The Board accepts annuity applications up to three months in advance of an annuity beginning date, which allows the Board to complete the processing of most new claims by a person's retirement date. However, applications for employee disability annuities cannot be filed until an employee is no longer in compensated railroad service. Compensated service includes the receipt of pay for time lost, some wage continuation payments, or any other employer compensation precluding the payment of railroad retirement benefits. To expedite the filing process, applicants should contact the Board to schedule time for a pre-retirement consultation and also to confirm their eligibility and be advised as to the required documents. The consultation can be conducted in person, or by telephone, with a Board representative who will provide an annuity estimate, explain a retiree's benefit rights and responsibilities, and answer related questions.
All applicants have to furnish proof of their age.
All applicants should be prepared to furnish the notice of any social security benefit award or other social security claim determination. An employee may be required to submit information regarding any other Federal, State or local government pension for which he or she also qualifies, as well as certain other payments not covered by railroad retirement or social security, such as from a non-profit organization or from a foreign government or a foreign employer. An employee or survivor filing for a disability annuity is required to submit supporting medical information from his or her treating physician, as well as any reports or records from recent hospitalizations. He or she may also be asked to go for one or more specialized medical examinations. If an employee disability applicant is receiving workers' compensation or public disability benefits, notice of the amount and beginning date of such payments must be submitted.