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111.1 Definitions 

The term "Annuity Beginning Date" (ABD) means the date on which an employee, 

spouse, or divorced spouse applicant first becomes entitled to a retirement annuity or 

any portion thereof.

The term "Original Beginning Date" (OBD) means the date on which a survivor applicant 

first becomes entitled to a survivor annuity or any portion thereof.

A designated annuity beginning date (ABD) or designated original beginning date (OBD) 

instructs the RRB to begin the annuity on a date that is later than the earliest date 

permitted by law. 

111.2 General Rules - When an Annuity Can Begin

Annuities can begin when the annuitant satisfies the eligibility requirements, but not 

earlier than the conditions of retroactivity of the application will allow. Also remember 

that an annuity cannot begin to accrue if the applicant dies before the date on which he 

attains eligibility.

If an application is submitted without designation of ABD/OBD, the RRB will begin the 

annuity on the earliest date permitted by law, provided all eligibility and entitlement 

requirements have been met.

An annuity cannot begin on the 31st day of the month, unless the applicant designates 

that beginning date as explained in FOM-I-111.5. Even then, no annuity accrues or is 

payable for the thirty-first day of any month.

111.3 “First Full Month” Requirements

111.3.1 “First Full Month” Age Attainment for Reduced Age Retirement Annuities 

For 1974 RR Act employee and spouse reduced age 62 cases (employee had less than 

30 years of railroad service) that were paid partial or final before September 1, 1981, 

the age attainment rules for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 were the same. The ABD could be 

as early as the month “in which” the applicant attained age 62.

Effective for cases initially paid September 1, 1981, or later, for applications filed before 

9-1-1983, different rules applied for Tier 1 and Tier 2:

• The Tier 1 benefit could have begun as early as the “first full month” the applicant 

attained age 62; and,

• The Tier 2 benefit could have begun as early as the month “in which” the applicant 

attained age 62.
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The 1983 RR Act Conforming Amendments made the age attainment rules for both 

Tier 1 and Tier 2 the same effective with reduced age 62 retirement applications filed 9-

1-1983 or later. The annuity (Tier 1 and Tier 2) could begin as early as the “first full 

month” the applicant attained age 62.

111.3.2 Date Applicant Attains a Given Age

Remember that “the day an employee, spouse or survivor attains a given age” means 

the day before that person's actual date of birth. 

This can affect the “first full month” requirement and the “first day of month FRA 

attained” for retirement and survivor annuities. If the birthday is on the first or second 

day of the month, the birth month is the first full month the person attains age 60 or 62.

Furthermore, if the date of birth falls on the first of the month, the date of birth is 

deemed as being in the month prior, thus impacting the first day of month FRA attained.

Example 1 - An employee whose date of birth is 2-1-1943 attained age 62 on 1-31-

2005. February 2005 is the first full month the employee is age 62. 

Example 2 - An employee whose date of birth is 2-2-1943 attained age 62 on 2-1-2005. 

February 2005 is the first full month the employee is age 62.

Example 3 - An employee whose date of birth is 1-1-1955 attained FRA on 12-1-2020. 

Since the employee’s date of birth falls on the first of the month, we would deem the 

employee’s date of birth to be 12-31-1954. Hence, the employee would attain FRA, age 

66 in this case, on 12-1-2020. 

Refer to the FRA charts located in FOM1 Article 10 Appendix G, FOM1 320.6, and RCM 

1.1.1 C for additional information regarding attaining FRA. 

111.3.3 “First Full Month” Spouse had Employee’s Child-in-Care 

For 1974 RR Act spouse annuities based on having the employee’s child-in-care, that 

were paid partial or final before September 1, 1981, the rules for both Tier 1 and Tier 2 

were the same. The ABD could be as early as the month “in which” the spouse had the 

employee’s child-in-care.

Effective for cases initially paid September 1, 1981, or later, for applications filed before 

9-1-1983, different rules applied for Tier 1 and Tier 2:

• The Tier 1 benefit could have begun as early as the “first full month” the spouse 

had the employee’s child-in-care; and, 

• The Tier 2 benefit could have begun as early as the month “in which” the spouse 

had the employee’s child-in-care.

The 1983 RR Act Conforming Amendments made the effective date for both Tier 1 and 

Tier 2 the same effective with applications filed 9-1-1983 or later. The annuity (Tier 1 
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and Tier 2) could begin as early as the “first full month” the spouse had the employee’s 

child-in-care.

111.3.4 “First Full Month” 60/30 Age Attainment

A. Reduced Age 60/30 Employee or Spouse 6-1-1989 or Later

The changes described in this section are effective for reduced age 60/30 employee 

annuities and reduced age spouse annuities and are based on legal opinion L-89-28.

If the employee was paid a reduced age 60/30 annuity before 1-1-2002, the employee’s 

age requirement was age 60. If the employee’s date of birth (DOB) was 6-2-1929 or 

earlier, the age requirement was met in the month “in which” the employee attained 

age 60. If the employee’s DOB was 6-3-1929 or later, the employee must have met the 

age 60 requirement for a “full month”.

If the employee was paid a reduced age 60/30 annuity or the employee was a 60/30 

disability annuitant with an ABD 7-1-1984 or later, the spouse’s age requirement for a 

reduced-age 60/30 spouse annuity was age 60. If the spouse’s DOB was 6-2-1929 or 

earlier, the age requirement was met in the month “in which” the spouse attained age 

60. If the spouse’s DOB was 6-3-1929 or later, the spouse must have met the age 60 

requirement for a “full month.”

NOTE: The first full month rule does NOT apply to Supplemental Annuities. FOM 1 

315.6 specifically addresses the Supplemental Annuity Beginning Date and states the 

first of the month of attainment of age 60 (315.6.2 item 1) or age 65 (315.6.1 item 1) is 

when the Employee is eligible for a Supplemental Annuity.

B. Full Age 60/30 Spouse 11-1989 or later

The changes for spouse 60/30 annuities described in this section are based on legal 

opinion L-89-28 and the month in which the Bureau of Field Service advised the district 

offices of this procedure. 

If the employee was paid a full 60/30 age and service annuity or the employee was a 

60/30 disability annuitant with an ABD before 7-1-1984, the spouse age requirement for 

a full age 60/30 spouse annuity was age 60. If the spouse’s DOB was 11-2-1929 or 

earlier, the age requirement was met in the month “in which” the spouse attained age 

60. If the spouse’s DOB is 11-3-1929 or later, the spouse must have met the age 60 

requirement for a “full month.”

From July 1984 through December 2001, the employee age requirement for a full 60/30 

annuity was met in the month “in which” the employee attained age 62. Therefore, L-89-

28 did not affect those employees. 

Under the Railroad Retirement and Survivors Improvement Act of 2001 (RRSIA) 

effective January 1, 2002 or later, the age requirement for an employee or spouse full 

60/30 annuity is to have attained age 60 for a “full month.”
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111.4 Factors Applicant Should Consider When Designating ABD

The field office should advise applicants to designate an ABD/OBD if a later ABD/OBD 

is more advantageous. However, without the applicant's approval, the RRB has no 

authority to establish an ABD/OBD that is any later than the earliest date permitted by 

law. 

Before an applicant designates their ABD/OBD, discuss any or all of the following 

factors, plus any known local or ascertainable factors so that the applicant can make an 

informed choice of the most advantageous annuity beginning date. Do not choose the 

ABD for the applicant. Confine your role to that of a source of information. All factors 

pertaining to Retirement ABD and Survivor OBD is provided in FOM-1-111. 

111.4.1 Reduced Age Annuity Begins at End of Month

If the earliest ABD permitted by law for a reduced age annuity would fall on the 29th or 

30th of a month, advise the applicant that designating the first day of the next month as 

his ABD may be to his advantage. In retirement cases, if the applicant’s 62nd birthday 

is on or after the third day of the month, the annuity is usually not payable until the first 

day of the next month, anyway.

Changing the ABD will result in higher annuities payable, because the increase in the 

annuity rate with one less age reduction month will offset the annuity accrual that would 

otherwise be payable for one or two days. If the ABD would have been on the 30th, the 

difference will be recovered in 6 months; if the ABD would have been on the 29th, the 

difference will be recovered in 1 year.

The Operations examiner will automatically change the ABD for a reduced age annuity 

from the 29th or 30th to the first day of the next month. You should consider this when 

the application is filed in order to properly advise the applicant. Be sure to explain that if 

(s)he chooses the “earliest date permitted by law”, the ABD, in fact, will not be set to the 

29th or 30th, which would be the “earliest date permitted by law”, but to the first day of 

the following month. 

111.4.2 60/30 Eligibility Year for Employees Under Age 62

Under current procedure, the 60/30 employee under age 62 is deemed to be age 62 in 

the ABD year for purposes of determining the eligibility year for the PIA#1 computation. 

If a 60/30 employee under age 62 is considering retirement in either December or 

January, he will usually maximize his and his spouse's benefits if he designates an ABD 

in January. The later ABD will qualify the employee to be “deemed age 62” in the later 

eligibility year.

However, an exception applied in 1999 (before the Railroad Retirement and Survivors 

Improvement Act of 2001) when employees who had an ABD before age 62 were paid 

reduced age 60/30 annuities. The field offices considered the increase in Full 

Retirement Age in addition to the eligibility year. If the employee’s date last worked – 
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railroad was December 30, 1999, a designated ABD of December 31, 1999, was 

allowed to provide an ABD month of December 1999 and an age reduction factor of 

(.2000). However, these annuities did not begin to accrue until January 2000. If these 

employees had chosen an ABD of January 1, 2000, they would have qualified for the 

later eligibility year, but the increased age reduction factor would have been (.21667). 

111.4.3 ABD Month Work Deductions

When an applicant ends LPE employment in the month of eligibility, discuss the 

possibility of a designated ABD. By requesting an ABD following the date last worked, 

the applicant may avoid deductions for LPE and excess earnings. The disadvantage is 

that the annuity is payable for only part of the month.

Calculate alternative annuity accruals for the ABD month to see whether the earliest 

ABD or designated ABD produces the higher rate.

EXAMPLE: An employee ends LPE on 12/3/2005, expecting excess earnings for 

the year and the month of December. His gross tier I is $350.00. His tier 2 is 

$20.00. He is under age 70 and has a work deduction insured status.

With the earliest ABD of 12/1/05, tier I after excess earnings deductions is 

$210.00, and tier 2 after LPE work deductions is $10.00. The accrual for the 

month is $220.00.

With a designated ABD of 12/4/05, the employee is not subject to ABD month 

work deductions. The annuity rate of $370.00 is multiplied by 27/30, leaving an 

accrual for the month of $333.00. In this example, the designated ABD is more 

advantageous.

111.4.4 Disability Medicare

An earlier ABD for a disability annuitant may mean earlier entitlement to Medicare. A 

disability annuitant may be eligible for Medicare after being entitled to a disability 

annuity for 24 months, if all other requirements are met.

111.4.5 Pay For Time Lost

Payment for time lost (in a personal injury case against the railroad) allocated to a 

specific period will probably affect the ABD. If a settlement for injury is pending, advise 

the applicant to designate an ABD for the day after the last day of the pay for time lost.

111.4.6 Unemployment or Sickness Insurance Benefits

Conditions of eligibility for unemployment or sickness insurance benefits under the 

Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act (RUIA) are outlined in the FOM, Part II. If an 

applicant appears to be entitled to either of these benefits, he should consider whether 

he will receive larger benefits under the RUIA or the RRA. The employee should 

consider:
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1. Amount of benefits under each Act - The amount payable to the employee under 

the RUIA may be greater than the amount payable to the employee under the 

RRA. However, if the employee has a spouse who is eligible for a spouse's 

annuity, the amount payable to the employee and spouse under the RRA may be 

the greater amount.

2. The residual lump-sum - If the applicant's life expectancy has been materially 

shortened, the applicant may wish to claim benefits under the RUIA rather than 

under the RRA possibly to allow survivors to receive a larger residual lump-sum.

Note: If a surviving widow(er), child, or parent will be entitled to an annuity in the 

month of the employee's death, the residual will not be immediately payable.

3. Employer group health and accident policy - Several employers have group 

policies which are written by commercial insurance companies. An example is 

the sickness payments plan administered by the Provident Life and Accident 

Insurance Company. Generally, benefits from the policy must be repaid for any 

period in which a retirement annuity is paid. Also consider that payments made 

under the group policy may have already been adjusted for RUIA sickness 

insurance benefits.

111.4.7 Employer Benefits

The ABD may affect eligibility for employer pensions, group health and accident 

insurance, and long and short term disability plans. The employee should consider the 

requirements of various employer benefits in selecting an ABD.

A major consideration in selecting an ABD is eligibility for the United Health Care Early 

Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan. For an employee who retires as an age and 

service annuitant, a basic eligibility requirement for this plan is that the employee's 

railroad annuity filing date be on or after his 60th birthday.

A disability annuitant who retires before age 60 may be covered under this health care 

plan, if he meets the specific disability requirements of the plan. A 60/30 annuitant who 

has a disability freeze may qualify under the disability requirements of the plan. 

Applicants with questions about eligibility should contact either United Health Care or 

their union.

111.4.8 Tier 2 Cost of Living Increase

In order to qualify for the tier 2 cost-of-living (COL) increase in the ABD year, the ABD 

must be on or before December 1.

111.4.9 RRA Max Cases Before 1983

Before 1983, if an employee and spouse were entitled to an ABD in either 

May or June, it was generally advantageous to choose the earlier ABD. 

This tended to lessen the impact of the RRA maximum reduction because 
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it was considered before the June Tier 1 cost-of-living increase was 

added. 

Note - The Tier 1 COL was changed to December in 1983 and the RRA 

Maximum was removed from the RR Act effective January 2002. 

111.5 How Designation of ABD/OBD Can Be Made

111.5.1 Designation on Annuity Application

An applicant should select the ABD/OBD at the time an application is filed. The APPLE 

screen APMU250 (Beg Date, Filing Dts, Medicare) asks the applicant if they want the 

annuity to begin on the earliest date permitted by law. 

If that item is answered "Yes," the applicant is, in effect, asking the RRB to determine 

the ABD/OBD based on such factors as legislative restrictions, age, service, date last 

worked, duration of marriage, etc. 

If that item is answered "No," the applicant is asked to designate an ABD/OBD on that 

APPLE screen. If a designated ABD/OBD is earlier than the earliest date permitted by 

law, the annuity will not begin until the earliest permissible date.

111.5.2 Designated ABD/OBD is Indefinite or More Than 3 Months after Filing Date 

If the age and service applicant insists on requesting an ABD/OBD more than 3 months 

after the date the application is filed or requests an indefinite postponement of the 

ABD/OBD, Headquarters should deny the application. In the denial letter, inform the 

applicant that (s)he must file a new application no earlier than 3 months prior to when 

(s)he is ready to have the annuity begin.

111.5.3 Unintelligible Designation

If an ABD/OBD designation is unintelligible the RRB will start the annuity as of the 

earliest date permitted by law.

Some examples of unintelligible ABD/OBD designations are two or more contradictory 

beginning dates shown on the application or related papers or an ABD/OBD is illegible, 

or so altered that the exact date desired is doubtful.

111.6 Work Continued through the Designated ABD

111.6.1 Railroad Service

Retirement Annuities

When railroad service is continued through the designated ABD, the designated ABD 

cannot be used. The ABD cannot be earlier than the day following the last day of such 

service. If a vacation allowance is involved, see FOM-I-330.80. 
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Survivor Annuities

Entitlement to a survivor annuity is not contingent upon ceasing railroad service. An 

OBD may be in a period in which the applicant continues working for a railroad 

employer. However, no annuity is payable to a survivor for any month in which (s)he 

renders service for compensation as an employee of a railroad employer. 

EXAMPLE

A widow (DOB 01/18/1941) ceases railroad employment 7/2/2006 and files an 

AA-17 the next day. The earliest OBD permitted by law is 5/1/2006 (FRA), but 

the annuity is not payable until 8/1/2006 because she was still in railroad service 

in the months of May through July.

In reduced widow(er) annuity cases, the ARF rules that apply to months an annuity is 

withheld due to excess earnings also apply to months not payable due to railroad 

employment (see FOM1 1135.35).

Dual Annuities

An applicant eligible for both a retirement and a survivor annuity may decide to file for 

both at the same time. Because of the difference in beginning date rules, the survivor 

OBD may be before the retirement ABD, but the survivor annuity payable only after the 

retirement annuity has already begun.

EXAMPLE

The widow in the above survivor example also files for her retirement annuity the 

same day she files for her widow’s annuity. The retirement annuity is payable 

effective with her ABD of 7/3/2006, even though the survivor annuity is not 

payable until 8/1/2006.

An applicant should not be advised to designate as the OBD the month following the 

month (s)he ceases railroad employment solely for the reason that the survivor annuity 

is not payable from the earliest allowable OBD due to that railroad employment. The 

only exception is in WIMA cases if changing the OBD increases the WIMA amount 

payable.

111.6.2 Nonrailroad Work

Retirement Annuities

Effective 12-1-1988 or later, nonrailroad work has no effect on a designated ABD. 

However, in retirement cases, nonrailroad employment may be Last Pre-retirement 

Nonrailroad Employment (LPE) as explained in FOM1 330.5. 

Survivor Annuities
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Nonrailroad work, as such, has no effect on a designated OBD. However, work 

deductions will apply and annuity payments may be withheld if the applicant is under 

FRA and has excess earnings. For a full explanation of survivor work deductions, refer 

to FOM1 1135. 

In WIMA cases, if work deductions prevent payment of an annuity, it may be to the 

applicant’s advantage to delay the OBD until an annuity is actually payable by filing at a 

later date (or cancelling a filed application).

111.7 Changing a Designated ABD/OBD

111.7.1 Before Award

An applicant has the right to change a previously designated ABD/OBD if:

1. The change is not inconsistent with other provisions of the RR Act or RRB 

Regulations; and

2. The change is requested in writing signed by the applicant or his legal 

representative; and

3. Notice of the change is received on or before the date of the applicant's death.

111.7.2 After Award

If an award has been certified either partially or fully and a final determination of the 

ABD/OBD has been made, a change in the ABD/OBD is permitted only if it is to the 

annuitant's advantage to select a different ABD/OBD. See RCM 6.2.41. 

HISTORICAL NOTE: If a reduced age and service annuity or disability annuity 

with an ABD before 7-1-74 has been certified, an employee may neither cancel 

his application nor request an ABD of July 1, 1974 or later to qualify himself for 

an unreduced age and service annuity on the basis of having attained age 60 an 

completed 30 years of service, or to qualify his spouse for an annuity at age 60.

NOTE 1: Changes in the ABD resulting from the use of the SS Act application 

filing date should be handled according to RCM 5.1.4.

NOTE 2: When a change in ABD is at the request of the annuitant, due process 

procedures do not apply, even if an overpayment is created by the change. The 

same is true when an annuitant requests cancellation of the application after 

annuity payments have been made. See RCM 5.1.31. 

111.8 Designation of SUP ANN Begin Date

An employee applicant or annuitant can designate a later beginning date for a 

supplemental annuity than for a regular annuity even though a separate application is 

not required for a supplemental annuity. No specific item is provided for such a 
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designation on the APPLE screen APMU250 (Beg Date, Filing Dts, Medicare) itself. A 

signed statement can be used for this purpose. Notify RBD by email when requesting a 

designated SUP ANN begin date that is later than the ABD. 

111.10 Current Employee ABD Rules

111.10 1 Current Rules for All Employees Age and Service Applicants (After 

Railroad Retirement and Survivors Improvement Act - RRSIA)

To find the earliest possible age and service employee annuity ABD, locate the column 

describing the type of age and service annuity. Continue down the column, considering 

all of the eligibility factors shown. The ABD is the date which corresponds to the latest of 

the factors. 

Under Current Rules the Employee 

Age and Service ABD is the Latest of 

the Following:

Full 

Retirement 

Age 

(Less than 

30 Years 

Service)

Full Age 60 

With at Least 

30 Years 

Service)

Reduced 

Age 62 

With Less 

than 30

Years 

Service)

Based on 

60-119 

Months of 

Railroad 

Service

Section of RR Act

2(a)(1)(i) 2(a)(1)(ii) 2(a)(1)(iii)

2(a)(1)(i) or 

2(a)(1)(iii)

Earliest ABD (Legislation Date) Females 6-24-1937 1-1-2002 6-1-1959 1-1-2002

Earliest ABD (Legislation Date) Males 6-24-1937 1-1-2002 10-1-1961 1-1-2002

First Day of Month After Month 

Employee Meets the RR Service 

Requirement X X X X 

Day after DLW X X X X 

Day after DLW - Last Pre-Retirement 

Nonrailroad Employment (LPE) <12-1-1988 <12-1-1988 <12-1-1988 N/A

Designated ABD X X X X 

First Day of Month Application Filed

N/A N/A X* 

Reduced 

Age

2(a)(1)(iii) 

only*

First Day of Month 6 Months Prior to 

Employee Filing Date X X N/A

Full Age 

2(a)(1)(i) 

only

First Day of Month FRA Attained

X N/A N/A

Full Age 

2(a)(1)(i)

Only

First Day of First Full Month Age 62

N/A N/A X 

Reduced 

Age

2(a)(1)(iii)

only

First Day of First Full Month Age 60 N/A X N/A N/A

*See retroactivity rules in FOM-I-112.5.3.
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111.10.2 Current Rules for Employee Disability Applicants

To find the earliest possible disabled employee annuity ABD, locate the column 

describing the type of disability annuity. Continue down the column, considering all of 

the eligibility factors shown. The ABD is the date which corresponds to the latest of the

factors. 

Under Current Rules, the 

Employee Disability Annuity ABD 

is the Latest of the Following:

Occupational

Disability

Total and Permanent 

Based on at least 

120 months RR 

Service

Total and Permanent 

Based on 60-119 

Months

RR Service

Section of RR Act 2(a)(1)(iv) 2(a)(1)(v) 2(a)(1)(v)

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 1-1-1975 1-1-1975 1-1-2002

Designated ABD X X X 

First day of Month After Month 

Employee Meets the RR Service 

Requirement X X X 

Day after DLW for RR or Pay for 

Time Lost X X X 

Day after DLW for Last Preretirement Nonrailroad Employment 

(LPE) <12-1-1988 <12-1-1988 N/A

First Day of Month 12 Months Prior 

to Filing Date X X X 

First Day of Month Age 60 Attained 

If Less Than 20 Years of Service X N/A N/A* 

First Day of Sixth Month After RR 

Act Disability Onset Date (Disability 

Waiting Period) or First Day of 

Month Disabled Under RR Act If 

Previously Disabled and Re-entitled 

Within Prescribed Period.

 X X X 

*For total and permanent disability annuities where the annuitant has 60-119 total railroad service 

months, tier 2 is not payable until the annuitant attains age 62.

111.11 Current Spouse ABD Rules

An employee disability annuitant under Full Retirement Age must relinquish whatever 

rights (s)he may have to return to work for any RR before a spouse annuity may be 

paid. However, the date of the relinquishment of rights will not affect the retroactivity of 

the spouse ABD.
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111.11.1 Current Spouse 60/30 Applicants (After Railroad Retirement and 

Survivors Improvement Act - RRSIA)

To find the earliest possible spouse 60/30 annuity ABD, locate the column describing 

the type of spouse annuity. Continue down the column, considering all of the eligibility 

factors shown. The ABD is the date which corresponds to the latest of the factors

If the Employee has at Least 30 Years Service and an 

ABD effective 01-01-2002 or later, the Spouse ABD is the

Latest of the Following: 

Full Age

(60/30)

Based on 

Child-in-Care

Section of RR Act 2(c)(1) 2(c)(1)

Earliest ABD (Legislative date)

1/1/2002

1/1/2002

(Male Spouse 

Entitled to Tier 1 

Only)

Designated ABD X X 

Day after DLW for RR (or any Pay for Time Lost) X X 

Employee’s ABD X X

First Day of Month of First Anniversary of Marriage or First 

Day of Month In Which Marriage Occurred if the Spouse was 

Natural Parent of EE’s child or if Spouse Entitled to WIA or 

PIA in Month Before Marriage

X X 

First day of the Month in which Remarriage to the Employee 

Occurred, if Divorced and Previously Entitled as a Spouse X X 

The First Day of the Month in Which the Disabled Employee 

Annuitant Attains Age 60 X X 

First Day of the Month 6 Months Prior to Filing Date X X 

First Day of the First Full Month the Spouse Attains Age 60 X N/A

First Day of First Full Month Spouse has Child-in-Care N/A X 

First Day of Month in Which Spouse No Longer Entitled 

Based on Child-in-Care X N/A

NOTE: If the employee has 30 years of service, an ABD between 08-1984 and 12-

2001, and an age reduction, the spouse will also have an age reduction. See the chart 

in FOM1 320.12.1 for how to determine when to compute an age reduction for a spouse 

of a 60/30 annuitant. 

111.11.2 Current Spouse Annuities When the Employee Has Less Than 30 Years 

of Railroad Service (9-1-1983 or Later)

To find the earliest possible spouse annuity ABD, locate the column describing the type 

of spouse annuity. Continue down the column, considering all of the eligibility factors 

shown. The ABD is the date which corresponds to the latest of the factors:
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Based on Less Than 30 Years Service, the 

Spouse ABD is the Latest of the Following:

Full 

Retirement 

Age

Reduced 

Age

Based on 

Child-in-Care

Section of RR Act 2(c)(1) 2(c)(2) 2(c)1

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date)

for Living-With Female and Dependant Living-With 

Male

1/1/1975 1/1/1975 1/1/1975

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 

for Non-Dependant Living-With Male 3/1/1977 3/1/1977

5/1/1983-

(Male Spouse 

Entitled to 

Tier 1 Only)

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 

for Non-Living-With Spouse (Male or Female)

8/12/1983 8/12/1983 8/12/1983

(Male Spouse 

Entitled to 

Tier 1 Only)

Designated ABD X X X

Day After DLW for RR (or Pay For Time Lost) X X X

Day After DLW for LPE (Last Pre-Retirement 

Nonrailroad Employer) < 12-1-1988 < 12-1-1988 < 12-1-1988

Employee’s ABD X X X

First Day of Month of First Anniversary of Marriage 

or First Day of Month In Which Marriage Occurred if 

the Spouse was Natural Parent of EE’s child or if 

Spouse Entitled to WIA or PIA in Month Before 

Marriage

X X X

First day of the Month in which Remarriage to the 

Employee Occurred, if Divorced and Previously 

Entitled as a Spouse

X X X

The First Day of the Month in Which the Disabled 

Employee Annuitant Attains Age 62 X X X

First Day of the Month 6 Months Prior to Filing Date X N/A X

First Day of Month in Which Application Filed N/A X N/A

The First Day of the Month in Which the Spouse 

Attains Full Retirement Age X N/A N/A

First Day of First Full Month Spouse Attains Age 62 N/A X N/A

First Day of First Full Month Spouse has Child-InCare N/A N/A X

First Day of Month in Which Spouse No Longer 

Entitled Based on Child-In-Care X X N/A

111.12 Current Divorced Spouse ABD Rules

An employee disability annuitant under Full Retirement Age need not relinquish rights to 

railroad employment before a divorced spouse annuity may be paid.
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To find the earliest possible divorced spouse annuity ABD, locate the column describing 

the type of divorced spouse annuity. Continue down the column, considering all of the 

eligibility factors shown. The ABD is the date which corresponds to the latest of the 

factors: 

The Divorced Spouse ABD is the latest of the following:

(see note below for PL 109-280 cases)

Full 

Retirement 

Age

Reduced

Age 62

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 10-1-1981 10-1-1981

Designated ABD X X 

Day After DLW for RR (or Pay for Time Lost) X X

Day After DLW for LPE <12-1-1988 <12-1-1988

The First Day of the Month in Which the Decree of Absolute Divorce 

Becomes Final

X X

First Day of the Month in which any Marriage Subsequent to Marriage 

to the EE Ended, if that Marriage Precluded Entitlement X X 

Employee’s ABD X X 

First Full Month the Employee is Age 62, if the Employee has not 

been Granted a Disability Freeze X X 

First Day of Month in Which the Employee is Age 62, if the Employee 

has been Granted a Disability Freeze X X 

First Day of the Month 12 Months Prior to Filing Date if EE is a 

Disability Annuitant or a 60/30 with a Disability Freeze X N/A

The First Day of the Sixth Month Prior to the Month Application is 

Filed if EE is a Not a Disability Annuitant and is not a 60/30 with a 

Disability Freeze

X N/A

The First Day of the Month in Which the Application is Filed N/A X

The First Day of the Month in Which the Divorced Spouse Attains 

Full Retirement Age (FRA) X N/A

The First Day of the First Full Month the Divorced Spouse Attains 

Age 62 N/A X 

NOTE: PL 109-280, effective August 17, 2007, allows spouses who have been 

divorced for two full years to become entitled to a divorced spouse annuity even if the 

employee is not yet entitled. The following requirements must be met.

 The employee and the spouse must have been married for at least ten years.

 The employee and the divorced spouse must have been finally divorced for a full 

2 years.

 The divorced spouse must file an application.

 Both the employee and the divorced spouse must be 62 years of age for a full 

month.

 The employee must have sufficient months of service to be eligible for an 

annuity.
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In addition, the employee will not have to stop work in the railroad industry and will not 

have to relinquish rights in order for the divorced spouse to receive an annuity.

The earliest date of filing is May 2007, and the earliest ABD is August 17, 2007. After 

August 17, 2007, all ABDs for Independently Entitled Divorced Spouses will be the first 

day of the first full month all requirements for eligibility are met. 

Effective August 17, 2007, no divorced spouse will have the annuity suspended if the 

wage earner, whether entitled or not, is in compensated railroad service.

The Independently Entitled Divorced Spouse must stop compensated work in the 

railroad industry, relinquish rights, will have the tier 1 reduced for earnings over the 

yearly limit, be subject to PSP and SSA reductions, etc. Normal retroactivity rules will 

apply to these annuities, with the exception that no annuity may begin before August 17, 

2007.

111.20 Current Survivor OBD Rules (9-1-1983 or Later) 

To find the earliest possible survivor annuity OBD effective 9-1-1983 or later, locate the 

column describing the type of annuity. Continue down the column, considering all of the 

eligibility factors shown. The OBD is the date which corresponds to the latest of the 

factors. 

The Survivor OBD is the

Latest of the Following:

Full 

Retirement 

Age

Reduced 

Age 

Widow(er)

Based on 

Disability

Based on 

Child in 

Care

Minor 

Child, 

Disabled 

Child or 

Student

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date)

for Widow(er), Sole-Survivor 

Parent, Child or Student

1/1/1975 1/1/1975 1/1/1975 1/1/1975 1/1/1975

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date) 

For Remarried Widower and 

Surviving Divorced Spouse

10/1/1981* 10/1/1981* 10/1/1981* 10/1/1981* N/A

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date) 

For Parent (Tier 1 Only) with 

other Survivors 

1/1/1983 1/1/1983 N/A N/A N/A

Designated OBD X X X X X 

First Day of Month in Which 

Employee Died X X X X X

First day of the month in which 

any marriage subsequent to her 

(his) marriage to the EE ended, if 

that marriage precluded 

entitlement

X X X X N/A

First Day of the Month 12 Months 

Prior to Filing Date N/A N/A X N/A N/A

The first day of the sixth month 

after the month in which the RR N/A N/A X N/A N/A
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The Survivor OBD is the

Latest of the Following:

Full 

Retirement 

Age

Reduced 

Age 

Widow(er)

Based on 

Disability

Based on 

Child in 

Care

Minor 

Child, 

Disabled 

Child or 

Student

Act disability onset occurs unless 

a waiting period is not required.

First Day of the Month 6 Months 

Prior to Filing Date X 

If survivor 

is < =age 

62 and not 

a KW or 

RW

N/A X X 

First Day of Month in Which 

Application Filed N/A

If survivor 

> age 62

(age 60 if 

KW or RW)

and < 

FRA

N/A N/A N/A

The First Day of the Month in 

Which the Survivor Attains Full 

Retirement Age

X N/A N/A N/A N/A

First Day of Month in Which 

Widow(er) Attains Age 50 N/A N/A X N/A N/A

First Day of Month in Which 

Survivor Attains Age 60 N/A X N/A N/A N/A

First Day of First Full Month 

Survivor has Child-In-Care N/A N/A N/A X N/A

First Day of Month in Which 

Survivor No Longer Entitled 

Based on Child-In-Care

X X X N/A N/A

First Day of Month of FTA, if 

student over age 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A X 

*The legislative date is 1/1/1984 if the surviving divorced spouse married after age 60 or married after 

age 50 and was entitled to a disabled surviving divorced spouse's annuity before the marriage 

occurred.

111.30 60/30 ABD Rules Before 1-1-2002 for Employee

111.30.1 Employee 60/30 Age and Service Annuitants (7-1-1984 to 12-31-2001)

If the age and service 60/30 employees attained either age 60 or 30 years of railroad 

service after 6-30-1984, the employee’s ABD must have been at or after the month in 

which the employee attained age 62 to qualify the employee for a Full Age 60/30

annuity. The Railroad Retirement and Survivors Improvement Act of 2001(RRSIA) 

removed this requirement for employee’s with an ABD of 1-1-2002 or later.

To find the ABD, locate the column describing the 60/30 annuity. Continue down the 

column, considering all of the eligibility factors shown. The ABD was the date which 

corresponded to the latest of the factors. 
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If the 60/30 Employee ABD was 

7-1-1984 through 12-31-2001, that 

ABD was the Latest of the 

Following:

Full Age 60 

2(a)(1)(ii) When 

Age 60 and 30 

Years Attained 

Before 7/1/1984

Full Age 60 

2(a)(1)(ii) When 

Age 60 and 30 

Years Attained 

After 6/30/1984

Reduced Age 60 

2(a)(1)(ii) When 

Age 60 and 30 

Years Attained 

After 6/30/1984

Section of 1974 RR Act 2(a)(1)(ii) 2(a)(1)(ii)

and 3(a)(3)

2(a)(1)(ii)

and 3(a)(3)

Earliest ABD (Legislation Date) 1-1-1975 7-1-1984 7-1-1984

Day After Employee Meets the RR 

Service Requirement X X X 

Day after DLW - RR (or Pay for Time 

Lost) X X X 

Day after DLW - LPE (Last PreRetirement Nonrailroad Employment)<12-1-1988 <12-1-1988 <12-1-1988

Designated ABD X X X 

First Day of Month 6 Months Prior to 

Filing Date X X X 

First Day of Month in Which Age 60 

Attained X N/A If DOB < 6-3-1929*

First Day of First Full Month Age 60 N/A N/A If DOB > 6-2-1929*

First Day of Month in Which Age 62 

Attained N/A X N/A

*See First Full Month rules in FOM-I-111.3.4

111.30.2 Employee 60/30 Age and Service Annuitants (1-1-1975 to 6-30-1984)

If the age and service 60/30 employees attained both age 60 and 30 years of railroad 

service before 7-1-1984, the employee’s ABD for a Full Age 60/30 annuity could have 

been as early as age 60. 

To find the ABD, locate the column describing the 60/30 annuity. Continue down the 

column, considering all of the eligibility factors shown. The ABD was the date which 

corresponded to the latest of the factors. 

Based on at Least 30 Years Service, the Employee 

ABD Before 7-1-1984 was the Latest of the Following: Full Age 60/30 2(a)(1)(ii) 

Section of RR Act 2(a)(1)(ii)

Earliest ABD (Legislation Date) 1/1/1975

Day After Employee Meets the RR Service Requirement X 

Day after DLW - RR (or Pay for Time Lost) X 

Day after DLW – LPS (Last Person Service) X

Designated ABD X 

First Day of Month 12 Months Prior to Filing Date Tier 1 < 6/1/1982 and 

Tier 2 < 9-1-1983*
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Based on at Least 30 Years Service, the Employee 

ABD Before 7-1-1984 was the Latest of the Following: Full Age 60/30 2(a)(1)(ii) 

First Day of Month 6 Months Prior to Filing Date 9-1-1983 or later*

First Day of Month in Which Age 60 Attained X 

First Day of Month in Which Attained Age 60 X 

*See retroactivity rules in FOM-I-112.20.1

111.40 60/30 ABD Rules before 1-1-2002 for Spouse

111.40.1 Spouse of 60/30 Age and Service Employee Annuitant (7-1-1984 to 12-31-

2001) 

Before RRSIA, the age and service 60/30 employee’s ABD must have been at or after 

the month the employee attained age 62 to qualify the spouse for a full age 60/30 

spouse annuity. 

To find the ABD, locate the column describing the 60/30 annuity. Continue down the 

column, considering all of the eligibility factors shown. The ABD was the date which 

corresponded to the latest of the factors. 

ABD of Spouse of 60/30 A&S Annuitant

Before 1-1-2002 was the Latest of the 

Following:

Full Age 60/30 

Annuity 

Reduced Age

60/30 Annuity

Based on

Child-in-Care 

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 7/1/1984 7/1/1984 7/1/1984

Designated ABD X X X

Day After DLW for RR (or Pay For Time 

Lost)

X X X

Day After DLW for LPE (Last PreRetirement Nonrailroad Employment)<12-1-1988 <12-1-1988 <12-1-1988

Employee’s ABD X X X

First Day of Month of First Anniversary of 

Marriage or First Day of Month In Which 

Marriage Occurred if the Spouse was 

Natural Parent of EE’s Child or if Spouse 

Entitled to WIA or PIA in Month Before 

Marriage

X X X

First day of the Month in which 

Remarriage to the Employee Occurred, if 

Divorced and Previously Entitled as a 

Spouse

X X X

First Day of the Month 6 Months

Prior to Filing Date 

X If either age 

and service 

employee or 

spouse <= age 

62*

X
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First Day of Month Application Filed N/A If both age and 

service 

employee and 

spouse > age 

62*

N/A

First Day of Month Spouse Attained Age 

60

If spouse 

DOB < 11-3-1929**

If spouse 

DOB < 6-3-

1929**

N/A

First Day of First Full Month Spouse Age 

60

If spouse 

DOB > 11-2-1929**

If spouse 

DOB > 6-2-

1929**

N/A

First Day of First Full Month

Spouse Has Child-In-Care

N/A N/A X

First Day of Month in Which Spouse No 

Longer Has Child-in-Care

X X N/A

* See ABD rules before 1-1-2002 in FOM-I-111.40

**See rules for First Full Month 60/30 in FOM-I-111.3.4

111.40.2 Spouse of 60/30 Disability Annuitant (7-1-1984 to 12-31-2001) 

Before RRSIA, the 60/30 disability annuitant had to have an ABD before 7-1-1984 to 

qualify the spouse for a full age 60/30 annuity. Otherwise, the spouse had to have 

attained Full Retirement Age (FRA) to qualify for a full age 60/30 annuity.

To find the ABD, locate the column describing the 60/30 annuity. Continue down the 

column, considering all of the eligibility factors shown. The ABD was the date which 

corresponded to the latest of the factors.

ABD of Spouse of 60/30 Disability 

Annuitant Before 1-1-2002 was the 

Latest of the Following:

Full Age 60/30 Reduced Age 

60/30 Annuity

Based on 

Child-in-Care 

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 7/1/1984 7/1/1984 7/1/1984

Designated ABD X X X 

Day After DLW for RR (or Pay for 

Time Lost) X X X 

Day After DLW for LPE (Last PreRetirement Nonrailroad Employment) <12-1-1988 <12-1-1988 <12-1-1988

First Day of Month of First Anniversary 

of Marriage or First Day of Month In 

Which Marriage Occurred if the 

Spouse was Natural Parent of EE’s 

child or if Spouse Entitled to WIA or 

PIA in Month Before Marriage

X X X 

Employee’s ABD X X X 

The First Day of the Month in Which 

the Disabled Employee Annuitant 

Attains Age 60

X X X 

First Day of the Month 6 Months Prior 

to Filing Date X If spouse <= age 62 X 
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ABD of Spouse of 60/30 Disability 

Annuitant Before 1-1-2002 was the 

Latest of the Following:

Full Age 60/30 Reduced Age 

60/30 Annuity

Based on 

Child-in-Care 

First Day of Month Application Filed N/A If spouse > age 62 

and spouse is < FRA N/A

First Day of Month FRA Attained X N/A N/A

First Day of Month Age 60 Attained N/A If DOB < 6-3-1929* N/A

First Day of First Full Month Age 60 N/A If DOB > 6-2-1929* N/A

First Day of First Full Month Spouse 

Has Child-In-Care N/A N/A X 

First Day of Month in Which Spouse 

No Longer Has Child-in-Care X X N/A

*See rules for First Full Month 60/30 in FOM-I-111.3.4

111.40.3 Spouse of 60/30 Age and Service Annuitant or 60/30 Disability Annuitant 

(9-1-1983 to 6-30-1984)

To find the ABD, locate the column describing the 60/30 annuity. Continue down the 

column, considering all of the eligibility factors shown. The ABD was the date which 

corresponded to the latest of the factors. 

ABD for Spouse of 60/30 Employee 

Before 7-1-1984 was the Latest of the Following:

Full Age 60/30 

Annuity 

Based on

Child-in-Care 

Section of 1974 RR Act 2(c)(1) 2(c)(1)

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 1/1/1975 1/1/1975

Designated ABD X X

Day After DLW for RR (or Pay For Time Lost) X X

Day After DLW for LPS (Last Person Service) X X

First Day of Month of First Anniversary of Marriage or First 

Day of Month In Which Marriage Occurred if the Spouse 

was Natural Parent of EE’s child or if Spouse Entitled to 

WIA or PIA in Month Before Marriage

X X

Employee’s ABD X X

The First Day of the Month in Which the Disabled Employee 

Annuitant Attained Age 60

X X

First Day of the Month 6 Months Prior to Filing Date X X

First Day of Month Spouse Attained Age 60 X N/A

First Day of First Full Month Spouse Has Child-In-Care N/A X

First Day of Month in Which Spouse No Longer Entitled 

Based on Child-In-Care

X N/A

111.40.4 Spouse of 60/30 Age and Service Annuitant or 60/30 Disability Annuitant 

1-1-1975 through 8-31-1983 

To find the earliest possible spouse 60/30 annuity ABD, locate the column describing 

the type of spouse annuity. Continue down the column, considering all of the eligibility 

factors shown. The ABD is the date which corresponds to the latest of the factors
FOM1 111

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ABD for Spouse of 60/30 Employee 

Before 9-1-1983 was the Latest of the Following: Full Age (60/30) Based on Child-inCare

Section of RR Act 2(c)(1) 2(c)(1)

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date)

for Living-With Female 1/1/1975 1/1/1975

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date)

for Dependant Living-With Male 1/1/1975

5/1/1983-

(Male Spouse 

Entitled to 

Tier 1 Only)

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 

for Non-Dependant Living-With Male 3/1/1977

5/1/1983-

(Male Spouse 

Entitled to 

Tier 1 Only)

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 

for Non-Living-With Spouse (Male or Female) 8/12/1983

8/12/1983

(Male Spouse 

Entitled to 

Tier 1 Only)

Designated ABD X X 

Day after DLW for RR (or any Pay for Time Lost) X X 

Day After DLW for LPS (Last Person Service) X X 

First Day of Month of First Anniversary of Marriage or 

First Day of Month In Which Marriage Occurred if the 

Spouse was Natural Parent of EE’s child or if Spouse 

Entitled to WIA or PIA in Month Before Marriage

 X X 

Employee’s ABD X X 

The First Day of the Month in Which the Disabled 

Employee Annuitant Attained Age 60 X X 

First Day of the Month 12 Months Prior to Filing Date

Tier 1<6/1/1982 

and Tier 2<9-1-

1983*

Tier 1<6/1/1982 and 

Tier 2<9-1-1983*

First Day of the Month 6 Months Prior to Filing Date

Tier 1>=6/1/1982 

and Tier 2>=9-1-

1983*

Tier 1>=6/1/1982 

and Tier 2>=9-1-

1983*

First Day of the Month in Which the Spouse Attained 

Age 60 X N/A

First Day of Month in Which Spouse had Child-In-Care N/A Tier 1<9/1/1981 and 

Tier 2<9-1-1983**

First Day of First Full Month Spouse had Child-In-Care N/A

Tier 1>=9/1/1981 

and Tier 2>=9-1-

1983**

First Day of Month in Which Spouse No Longer 

Entitled Based on Child-In-Care

X N/A

* See retroactivity rules in FOM-I-112.20.1

**See First Full Month rules FOM-I-111.3 
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111.50 1974 RR Act ABD Rules Before 9-1-1983 for Employee and 

Spouse Based on Less Than 30 Years Service

111.50.1 Employee Age and Service Annuity Less Than 30 Years Service

To find the ABD, locate the column describing the employee annuity. Continue down the 

column, considering all of the eligibility factors shown. The ABD was the date which 

corresponded to the latest of the factors. 

Based on Less than 30 Years Service, the Employee 

ABD Before 9-1-1983 was the Latest of the 

Following:

Full Age 65 Reduced 

Age 62

Section of RR Act 2(a)(1(i)) 2(a)(1)(iii)

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 1/1/1975 1/1/1975

Designated ABD X X 

Day After Employee Meets the RR Service Requirement X X

Day After DLW for RR (or Pay For Time Lost) X X 

Day After DLW for LPS (Last Person Service) X X 

First Day of the Month 12 Months Prior to Filing Date

Tier 1 < 6/1/1982 

and 

Tier 2 < 9-1-1983*

Tier 1 < 6/1/1982 

and 

Tier 2 < 9-1-1983*

First Day of the Month 6 Months Prior to Filing Date

Tier 1 >= 6/1/1982 

and 

Tier 2 >= 9-1-

1983*

Tier 1 >= 6/1/1982 

and 

Tier 2 >= 9-1-1983 

only when spouse/

divorced spouse 

annuity could 

retroact for same 6 

month period*

First Day of Month in Which Application Filed N/A

Tier 1 >= 6/1/1982 

and 

Tier 2 >= 9-1-1983 

when no 

spouse/divorced 

spouse annuity could 

retroact for 6 month 

period*

First Day of the Month in Which Attained Age 65 X N/A

First Day of the Month In Which Attained Age 62 N/A

Tier 1 < 9/1/1981 

and 

Tier 2 < 9-1-1983**

First Full Month Attained Age 62 N/A Tier 1 >= 9/1/1981 

and 
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Based on Less than 30 Years Service, the Employee 

ABD Before 9-1-1983 was the Latest of the 

Following:

Full Age 65 Reduced 

Age 62

Tier 2 >= 9-1-1983**

*See retroactivity rules in FOM-I-112.20.1

** See First Full Month rules in FOM-I-111.3

111.50.2 Spouse of Age and Service Annuitant or Disability Annuitant Who Had 

Less Than 30 Years Service

To find the earliest possible spouse annuity ABD, locate the column describing the type 

of spouse annuity. Continue down the column, considering all of the eligibility factors 

shown. The ABD is the date which corresponds to the latest of the factors. 

Based on Less than 30 Years 

Service, Spouse ABD Before 9-1-

1983 was the Latest of the Following:

Full 

Age 65

Reduced Age

62

Based on Child 

in Care

Section of RR Act 2(c)(1) 2(c)(2) 2(c)(1) 

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date)

for Living-With Female 1/1/1975 1/1/1975 1/1/1975

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date)

for Dependant Living-With Male 1/1/1975 1/1/1975

5/1/1983-

(Male Spouse 

Entitled to 

Tier 1 Only)

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 

for Non-Dependant Living-With Male 3/1/1977 3/1/1977

5/1/1983-

(Male Spouse 

Entitled to 

Tier 1 Only)

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 

for Non-Living-With Spouse (Male or 

Female)

8/12/1983 8/12/1983

8/12/1983

(Male Spouse 

Entitled to 

Tier 1 Only)

Designated ABD X X X 

Day After DLW for RR (or Pay For Time 

Lost) X X X 

Day After DLW for LPS (Last Person 

Service) X X X 

First Day of Month of First Anniversary of 

Marriage or First Day of Month In Which 

Marriage Occurred if the Spouse was 

Natural Parent of EE’s child or if Spouse 

Entitled to WIA or PIA in Month Before 

Marriage

 X X X 

Employee’s ABD X X X 

The First Day of the Month in Which the

Disabled Employee Annuitant Attained Age 

62

X X X 
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Based on Less than 30 Years 

Service, Spouse ABD Before 9-1-

1983 was the Latest of the Following:

Full 

Age 65

Reduced Age

62

Based on Child 

in Care

First Day of the Month 12 Months Prior to 

Filing Date

Tier 1<6/1/1982 

and 

Tier 2<9-1-1983*

Tier 1<6/1/1982 

and 

Tier 2<9-1-1983*

Tier 1<6/1/1982 and 

Tier 2<9-1-1983*

First Day of the Month 6 Months Prior to 

Filing Date

Tier 1>=6/1/1982 

and 

Tier 2>=9-1-1983*

N/A Tier 1>=6/1/1982 and 

Tier 2>=9-1-1983*

First Day of Month in Which Application 

Filed

N/A Tier 1>=6/1/1982 

and 

Tier 2>=9-1-1983*

N/A

The First Day of the Month in Which Spouse 

Attains Age 65 X N/A N/A

First Day of Month In Which Spouse 

Attained Age 62 N/A

Tier 1>=9/1/1981 

and 

Tier 2>=9-1-1983**

N/A

First Day of First Full Month Spouse 

Attained Age 62 N/A

Tier 1>=9/1/1981 

and 

Tier 2>=9-1-1983**

N/A

First Day of Month in Which Spouse had 

Child-In-Care N/A N/A Tier 1>=9/1/1981 and 

Tier 2>=9-1-1983** 

First Day of First Full Month Spouse had 

Child-In-Care N/A N/A Tier 1>=9/1/1981 and 

Tier 2>=9-1-1983** 

First Day of Month in Which Spouse No 

Longer Entitled Based on Child-in-Care X X N/A

*See retroactivity rules in FOM-I-112.20.1

** See First Full Month rules in FOM-I-111.3

111.51 1974 RR Act OBD Rules Before 9-1-1983 for Survivor Annuity

To find the earliest possible survivor annuity OBD before 9-1-1983, locate the column 

describing the type of annuity. Continue down the column, considering all of the 

eligibility factors shown. The OBD is the date which corresponds to the latest of the 

factors. 

Before 9-1-1983, the Survivor 

OBD was the Latest of the 

Following:

Full 

Age

Reduced 

Age 62

Based on 

Disability

Based on 

Child in 

Care

Child or 

Student

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date) for 

Widow(er), Parent, Child or Student 1/1/1975 1/1/1975 1/1/1975 1/1/1975 1/1/1975

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date)

For Remarried Widower and 

Surviving Divorced Spouse 

10/1/1981 10/1/1981 10/1/1981 10/1/1981 N/A

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date)

For Dependent Grandchildren, N/A N/A N/A 1/1/1975 1/1/1975

Designated OBD X X X X X 

Day After DLW for RR (or Pay For 

Time Lost) X X X X X 

Employee’s DOD X X X X X 
FOM1 111

FOM1 111 Retirement ABD and Survivor OBD Revised October 19, 2020 Page 25 of 29

Before 9-1-1983, the Survivor 

OBD was the Latest of the 

Following:

Full 

Age

Reduced 

Age 62

Based on 

Disability

Based on 

Child in 

Care

Child or 

Student

12 Months (to the Day) Prior to 

Application Filing Date if the 

Application was Filed on or after 

9-1-1954

 X X X X X 

The First Day of the Month in Which 

the Widow(er) Attained Age 65 X N/A N/A N/A N/A

The First Day of the Month in Which 

the Parent Attained Age 60 X N/A N/A N/A N/A

The First Day of the Month in Which

Widow(er) Attained Age 62 N/A X N/A N/A N/A

The First Day of the Month in Which

Widow(er) Attained Age 50 N/A N/A X N/A N/A

The First Day of the Month in Which 

Widow(er) had Child-In-Care N/A N/A N/A X N/A

The First Day of the Month in Which 

the Widow(er) No Longer Entitled 

Based on Child-in-Care

X X X N/A N/A

First Day of Month of FTA, if over 

age 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A X 

111.60 1937 RR Act ABD/OBD Rules

111.60.1 Employee Age and Service 1937 RR Act Annuities

To find the earliest possible 1937 RR Act employee annuity ABD, locate the column 

describing the type of employee annuity. Continue down the column, considering all of

the eligibility factors shown. The ABD was the date which corresponded to the latest of 

the factors.

Under the 1937 RR Act, the Employee 

Age and Service ABD was 

the Latest of the Following:

Full Age

65

Full Age

60

Reduced 

Age 60

30 or 

More 

Years 

Service

Reduced 

Age 62

Less 

than 30 

Years 

Service

Section of 1937 RR Act 2(a)(1) 2(a)(2) 2(a)(3) 2(a)(3) 

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) - Male 6/24/1937 7/1/1974 6/24/1937 10-1-1961

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) – Female 6/24/1937 1/1/1947 6/24/1937 6-1-1959

Designated ABD X X X X 

Day After Employee Meets the RR Service 

Requirement X X X X 

Day After DLW for RR (or Pay For Time Lost) X X X X 

Day After DLW for LPS (Last Person Service) X X X X 
FOM1 111

FOM1 111 Retirement ABD and Survivor OBD Revised October 19, 2020 Page 26 of 29

Under the 1937 RR Act, the Employee 

Age and Service ABD was 

the Latest of the Following:

Full Age

65

Full Age

60

Reduced 

Age 60

30 or 

More 

Years 

Service

Reduced 

Age 62

Less 

than 30 

Years 

Service

12 Months (to the Day) Prior to Filing Date if the 

Application was Filed on or after 9-1-1954 X X X X 

The First Day of the Month Attained Age 65 X N/A N/A N/A

Day Attained Age 62 N/A N/A N/A X 

Day Attained Age 60 N/A X X N/A

111.60.2 Employee Disability 1937 RR Act Annuities

Under Current Rules, the Employee Disability Annuity 

ABD is the Latest of the Following:

Occupational

Disability

Total and 

Permanent 

Based on at least 

120 months RR 

Service

Section of RR Act 2(a)(4) 2(a)(5)

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) 1-1-1947 6-24-1937

Designated ABD X X 

First Day of Month After Month Employee Meets the RR 

Service Requirement

X X

Day after DLW for RR or Pay for Time Lost X X 

Day after DLW for Last Person Service (LPS) X X

First Day of Month 12 Months Prior to Filing Date X X

First Day of Month Age 60 Attained If Less Than 20 Years 

of Service

X N/A

111.60.3 Spouse 1937 RR Act Annuities

To find the earliest possible 1937 RR Act spouse annuity ABD, locate the column 

describing the type of spouse annuity. Continue down the column, considering all of the 

eligibility factors shown. The ABD was the date which corresponded to the latest of the 

factors. Note that the 1937 RR Act did not provide for a spouse annuity at age 60.
FOM1 111

FOM1 111 Retirement ABD and Survivor OBD Revised October 19, 2020 Page 27 of 29

Under the 1937 RR Act, the Spouse ABD 

was the Latest of the Following:

Full 

Age 65

Reduced 

Age 62

Based on Child in 

Care

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date) for Living-With 

Female 11/1/1951 6/1/1959

11/1/1951 when Child 

Qualified for CIA

11/1/1966 when Child Did 

Not Qualify for CIA

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date)

for Dependant Living-With Male 11/1/1951 8/1/1959 N/A

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date)

for Dependant Stepchild N/A N/A 2/1/1968

Earliest ABD (Legislative Date)

for Dependant Grandchild or Child disabled 

Before Age 22 

N/A N/A 1/1/1973

Designated ABD X X X 

Day After DLW for RR (or Pay For Time Lost) X X X 

Day After DLW for LPS (Last Person Service) X X X 

First Anniversary of Marriage or Day of 

Marriage if the Spouse was Natural Parent of 

EE’s Child or if Spouse Entitled to WIA or PIA 

in Month Before Marriage

 X X X 

Employee’s ABD X X X 

Day the Employee Annuitant Attained Age 65 X X X 

12 Months (to the Day) Prior to Application 

Filing Date if the Application was Filed on or 

after 9-1-1954

 X X X 

The First Day of the Month in Which the 

Spouse Attained Age 65 X N/A N/A

Day Spouse Attained Age 62 N/A X N/A

Day Spouse had Child-In-Care N/A N/A X 

111.60.4 Survivor 1937 RR Act Annuities

To find the earliest possible 1937 survivor annuity OBD, locate the column describing 

the type of annuity. Continue down the column, considering all of the eligibility factors 

shown. The OBD is the date which corresponds to the latest of the factors. 

Under the 1937 RR Act, the 

Survivor OBD was the Latest of 

the Following:

Full 

Age

Reduced 

Age 60

Based on 

Disability

Based on 

Child in 

Care

Child or 

Student

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date) for 

Widow(er) or Child Under Age 18 1/1/1947 1/1/1947 2/1/1968 

for Widows

1/1/1947 for 

Widow 1/1/1947
FOM1 111

FOM1 111 Retirement ABD and Survivor OBD Revised October 19, 2020 Page 28 of 29

Under the 1937 RR Act, the 

Survivor OBD was the Latest of 

the Following:

Full

Age

Reduced 

Age 60

Based on 

Disability

Based on 

Child in 

Care

Child or 

Student

3/1/1977 

for Nondependent 

Widowers

11/1/1966 for 

Widower

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date) SoleSurviving Dependent Parent 1/1/1947 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date)

for Disabled Child If Disabled 

Before Attaining Age 18

N/A N/A N/A 9/1/1954 9/1/1954

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date)

for Child Adopted Within 2 Years 

of Employee's Death 

N/A N/A N/A 9/1/1958 9/1/1958

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date)

for Child Adopted (More than 2 

Years) After Employee's Death or 

Dependant Stepchild

N/A N/A N/A 2/1/1968 2/1/1968

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date)

for Dependant Grandchild or 

Child Disabled Before Attaining 

Age 22

N/A N/A N/A 1/1/1973 1/1/1973

Earliest OBD (Legislative Date)

for Student Under Age 22 N/A N/A N/A N/A 1/1/1973

Designated OBD X X X X X

Day After DLW for RR (or Pay 

For Time Lost) X X X X X

Employee’s DOD X X X X X

12 Months (to the Day) Prior to 

Application Filing Date if the 

Application was Filed on or after 

9-1-1954

X X X X X

The First Day of the Month in 

Which the Widow(er) or Parent 

Attained Age 65

X N/A N/A N/A N/A

Day Widow(er) Attained Age 60 N/A X N/A N/A N/A

Day Widow(er) Attained Age 50 N/A N/A X N/A N/A

Day Parent Attained Age 60

9/1/1954 or later (age 65 before 

9/1/1954)

X N/A N/A N/A N/A

Day Widow(er) had Child-In-Care N/A N/A N/A X X

Day Widow(er) No Longer 

Entitled Based on Child-In-Care X X X N/A N/A

First Day of Month of FTA, if over 

age 18 N/A N/A N/A N/A X