forgotten/Lost 

Password

Answer

I forgot my password. 

Can I get another one? 

If so, how?

A person can request a new password by clicking on the 

Request New Password link on the Benefit Online Services 

menu page, or the Forgot your password link on the Log In 

screen. The system will assign a new password to the person 

and release it in a letter mailed to the address on our records.

When the person receives the letter, they should login with the 

new password.

Question – New 

Employee

Answer
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Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 19 of 20

I just started working 

for the railroad and 

would like to obtain a 

PIN/Password account.

The system is telling 

me that my social 

security number is not 

in the database. Can I 

get a PIN/Password?

Employees cannot get a PIN/Password account if they started 

working for the railroad during the current year; or if they

received a BA-6 form and their birth date is shown as 99-99.

Question – Employee 

Receiving an Annuity

Answer

I am receiving an 

annuity and would like 

a PIN/Password 

account. I am receiving 

the message that my 

information does not 

match your records. 

Can I get a 

PIN/Password 

account?

We are using the records of current and former railroad 

employees (EDM) for online validation. We are not using the 

records of people already receiving benefits. That is why the 

information is not matching. We have no internet services for 

annuitants. They do not need PIN/Password accounts. 

Question – Security 

Mailings

Answer

Can you e-mail my 

PRC or password to 

me?

No. For security reasons, all PRCs and Passwords are 

released through the U. S. mail. 

Field offices will answer general questions about the system. If you receive a question 

that is not addressed in this procedure, contact the PIN PASSWORD 

ADMINISTRATOR group mailbox. (NOTE: Use the standard Outlook e-mail message 

format.) Notate in the subject line or first line of the message that it refers to 

PIN/Password (PPW). 

120 PPW System Administrator Responsibilities/Functions

The PPW System Administrators’ primary responsibility is to maintain and monitor the 

PIN/Password system.

General duties include:

• Releasing PRC letters
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Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 20 of 20

• Unlocking user accounts

• Responding to user inquiries

• Responding to field office requests for assistance

• Referring user inquiries to a field office when appropriate

• Assigning new passwords

• Managing user accounts

• Managing administrative accounts

• Compiling reports

• Coordinating the display of a message when the system is down

Inquiries - Users may contact the PPW System Administrators at any time for a variety 

of reasons. The majority of the inquiries concern PRC and password issues. These 

include:

• PRC extensions

• Forgotten/lost passwords

Users may also contact the PPW System Administrators about:

• PRC and PIN problems establishing the account

• PIN and Password problems while attempting to Log In

• Password format problems

If the PPW System Administrators receive an inquiry that involves correcting EDM, the 

inquiry will be referred to the appropriate field office for handling. Most user inquiries are 

received online. The PPW System Administrators will respond to the user via e-mail.

If the user contacts the field office for help and you cannot assist them, you should 

forward the inquiry to the PIN PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR group mailbox. (NOTE: 

Use the standard Outlook e-mail message format.) Include the individual’s e-mail 

address. The PPW System Administrators will respond to the user directly. Field office 

inquiries will be given priority handling. 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 1 of 20

105 Introduction 

The PIN/Password (PPW) system allows our customers to access specific internet 

services via the RRB website at WWW.RRB.GOV. The Benefit Online Services menu 

page displays the option to create a PPW account, as well as all other internet services 

options. The system provides the security necessary to protect the privacy of all users. 

Only current or former RR employees (not receiving an annuity) can establish a PPW 

account at this time.

Currently, employees who establish a PPW account will be able to access the following 

Benefit Online Services online:

• View Railroad Service and Compensation History

• Use Retirement Planner to request employee and spouse estimates (for 

employees who have not yet retired)

• Apply for Unemployment Benefits

• Claim Unemployment Benefits (for employees who have already filed an 

application for unemployment benefits)

• View RUIA Account Statement

The following is a list of terms you should know:

Term Definition

PRC PRC is the acronym for Password Request Code. The PRC is used to

validate the identity of the user and establish a PIN/Password account. A 

PRC is used only once (initially) to establish a PPW account. For security 

reasons, the PRC is mailed to the user’s address (as shown on RRB 

records.) A PRC never changes, expires 30 days after issuance and can 

be extended.

PIN The PIN is the user’s social security number. After entering the PRC, PIN 

and a password (created by the user) to successfully establish an

account, a user only needs to enter their PIN and password (for future log 

ins) to use our online services.

Password The password is created by the user according to the password rules on 

the Establish your Internet Account screen. After establishing an account, 

users have the option to change their password; or can request a new 

password via the PIN PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR group mailbox. 

For security reasons, new passwords are mailed to the user’s address.
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 2 of 20

After establishing an account, a user only needs to enter their PIN and 

password to log in.

The PPW system is used to establish a PIN/Password account. The system:

• Verifies the identity of the user by matching the user information to data in RRB 

records.

• Assigns and provides a Password Request Code (PRC). 

• When the PRC is received, the user enters the PRC, PIN (social security 

number) and password to establish the PPW account.

• The system validates the PRC and PIN and allows user access to online 

services.

• Once the account is established, only the PIN and password are needed for 

future log-ins.

When the user identification entries match the information on RRB records and the user 

enters appropriate entries for the password, a PPW account can be established 

completely online (without the intervention of any field office personnel or PPW System 

Administrators.) 

110 Web Page Design And Processing

110.1 Acknowledgement Page

When a first time user selects request a PRC from the Benefit Online Services menu

(see Section 110.7), the Acknowledgement page opens.
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 3 of 20

The Acknowledgement page appears every time the PPW system is accessed. A user 

must access the PPW system to create a PPW account, change a password or login to 

a secure online service. The purpose of this page is to ensure that all users are notified 

of the effect of making a false/fraudulent statement to gain access to any of the internet 

services. 

The user has the option to accept or cancel from this page. If the user clicks on the OK

button, the PPW Introduction page opens.

110.2 PPW Introduction Page

The PPW Introduction page provides customers with a brief explanation of the steps 

needed to establish a PPW account. 

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

PPW Certification Statement 

Any person who knowingly and willingly makes any representation that is false to obtain 

information from Railroad Retirement Board records and/or that is intended to deceive the 

Railroad Retirement Board as to the true identity of an individual could be punished by a fine 

or imprisonment, or both. 

I have read the above statement and am the individual to whom the PIN/Password information 

applies. 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 4 of 20

This explanation is followed by three choices:

• Request a Password Request Code (PRC) 

• Establish your RRB Internet Account 

• Internet Services Log In 

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

PPW Introduction 

Form Approued: 0MB No. 3220-0198 

If you have already established an account you may login now. 

You must first establish an account in order to access RRB Internet services. To establish an 

account, follow steps 1 and 2. 

1. Go to Box 1 to request a Password Request Code (PRC). A PRC will be sent by US 

Mail to your address of record. 

2. Go to Box 2 when you receive your PRC. Use the PRC to establish your 

PIN/Password account. 

Once you receive your PRC and establish your account, you never need to click on Box 1 or 

2 again. You perform steps 1 and 2 only one time. Go to Box 3 for all future access to our 

online services. 

~ View wesentation about reguesting a PRC ~ 

NOTE: You will not be able to establish an account unless your web browser supports 

advanced encryption. Some older versions of web browsers are not compatible with the 

PIN/Password feature. 

1 Request a Password Obtain a Password Request Code (PRC). A PRC is needed to establish an online 

Request Code (PRC) account with the RRB. 

2 Establish your RRB 

Internet Account 

Establish an RRB Internet account after receiving a PRC in the mail. Once the 

account is established the PRC is no longer needed. 

All established accounts should select below to log in to online services 

3 Internet Services 

Login 

Access RRB online services. 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 5 of 20

110.3 PRC Explanation Page

First time users will click request a PRC from the Benefit Online Services menu. Users 

then click on box 1 - Request a Password Request Code (PRC). This opens the PRC 

Explanation page which provides an explanation of the PRC and lists the information 

the user will have to provide.

A PRC is used to validate the identity of the user and establish a PPW account. The 

PPW system will assign an 8 character alpha/numeric PRC to validated users through 

the U.S. mail. Each user will receive a unique PRC which may not be shared, and must 

be used within 30 days from the date of the PRC letter. A PRC is used only once, to 

initially establish an account. 

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

Pas sword Request Code (PRC) 

The PRC is used to: 

Form Approved: 0MB No. 3220-0198 

■ Establish a RRB account under the railroad employee's Social Security Number 

(SSN) 

■ Validate the identity of the person making the request 

■ Provide the ability to request a PIN and Password 

To request a PRC, you will be asked to provide the railroad employee's: 

■ Full name 

■ SSN 

■ Date of birth 

■ Mailing address 

The information you provide is matched against the employee's records , which are stored by 

the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB). If the information matches, your request will be 

approved and you will receive your PRC in the mail within 10 business days from the date of 

the request. 

If the information you provide does not match the information stored by the RRB, you will be 

advised to contact the nearest RRB field office to resolve any discrepancy. 

The PRC, which is unique to each individual and may not be shared, must be used within 30 

days from the date of the letter to establish a PIN/Password account. If the PRC is not used 

within the 30 day time frame, you must contact the system administrator to request a new 

PRC letter. 

If you want to block password access to your account to ensure that your personal 

information cannot be accessed using this automated system, please contact the system 

administrator. 

At this time only ra ilroad employees can create an account. 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 6 of 20

To begin the request for a PRC, users will be asked to indicate where they live. The 

choices are U.S., Canada or other. Clicking the Submit button will open the appropriate

PRC request form.

110.4 Request PRC Screen

The user should complete all items on the form. The PRC request forms (for U.S and 

Canadian residents) are displayed below:

(U.S.)

Please answer the following question. 

Where does the railroad employee live? r.' United States r Canada r other ii ii 

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

Password Request Code (PRC) 

Form Approved: 0MB No. 3220-0198 

Enter information for the railroad employee 

First Ml Last 

RR Employee Name:* ---11~---

Social Security Number:"' c=J-c=J-c=J Date of Birth:"' I 

street Address:* 

City:"' state:"' I iJ Zip Code:"' ._I _ _.I-C] 

* Field is re quired 

Kill• Mi:iHI 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 7 of 20

(Canadian)

If a user clicks the Other button, the following message is displayed: 

The mandatory identification items are the railroad employee’s name, social security 

number, date of birth and address. These four items must be matched to the information 

in our records. After completing the items, the user will click the Submit button at the 

bottom of the screen.

The employee’s identification items must match our records. The system will validate 

the mandatory entries against EDM. If the entries match our records, the following 

message will appear:

 

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

Pas sword Request Code (PRC) 

Form Approved: 0MB No. 3220-0198 

Enter information for the railroad employee 

RR Employee Name:* 

Social Security Number:* c=Jr==Jr==]oate of Birth:* I 

street Address:* 

Province:* I~----~ Country:* ~----~ Postal Code:* I~--~ 

* Fi eld is required 

1liME • Mi:JHI 

Password Request Code (PRq Status 

At this time, international addresses cannot request a PRC online. 

Your request must be processed at the field office. 

Please contact your local field office for more information. 

Your PRC Request has been approved. 

A PRC wi II be sent by U.S. Mai I to your address on record. 

Please allow 1 O working days for your PRC to arrive . 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 8 of 20

The text of the GL-60 PRC letter is shown (in the five paragraphs) below:

Your request for a Password Request Code (PRC) has been received and approved.

 Your PRC is:

A PRC is used only once to establish a PIN/Password account on the RRB Web Site 

(WWW.RRB.GOV). To use your PRC, click on the Establish Internet Account link on the 

Benefit Online Services menu page. After successfully establishing your account, your 

PRC is no longer needed and may be discarded.

Please establish your account within 30 days. The PRC provided in this letter will expire 

30 days from the date of this letter. If this PRC expires, you will be required to contact 

the PPW System Administrator for a new letter.

If you have any problems establishing your account, please contact the PPW System 

Administrator through the link on the left of the PIN/Password web page. If you have 

any questions or need any other assistance, please contact your local field office. The 

field office responsible for providing assistance to you is located at: 

If the mandatory entries do not match our records, the following message will appear:

After five failed attempts, the user is referred to the field office for assistance. The field 

office action is described under Field Office Responsibilities/Functions (Section 115 of 

this procedure.)

110.5 Establish Your Internet Account Screen

When users receive a PRC, they will access the RRB website Benefit Online Services

menu page and select Establish Internet Account (After PRC received). After clicking 

OK on the Acknowledgement page, the Establish your Internet Account screen opens.

This screen briefly explains the necessity of a PRC. It then explains password rules.

The information you provided does not match the information on our records. 

Please check your entries and try again. 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 9 of 20

The user makes the following required entries: PRC, PIN (enters own social security 

number), Create Your Password (created by user according to explained rules), Reenter Password (re-enters password for confirmation.) Users must create passwords 

that are between 8 and 15 characters. The password can be comprised of A through Z, 

a through z, 0 through 9, pound (#) and star (*). After completing the entries, the user 

clicks the Submit button at the bottom of the screen.

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

Estabhsh your Internet Account 

Form Approved: 0MB No. 3220-0198 

To establish an Internet account, you must have a Password Request Code (PRC). If you 

have not applied for a PRC, please click here to go to the PRC request screen. If you have a 

PRC, complete the items below and click Submit. 

Please note the following password rules: 

1. Password length must be between 8 and 15 characters 

2. Password can contain any combination of the following characters: 

■ a through z 

■ A through Z 

■ 0 through 9 

■ pound (#J 

■ star n 

■ PRC is case sensitive 

■ Enter the PRC exactly as it appears on your letter 

■ PIN is your Social Security Number (no dashes) 

PRC:"' 

PIN:* 

Create Your Password:* 

Re-enter Password:* 

~---~(999999999) 

* Field is required 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 10 of 20

The system will validate the PRC and PIN against information in the PPW module. The 

system also checks that the password is in the specified format. If the match is 

successful, the following message will appear:

If the PRC and PIN cannot be validated, the appropriate error message will appear. All 

error messages on this screen will include the statement: Please check your entries and 

try again. The user will be allowed five attempts, then, locked out of the session. The 

user must completely exit the PPW system and try again.

This screen provides a link to Contact an RRB office near you and PPW System 

Administrator group mailbox if the user needs assistance. 

110.6 Log In Screen

After successfully establishing a RRB account, the first time user is taken to the Log In

screen. Users who already have an account established, can access the Log In screen 

by clicking Login Now from the Benefit Online Services menu.

Establish PIN/Password Account Status 

Your PIN/Password Account has now been established. 

You may now l,Q,glrr to the Internet Services Page. 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 11 of 20

The Log In screen requires the user enter a PIN (social security number) and Password. 

After entering a PIN and Password, the user clicks the Login button. The system will 

validate the PIN and Password. If they are valid, the Benefit Online Services menu page

opens.

If the PIN and Password are not validated, an error message will appear. This screen 

provides a link to Contact an RRB office near you and PPW System Administrator if the 

user needs assistance.

Users who have established a PPW account and forget the password may request a

new password from this screen by clicking Forgot your password. The PPW system will 

assign a new password and mail it to the user’s home address on record. The text of 

the GL-60a reset password letter is shown (in the four paragraphs) below:

Your request for a new password has been received and approved.

 Your new password is:

You need to enter this password and your PIN to access certain Internet services on the 

RRB Web Site (WWW.RRB.GOV). To use your new password, you must click on the 

Login Now link on the Benefit Online Services menu page. After successfully logging in, 

you may change your password by clicking on Change Password from the Benefit 

Online Services menu.

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

Login 

To log in, you must have already established your Internet account. If you have established 

your account then enter your PIN (Social Security Number) and password below. 

■ PIN is your Social Security Number (no dashes) 

■ Password is case sensitive 

PIN: ~---~1(999999999) I 

Password: ~---~I Forgot your password? 

•m&i:iiii 

If you need assistance logging in, contact the system administrator 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 12 of 20

If you have any problems logging in, please contact the PPW System Administrator 

through the link on the left of the PIN/Password web page. If you have any questions or 

need any other assistance, please contact your local field office. The field office 

responsible for providing assistance to you is located at: 

Users with an established PPW account have the option of changing their password 

whenever they want. The option to change passwords is selected from the Benefit 

Online Services menu page. 

110.7 Benefit Online Services Menu Page

Benefit Online Services 

Use Benefit Online Services to conduct private and secure RRB business over the Internet. To 

get started, select a service below. More info 

No Login Required 

■ Request Services: 

□ Request Duplicate Tax Statement~ More info 

□ Request Monthly Rate Verification ~ More info 

□ Request Replacement Medicare Card ~ More info 

□ Request Service & Compensation History ~ More info 

■ Online Bill Payment Services : 

□ Pay Unemployment or Sickness Bill Online ~ More info 

□ Pay Retirement or Survivor Bill Online ~ More info 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 13 of 20

This page provides the selection of internet services available. The services requiring a 

PPW account are listed at the bottom. (Section 105 of this procedure describes the 

services currently available to users with PPW accounts.) Click More info to open a 

question/answer page of frequently asked PPW questions.

Links available to users:

• All pages/screens provide a link to Contact an RRB office near you. Users may 

use this link to contact their field office for assistance.

• All pages/screens provide a link to the PIN PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR 

group mailbox for assistance. The link opens an e-mail template (see below) 

which can be used to transmit a message to the Administrator

Login Required You are logged out [Login Now] 

First time users must request a PRC ~ More info 

~ View t=iresentation about requesting a PRC ~ 

The following Internet services are intended for railroad employees who are not receiving 

annuities. 

Apply for Unemployment Benefits, Claim Unemployment Benefits and View RUIA Account Statement are 

unavailable Monday and Thursday, from 11 : 00 P .M. to Midnight CST for routine maintenance. 

■ Establish Internet Account (After PRC received)~ More info 

■ Request New Password ~ More info 

■ Change Password (After log in)~ More info 

■ View Service & Compensation History~ More info 

■ Get Annuity Rate Estimate ~ More info 

■ 6ru1lY for Unemployment Benefits ~ More info 

~ View t=iresentation on At=it=ilying for Unemt=iloyment Benefits Online ~ 

■ Claim Unemployment Benefits ~ More info 

■ View RUIA Account Statement~ More info 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 14 of 20

PIN/Password (PPW) Services 

User PPW Services Feedback 

Before sending an inquiry, make sure you have tried the following links: 

■ Request a PRC , if you are a first time user 

■ Establish the Internet account , after the PRC is received 

■ Request a new password , if you forgot your password 

■ Contact the RRB Field Office , to report your current address or any other records 

corrections 

If you have any questions concerning benefit information, please contact your local RRB 

Field Office. 

This form is intended for PIN/Password issues only. 

This link provides a secure line for transmission of personal information. Please include your 

social security number (SSN) with your inquiry. Inquiries are handled in the order in which 

they are received. Please allow 5 days before sending a second inquiry. 

Use this form if you: 

■ Did not receive your PRC 

■ Need the expiration of your PRC extended 

■ Locked your account 

All other questions should be directed to your local RRB Field Office. 

Your Email Address:* 

Subject:"' 

Comment:* 

(Include your SSN with 

your inquiry in the box to 

the right) 

* Field is required 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 15 of 20

115 Field Office Responsibilities/Functions

The field office’s primary responsibility is to correct RRB records when they conflict with 

user input and answer general questions about the system. The pages/screens contain 

prompts and messages guiding the user through the process. Most accounts should be 

established completely online. However, when the user receives an error message, the 

field office may be contacted. 

Section 115.1 describes specific inquiries such as when the records don’t match, PRC 

extensions, SSN already in the system, new password doesn’t work, locked and 

fraudulent accounts. Section 115.2 describes general inquiries such as forgotten 

passwords, new employees and/or employees receiving an annuity requesting an online 

account, and security issues regarding our mailings. Sections 115.1 and 115.2 are

organized in Question/Answer information blocks. 

115.1 Specific Inquiries

Question –

Records Don’t

Match

Answer

I am getting the 

message that my 

records do not 

match RRB’s 

records. What 

should I do? 

This is the most common situation a field office will encounter. It 

occurs when the user is requesting a PRC and enters identification 

information that does not match the information on RRB records.

NOTE: The four identification items are the RR employee’s name, 

date of birth, social security number and street address. All four 

items must match what we have on EDM before the system can 

approve the PRC request. (See explanation below.)

The PRC request form requires all identification entries to be completed. This 

information is being stored in the PPW system for audit purposes. The items that must 

be an exact match for PPW validation are as follows:

• EE Name – first initial, middle initial and first 10 characters of last name

• SSN – full social security number

• Address US or Canadian – first 4 positions of street address 

• Address Canadian – province 

• Date of birth – month and year (If the day is missing from EDM, this will not 

cause a reject.) 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 16 of 20

NOTE: The third bullet above indicates the address must match on the first 4 positions.

The address must be entered online exactly as it appears on EDM. If there is a space 

on EDM, enter the space online. In the examples below, the positions matched against 

EDM are shown in BOLD:

• 123 Main St (1 2 3 space - matched)

• 1234 Main St (1 2 3 4 - matched)

• P.O. Box 123 (P period O period – matched)

• P O Box 123 (P space O space – matched)

• PO Box 123 (P O space B – matched)

When requesting the PRC, if one or more of these items do not match our records, an 

error message will appear. As a security measure, the error message will not specify 

which item does not match. The user will be advised to contact his nearest field office 

for assistance. The field office must correct our records to correspond with the user 

information before a PRC can be assigned. 

Handle these cases as follows:

When items do not match,

1. Compare all four items provided by the user against EDM (Refer to FOM1 130.50

for procedure on confirming the identity of callers.)

2. Determine which item(s) is incorrect

3. Verify and correct the item(s) on EDM

To correct the address, refer to FOM1 1595.33.

NOTE: Canadian addresses must be in a specific format to match. Refer 

to FOM1 1705.15.8 for valid province abbreviations.

To correct the name, date of birth or social security number refer to FOM 

V Art.6 Chapter 609.01.

4. After our records are corrected have the user resubmit the PRC request, or; you 

may submit the PRC request for the user. (It may be helpful to view the web 

pages along with the user.) The PRC request may be resubmitted immediately. If 

the PRC request is still not being accepted, send an e-mail to the PIN Password 

Administrator group mailbox. (NOTE: Use the standard Outlook e-mail message 

format. Do not use the e-G-115 General Inquiry Form template when sending 

inquiries to the PIN Password Administrator group mailbox.) In the subject line 
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 17 of 20

indicate PPW. In your message state that the problem is a PRC request. The 

PPW System Administrator will request the PRC bypassing EDM edits. 

Question – PRC 

Extension

Answer

My PRC expired. Can I 

get another PRC?

Once assigned to a person, a PRC never changes. A PRC, 

however, will expire if not used within 30 days from the date of 

the PRC letter. If someone needs a PRC extension, contact 

the PPW System Administrator via a (standard format) e-mail 

message sent to the PIN PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR 

group mailbox. Enter PPW in the subject line. In the message, 

indicate that the PRC needs to be extended. The PPW 

System Administrator will extend the expiration for another 30 

days by reprinting the PRC letter. 

Question – SSN 

Already in System

Answer

I am trying to request a 

PRC and receiving the 

message that my

social security number

is already in the PPW 

system. I don’t 

remember requesting a 

PRC before. What 

should I do?

If the social security number is already in the system, it means 

that person has requested and been approved for a PRC. If 

he/she does not remember receiving a PRC letter, another 

letter can be released. If the person has already used the 

PRC to establish an account and does not remember doing 

so, the person may need a new password. In either case, 

send a (standard format) e-mail message to the PIN 

PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR group mailbox. Enter PPW in 

the subject line and provide the social security number. The 

PPW System Administrator will look up the account and take 

appropriate action.

Question - New 

Password Doesn’t 

Work

Answer

I received a new 

password in the mail 

and can’t get it to work.

What should I do? 

One possibility is that the person is not entering the new 

password correctly. The password entry is case sensitive and 

must be entered exactly as it appears in the letter. The other

situation is that the person has incorrectly gone to the 

Establish Your Internet Account screen instead of the Log In

screen. After receiving a new password, a user (with an 

established account) needs to click on the Login Now link on 

the Benefit Online Services menu. This will open the Log In
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 18 of 20

screen, where the user enters his/her PIN (social security 

number) and the new password to login. 

Question – Account

Locked

Answer

I tried to log in and now 

my account is locked. 

What should I do?

As a security measure, an account gets locked when the 

wrong password is entered three times. Only the PPW System 

Administrator can unlock an account. When the user gets the 

error message informing them that their account has now 

been locked, the link to the PPW System Administrator 

appears in the message. Most users will click the link and ask 

the PPW System Administrator for assistance. However, 

some users may feel more comfortable contacting their local 

RRB field office for help. You should send a (standard format)

e-mail to the PIN PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR group 

mailbox. Enter PPW in the subject line. Request that the 

account be unlocked.

Question –

Fraudulent Account

Answer

I believe someone else 

established (or tried to 

establish) an account 

under my social 

security number. What 

should I do?

Field Service should notify the PPW System Administrator 

immediately. Send a (standard format) e-mail message to the 

PIN PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR group mailbox. Enter 

PPW in the subject line and provide the social security 

number. The PPW System Administrators will take 

appropriate action. 

115.2 General Inquiries 

Question –

Forgotten/Lost 

Password

Answer

I forgot my password. 

Can I get another one? 

If so, how?

A person can request a new password by clicking on the 

Request New Password link on the Benefit Online Services 

menu page, or the Forgot your password link on the Log In 

screen. The system will assign a new password to the person 

and release it in a letter mailed to the address on our records.

When the person receives the letter, they should login with the 

new password.

Question – New 

Employee

Answer
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 19 of 20

I just started working 

for the railroad and 

would like to obtain a 

PIN/Password account.

The system is telling 

me that my social 

security number is not 

in the database. Can I 

get a PIN/Password?

Employees cannot get a PIN/Password account if they started 

working for the railroad during the current year; or if they

received a BA-6 form and their birth date is shown as 99-99.

Question – Employee 

Receiving an Annuity

Answer

I am receiving an 

annuity and would like 

a PIN/Password 

account. I am receiving 

the message that my 

information does not 

match your records. 

Can I get a 

PIN/Password 

account?

We are using the records of current and former railroad 

employees (EDM) for online validation. We are not using the 

records of people already receiving benefits. That is why the 

information is not matching. We have no internet services for 

annuitants. They do not need PIN/Password accounts. 

Question – Security 

Mailings

Answer

Can you e-mail my 

PRC or password to 

me?

No. For security reasons, all PRCs and Passwords are 

released through the U. S. mail. 

Field offices will answer general questions about the system. If you receive a question 

that is not addressed in this procedure, contact the PIN PASSWORD 

ADMINISTRATOR group mailbox. (NOTE: Use the standard Outlook e-mail message 

format.) Notate in the subject line or first line of the message that it refers to 

PIN/Password (PPW). 

120 PPW System Administrator Responsibilities/Functions

The PPW System Administrators’ primary responsibility is to maintain and monitor the 

PIN/Password system.

General duties include:

• Releasing PRC letters
ISM Article 1

Article 1 PIN/Password System Revised March 29, 2016 Page 20 of 20

• Unlocking user accounts

• Responding to user inquiries

• Responding to field office requests for assistance

• Referring user inquiries to a field office when appropriate

• Assigning new passwords

• Managing user accounts

• Managing administrative accounts

• Compiling reports

• Coordinating the display of a message when the system is down

Inquiries - Users may contact the PPW System Administrators at any time for a variety 

of reasons. The majority of the inquiries concern PRC and password issues. These 

include:

• PRC extensions

• Forgotten/lost passwords

Users may also contact the PPW System Administrators about:

• PRC and PIN problems establishing the account

• PIN and Password problems while attempting to Log In

• Password format problems

If the PPW System Administrators receive an inquiry that involves correcting EDM, the 

inquiry will be referred to the appropriate field office for handling. Most user inquiries are 

received online. The PPW System Administrators will respond to the user via e-mail.

If the user contacts the field office for help and you cannot assist them, you should 

forward the inquiry to the PIN PASSWORD ADMINISTRATOR group mailbox. (NOTE: 

Use the standard Outlook e-mail message format.) Include the individual’s e-mail 

address. The PPW System Administrators will respond to the user directly. Field office 

inquiries will be given priority handling. 
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 1 of 7

401 Introduction

After establishing a PIN/Password account, employees who have not yet retired 

under the Railroad Retirement Act may access Retirement Planner by selecting 

Estimate My Annuity from the Mainline Services Menu page. The employee 

may obtain any of the following:

1) An employee annuity estimate based on service and earnings currently on 

record with the Railroad Retirement Board. The Tier 1 and Tier 2 amounts 

will be provided for the earliest full annuity date and, if applicable, the earliest 

reduced annuity rate.

2) If requested, a spouse annuity estimate based on the spouse’s date of birth 

and the employee’s age, years of service, and eligibility dates.

3) A print summary of service months, railroad compensation, and Social 

Security wages, and print output of employee and spouses estimates as 

described in 1).

4) An employee estimate based on additional service months, railroad 

compensation, or Social Security wages entered by the employee.

5) If requested, a spouse annuity estimate based on the projected employee 

service and earnings.

6) An employee estimate as described above based on two additional annuity 

beginning dates selected by the employee.

7) If required, a spouse annuity estimate based on the additional employee 

annuity beginning dates.

405 Screen Description and Processing

Select Estimate My Annuity:

405.1 PIN/Password

At the PIN/Password (PPW) Acknowledgement screen, click OK to continue.

405.2 Retirement Planner Screen

At the Retirement Planner initial screen (see below), users will have the option 

to enter a corrected date of birth. 
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 2 of 7

Corrected DOB If the day of birth is not shown in the Railroad Retirement Board 

record, Retirement Planner will display the day date as “15.” The user may 

correct the DOB by entering MM DD YY in a drop down field. Note: The 

corrected DOB is used for the estimate calculation only; the user should contact 

their servicing Field Office to correct the year we have on record.

Spouse DOB – The user would enter the MM DD YY in a drop down field for a 

spouse estimate. 

Click Continue

~ Yer1ry Information - Microsoft: Internet bcplorer provided by U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 

File Edit View Favorites Tools Help 

<:co Back • ➔ • @ @:} fill I i;asearch !l)Favorites ~ Media ~ I ~ · ~ !iii • ~ 

Address Ill https://63.240.198.84/Mainline/RetPlanner /ConfirmB.asp 

Find Hice rT\. Home 

United States of America • Railroad Retirement Board 

Providing Secure Internet SeNices to the Railroad Community 

Retirement Planner 

Our records show the following information 

Social Security Number: 

Name: 

Date of Birth: 9/15/1951 

Corrected Date of Birth: Month I mm .:.J Day [dci.:J Year IY:,YJI .:.J 

.:.J ~ Go 

rT\.LogOUT 1tRB. 

About Us I Privacy I Security 

If date of birth is wrong , enter the correct date. The date of birth you enter will 

be used for this estimate calculation only; you should contact your servicing 

field office to correct the year of birth we have on record . 

Spouse's Date of Birth: Month [,o"".:J Day [,o.:.l Year ID!lil.:.J 

Complete if you want a spouse estimate. 

Select spouse year of birth (i.e. 1945) 

littbh,IHI Done II~ I• !ntemet 

..:.J 

~I <{-k-~--~~--2-,.-7-PM-
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 3 of 7

405.3 Earnings Information

The screen displays the annual and cumulative totals of service months, railroad 

compensation, and SSA wages according to RRB records. If military service has 

been included in the RRB record, the screen will display the beginning and 

ending date of the period of military service, and, if the period of military service 

is creditable as railroad service, the number of service months derived from 

military service.

The terms “military service months, service months, Railroad compensation, and 

SSA wages” are defined by clicking an informational link on the screen. The 

definitions, and a message urging the pre-submission of proofs of age and 

military service, will also be included with the print output of the screen.

At the bottom of the screen, users will have three options:

1). Print – Print output of the screen.

2). Estimate – An estimate based on current service, compensation, and 

wages on record will be provided. 

3). Earnings – Click to add additional service and earnings for future years 

for the estimate.

~ Retirement Planner - Earnings Information - Microsoft: Internet EHplorer provided by U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 

File Edit View Favorites Tools Help 

¢a Back • -+ • @ ~ ~ I iasearch @ Favorites ~ Media " I~ · ~ Iii! • ~ 

Address 111 https: //63. 240.1 98. 84/Mainline/RetPlanner/earnings .asp i] (i? Go Links» 

Find lllce Rl.Home Rl.Lo OUT 1tmi. 

Done 

Unled S1ates of America - Railroad Retirement Board 

Providing Secure Internet SeNices to the Railroad Community 

Employee Name 

Employee SSA Number 

Employee Date of Birth 

Retirement Planner 

911511951 

About Us I Privacy I Security 

SERVICE AND COMPENSATION HISTORY STATEMENT Click here to view an explanation of this statement. 

Service Railroad 

Ye ar Months Compensation 

1966 0 0.00 

1967 0 0.00 

1968 0 0.00 

1969 0 0.00 

1970 0 0.00 

1971 0 0.00 

1972 11 4,389.63 

1973 12 8,760.32 

SSA 

Wages 

336.41 

1,129.53 

970.88 

1,431 .82 

4,882.71 

3,330.12 

12.60 

0.00 ~ 

11 ~ I• Internet rl~7 ,-~~ ~~ - 2-,5-3 -PM-
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 4 of 7

405.4 Employee Estimate

Based on the employee’s Date of Birth and Years of Railroad Service, the 

eligibility date and estimated amount of a Reduced and Full Age and Service

annuity are shown (see below.) 

 

The user may click the informational links – Annuity Beginning Date, Net Tier 1, 

or Net Tier 2 – for a more detailed explanation of the estimate.

Options:

Print – The Print output of the employee estimate screen is identified by the 

employee’s name and SSN. If the estimate is also based on additional service 

months, Railroad Compensation, or SSA wages entered by the user, those 

amounts and the year they begin are displayed. The estimate output also 

includes a standard paragraph advising: 

“The estimated amounts of future dates are calculated without considering 

any increase due to inflation. The purpose of the estimate is to furnish a 

starting reference point for planning your retirement future. If you need 

information concerning disability or survivor benefits, please visit those 

areas of our website or contact your nearest RRB office for information 

concerning events that may affect the amount of employee and spouse 

annuities.” 

405.5 Spouse 

Click to view Spouse Estimate Screen. Note: This button only appears if a

spouse DOB was entered on the Initial Retirement Planner screen. 

!I Retirement Planner - Employee Estimate - Microsoft Internet EMplorer provided by U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 

File Edit View Favorites Tools Help 

Address J~ https: //63. 240. 198 .84/Mainline/RetPlanner /estimate .asp 

Employee Estimate Information 

Click on an y of t he links below for a more detailed explanation of this estimate . 

Annuity Beginning Date 10/1/2013 

Gross Tier 1 1,34 9 .00 

Age Reduction 

Net Tier 1 

Gross Tier2 

Age Reduction 

NetTier2 

Total Rate 

MMM 

Last Revised 

1 n.?4-?nn? 

E·I·l'HM j§fl,ti@ 

33 1.62 

1,017 .00 

300 .89 

58 .5 1 

24 2 .38 

1,259.38 

hiii,O,i•b 

Mainline Home I RRB Home I Privacy Policy I Site Map I Mission 

ThiR i~ i;,n nffir.ii;,11 I S GnvP.rnmP.nt VVP.h~itP. 

11 

!it!Start!IJ ~ ~ ESil IJ l!:Si!Inbo ... ! ~ Srn .. . ! l,il s u,v ... ! ~ RE, .. . I l,il RE, .. . I lfil(RE ... U@:lRet; ... 

_3 ~ Go 

9/1/2017 

1,349 .00 

000 

1,349 .00 

300 .89 

000 

300 .89 

1,649.89 

M#M 

l• I nternet 

..:J 

3 :01 PM 
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 5 of 7

Based on the spouse date of birth and the employee’s age, years of service, and 

previously furnished eligibility dates, the eligibility date and estimated amount of 

a reduced, and, if applicable, full spouse annuity is shown. 

User options on the spouse estimate screen include:

Print – Print output of the Spouse Estimate Screen. This is in the same format 

as described for the print output of the employee estimate.

Employee – Returns to the Employee Estimate Screen. 

Exit – Exits from the estimate program.

405.6 Earnings

If the user wants to add additional service or earnings for future years, click the 

Earnings button at the bottom of the Service and Compensation Statement. 

Enter the additional service months, Railroad Compensation, and Social Security 

Wages and then click Estimate. 

Enter Estimated Earnings Screen:

The information entered will be used for each year from the indicated year on 

the screen (see above) through the year before the annuity beginning date. The 

indicated year is the next year after the latest year, according to our records, that 

either Railroad Compensation or Social Security Wages were credited. For 

example, if the last year of service was 2002, the additional service and earnings 

would be from 2003. 

ii Additional Earmngs - M1crosort Internet b1plorer provided by U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 

File Edit View Favorites Tools Help 

Address 111 https://63.240. 198.84/Mainline/RetPlanner /AddEarnings.asp ..:J ~ Go 

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Providing Secure Internet SeNices to the Railroad Community 

Retirement Planner 

Additional Earnings for: 

Enter Estimated Earnings 

The information entered wil l be used for each year from the indicated year through the 

year before the annuity beginning date 

Year [2oo2 

Service Months f,23 

Regular Compensation '"1 □□ "'"I --

SSA Wages 

Enter the amount of Railroad Compensation 

1¥iMitti i;®I 

..:J Done ll["g l• !ntemet 

'"lci~l,-~~ ~~ B-,--3-,1-0-PM-
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 6 of 7

The entries by the user are service months, Railroad Compensation, and SSA 

Wages. The number of service months (1-12) are entered by a drop-down box. 

Click on the box next to Railroad Compensation and the box next to SSA Wages 

to enter the respective amounts. The amounts should not be entered with a 

dollar sign or comma. 

The additional information will be the same for each individual year. For 

example, if the number of service months and the amount of railroad 

compensation are, respectively, “12” and “50000”, then the estimate will be 

based on the additional service and compensation (12 SM and 50000 in 

compensation) for each year from 2002 through the year before the annuity 

beginning date.

405.7 Estimates

When clicking this button, the Additional Estimates Screen appears (see 

below.) 

The user may enter up to two additional Annuity Beginning Dates (ABD.) The 

dates must be later than the earliest ABD previously established by Retirement 

Planner. For example, the earliest ABD for an employee with less than 360 

service months and a DOB of 9/15/1951 is 10/1/2013. The screen would indicate 

that the dates must be later than 10/1/2013. 

The user may enter, via a drop-down box entry, the month and year of the two 

additional ABDs. The “Day” Date Field is pre-filled with 01.

1j Retirement Planner - Add1t1onal ABDs - Microsoft Internet EKplorer provided by U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 

File Edit View Favorites Tools Help 

Address 111 https://63.240. 198.84/Mainline/RetPlanner/addabd.asp iJ (;? Go Links» 

Find mce f1l Home flllogOUT 'Jtml. United states of America - Railroad Retirement Board 

Providing Secure Internet Seri1ices to the Railroad Community 

Retirement Planner 

Additional Estimates for: 

About Us I Privacy I Security 

Enter up to two additional Annuity Beginning Dates 

The dates must be later than 10/112013. 

First ABO: 

Second ABO: 

Enter the year 

IRMUl,l'ti 

Mont h [io'"""::J 

Month [io'"""::J 

Day ro,-

Day ro,-

i;@M 

Ye a r i20143 

Ye a r lfillll!t:.J 

Mainline Home I RRB Home I Privacy Policy I Site Map I Mission 

@:fflM 
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 7 of 7

After the ABD entry, the user clicks the Continue button to view the Employee 

Estimate Screen with the new ABDs. If the user had previously entered 

additional service months, compensation, or wages, the estimate will be based 

on the additional information through the year before the additional ABDs. Since 

spouse estimates are derived from the employee service and compensation 

record and ABD, changes in the employee data will affect the amount and ABD 

of the spouse estimate. The spouse estimate may be viewed by clicking the 

Spouse button.

410 Field Office Responsibilities/Functions

Retirement Planner provides a starting point for Railroad employees to plan for 

their retirement. Users of Retirement Planner are therefore urged to contact their 

servicing Field Office for more information concerning retirement Please handle 

these program related inquiries in the usual manner. If inquiries from users of 

Retirement Planner cannot be resolved, report the problem to Policy and 

Systems via the P&S Inquiry Mailbox. Identify the inquiry with Retirement 

Planner as the subject of the e-mail.
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 1 of 7

401 Introduction

After establishing a PIN/Password account, employees who have not yet retired 

under the Railroad Retirement Act may access Retirement Planner by selecting 

Estimate My Annuity from the Mainline Services Menu page. The employee 

may obtain any of the following:

1) An employee annuity estimate based on service and earnings currently on 

record with the Railroad Retirement Board. The Tier 1 and Tier 2 amounts 

will be provided for the earliest full annuity date and, if applicable, the earliest 

reduced annuity rate.

2) If requested, a spouse annuity estimate based on the spouse’s date of birth 

and the employee’s age, years of service, and eligibility dates.

3) A print summary of service months, railroad compensation, and Social 

Security wages, and print output of employee and spouses estimates as 

described in 1).

4) An employee estimate based on additional service months, railroad 

compensation, or Social Security wages entered by the employee.

5) If requested, a spouse annuity estimate based on the projected employee 

service and earnings.

6) An employee estimate as described above based on two additional annuity 

beginning dates selected by the employee.

7) If required, a spouse annuity estimate based on the additional employee 

annuity beginning dates.

405 Screen Description and Processing

Select Estimate My Annuity:

405.1 PIN/Password

At the PIN/Password (PPW) Acknowledgement screen, click OK to continue.

405.2 Retirement Planner Screen

At the Retirement Planner initial screen (see below), users will have the option 

to enter a corrected date of birth. 
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 2 of 7

Corrected DOB If the day of birth is not shown in the Railroad Retirement Board 

record, Retirement Planner will display the day date as “15.” The user may 

correct the DOB by entering MM DD YY in a drop down field. Note: The 

corrected DOB is used for the estimate calculation only; the user should contact 

their servicing Field Office to correct the year we have on record.

Spouse DOB – The user would enter the MM DD YY in a drop down field for a 

spouse estimate. 

Click Continue

~ Yer1ry Information - Microsoft: Internet bcplorer provided by U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 

File Edit View Favorites Tools Help 

<:co Back • ➔ • @ @:} fill I i;asearch !l)Favorites ~ Media ~ I ~ · ~ !iii • ~ 

Address Ill https://63.240.198.84/Mainline/RetPlanner /ConfirmB.asp 

Find Hice rT\. Home 

United States of America • Railroad Retirement Board 

Providing Secure Internet SeNices to the Railroad Community 

Retirement Planner 

Our records show the following information 

Social Security Number: 

Name: 

Date of Birth: 9/15/1951 

Corrected Date of Birth: Month I mm .:.J Day [dci.:J Year IY:,YJI .:.J 

.:.J ~ Go 

rT\.LogOUT 1tRB. 

About Us I Privacy I Security 

If date of birth is wrong , enter the correct date. The date of birth you enter will 

be used for this estimate calculation only; you should contact your servicing 

field office to correct the year of birth we have on record . 

Spouse's Date of Birth: Month [,o"".:J Day [,o.:.l Year ID!lil.:.J 

Complete if you want a spouse estimate. 

Select spouse year of birth (i.e. 1945) 

littbh,IHI Done II~ I• !ntemet 

..:.J 

~I <{-k-~--~~--2-,.-7-PM-
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 3 of 7

405.3 Earnings Information

The screen displays the annual and cumulative totals of service months, railroad 

compensation, and SSA wages according to RRB records. If military service has 

been included in the RRB record, the screen will display the beginning and 

ending date of the period of military service, and, if the period of military service 

is creditable as railroad service, the number of service months derived from 

military service.

The terms “military service months, service months, Railroad compensation, and 

SSA wages” are defined by clicking an informational link on the screen. The 

definitions, and a message urging the pre-submission of proofs of age and 

military service, will also be included with the print output of the screen.

At the bottom of the screen, users will have three options:

1). Print – Print output of the screen.

2). Estimate – An estimate based on current service, compensation, and 

wages on record will be provided. 

3). Earnings – Click to add additional service and earnings for future years 

for the estimate.

~ Retirement Planner - Earnings Information - Microsoft: Internet EHplorer provided by U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 

File Edit View Favorites Tools Help 

¢a Back • -+ • @ ~ ~ I iasearch @ Favorites ~ Media " I~ · ~ Iii! • ~ 

Address 111 https: //63. 240.1 98. 84/Mainline/RetPlanner/earnings .asp i] (i? Go Links» 

Find lllce Rl.Home Rl.Lo OUT 1tmi. 

Done 

Unled S1ates of America - Railroad Retirement Board 

Providing Secure Internet SeNices to the Railroad Community 

Employee Name 

Employee SSA Number 

Employee Date of Birth 

Retirement Planner 

911511951 

About Us I Privacy I Security 

SERVICE AND COMPENSATION HISTORY STATEMENT Click here to view an explanation of this statement. 

Service Railroad 

Ye ar Months Compensation 

1966 0 0.00 

1967 0 0.00 

1968 0 0.00 

1969 0 0.00 

1970 0 0.00 

1971 0 0.00 

1972 11 4,389.63 

1973 12 8,760.32 

SSA 

Wages 

336.41 

1,129.53 

970.88 

1,431 .82 

4,882.71 

3,330.12 

12.60 

0.00 ~ 

11 ~ I• Internet rl~7 ,-~~ ~~ - 2-,5-3 -PM-
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 4 of 7

405.4 Employee Estimate

Based on the employee’s Date of Birth and Years of Railroad Service, the 

eligibility date and estimated amount of a Reduced and Full Age and Service

annuity are shown (see below.) 

 

The user may click the informational links – Annuity Beginning Date, Net Tier 1, 

or Net Tier 2 – for a more detailed explanation of the estimate.

Options:

Print – The Print output of the employee estimate screen is identified by the 

employee’s name and SSN. If the estimate is also based on additional service 

months, Railroad Compensation, or SSA wages entered by the user, those 

amounts and the year they begin are displayed. The estimate output also 

includes a standard paragraph advising: 

“The estimated amounts of future dates are calculated without considering 

any increase due to inflation. The purpose of the estimate is to furnish a 

starting reference point for planning your retirement future. If you need 

information concerning disability or survivor benefits, please visit those 

areas of our website or contact your nearest RRB office for information 

concerning events that may affect the amount of employee and spouse 

annuities.” 

405.5 Spouse 

Click to view Spouse Estimate Screen. Note: This button only appears if a

spouse DOB was entered on the Initial Retirement Planner screen. 

!I Retirement Planner - Employee Estimate - Microsoft Internet EMplorer provided by U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 

File Edit View Favorites Tools Help 

Address J~ https: //63. 240. 198 .84/Mainline/RetPlanner /estimate .asp 

Employee Estimate Information 

Click on an y of t he links below for a more detailed explanation of this estimate . 

Annuity Beginning Date 10/1/2013 

Gross Tier 1 1,34 9 .00 

Age Reduction 

Net Tier 1 

Gross Tier2 

Age Reduction 

NetTier2 

Total Rate 

MMM 

Last Revised 

1 n.?4-?nn? 

E·I·l'HM j§fl,ti@ 

33 1.62 

1,017 .00 

300 .89 

58 .5 1 

24 2 .38 

1,259.38 

hiii,O,i•b 

Mainline Home I RRB Home I Privacy Policy I Site Map I Mission 

ThiR i~ i;,n nffir.ii;,11 I S GnvP.rnmP.nt VVP.h~itP. 

11 

!it!Start!IJ ~ ~ ESil IJ l!:Si!Inbo ... ! ~ Srn .. . ! l,il s u,v ... ! ~ RE, .. . I l,il RE, .. . I lfil(RE ... U@:lRet; ... 

_3 ~ Go 

9/1/2017 

1,349 .00 

000 

1,349 .00 

300 .89 

000 

300 .89 

1,649.89 

M#M 

l• I nternet 

..:J 

3 :01 PM 
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 5 of 7

Based on the spouse date of birth and the employee’s age, years of service, and 

previously furnished eligibility dates, the eligibility date and estimated amount of 

a reduced, and, if applicable, full spouse annuity is shown. 

User options on the spouse estimate screen include:

Print – Print output of the Spouse Estimate Screen. This is in the same format 

as described for the print output of the employee estimate.

Employee – Returns to the Employee Estimate Screen. 

Exit – Exits from the estimate program.

405.6 Earnings

If the user wants to add additional service or earnings for future years, click the 

Earnings button at the bottom of the Service and Compensation Statement. 

Enter the additional service months, Railroad Compensation, and Social Security 

Wages and then click Estimate. 

Enter Estimated Earnings Screen:

The information entered will be used for each year from the indicated year on 

the screen (see above) through the year before the annuity beginning date. The 

indicated year is the next year after the latest year, according to our records, that 

either Railroad Compensation or Social Security Wages were credited. For 

example, if the last year of service was 2002, the additional service and earnings 

would be from 2003. 

ii Additional Earmngs - M1crosort Internet b1plorer provided by U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 

File Edit View Favorites Tools Help 

Address 111 https://63.240. 198.84/Mainline/RetPlanner /AddEarnings.asp ..:J ~ Go 

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Providing Secure Internet SeNices to the Railroad Community 

Retirement Planner 

Additional Earnings for: 

Enter Estimated Earnings 

The information entered wil l be used for each year from the indicated year through the 

year before the annuity beginning date 

Year [2oo2 

Service Months f,23 

Regular Compensation '"1 □□ "'"I --

SSA Wages 

Enter the amount of Railroad Compensation 

1¥iMitti i;®I 

..:J Done ll["g l• !ntemet 

'"lci~l,-~~ ~~ B-,--3-,1-0-PM-
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 6 of 7

The entries by the user are service months, Railroad Compensation, and SSA 

Wages. The number of service months (1-12) are entered by a drop-down box. 

Click on the box next to Railroad Compensation and the box next to SSA Wages 

to enter the respective amounts. The amounts should not be entered with a 

dollar sign or comma. 

The additional information will be the same for each individual year. For 

example, if the number of service months and the amount of railroad 

compensation are, respectively, “12” and “50000”, then the estimate will be 

based on the additional service and compensation (12 SM and 50000 in 

compensation) for each year from 2002 through the year before the annuity 

beginning date.

405.7 Estimates

When clicking this button, the Additional Estimates Screen appears (see 

below.) 

The user may enter up to two additional Annuity Beginning Dates (ABD.) The 

dates must be later than the earliest ABD previously established by Retirement 

Planner. For example, the earliest ABD for an employee with less than 360 

service months and a DOB of 9/15/1951 is 10/1/2013. The screen would indicate 

that the dates must be later than 10/1/2013. 

The user may enter, via a drop-down box entry, the month and year of the two 

additional ABDs. The “Day” Date Field is pre-filled with 01.

1j Retirement Planner - Add1t1onal ABDs - Microsoft Internet EKplorer provided by U.S. Railroad Retirement Board 

File Edit View Favorites Tools Help 

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Providing Secure Internet Seri1ices to the Railroad Community 

Retirement Planner 

Additional Estimates for: 

About Us I Privacy I Security 

Enter up to two additional Annuity Beginning Dates 

The dates must be later than 10/112013. 

First ABO: 

Second ABO: 

Enter the year 

IRMUl,l'ti 

Mont h [io'"""::J 

Month [io'"""::J 

Day ro,-

Day ro,-

i;@M 

Ye a r i20143 

Ye a r lfillll!t:.J 

Mainline Home I RRB Home I Privacy Policy I Site Map I Mission 

@:fflM 
ISM Article 4

Article 4 Retirement Planner Revised Feb 18, 2014 Page 7 of 7

After the ABD entry, the user clicks the Continue button to view the Employee 

Estimate Screen with the new ABDs. If the user had previously entered 

additional service months, compensation, or wages, the estimate will be based 

on the additional information through the year before the additional ABDs. Since 

spouse estimates are derived from the employee service and compensation 

record and ABD, changes in the employee data will affect the amount and ABD 

of the spouse estimate. The spouse estimate may be viewed by clicking the 

Spouse button.

410 Field Office Responsibilities/Functions

Retirement Planner provides a starting point for Railroad employees to plan for 

their retirement. Users of Retirement Planner are therefore urged to contact their 

servicing Field Office for more information concerning retirement Please handle 

these program related inquiries in the usual manner. If inquiries from users of 

Retirement Planner cannot be resolved, report the problem to Policy and 

Systems via the P&S Inquiry Mailbox. Identify the inquiry with Retirement 

Planner as the subject of the e-mail.