Prepared by Public Affairs 312-751-4777
The U.S. Railroad Retirement Board announced that railroad
employees can now get estimates of their future annuities over the Internet.
Employees can access this new service, called "Retirement
Planner," by visiting the Board's Web site at www.rrb.gov and clicking on "MainLine
Services" for directions on establishing an RRB Internet Service account. Once
employees establish their online accounts, they will be able to get annuity
estimates for themselves and their spouses, as well as conduct other business
with the Board, over the Internet. However, to ensure security, employees must
first go online to get a Password Request Code, which they will receive by mail
in about 7 to 10 days. Employees are encouraged to establish online accounts so
the account is ready whenever they need to use this or other Internet services.
Employees who have already established online accounts do not need to do so
again.
The Retirement Planner will provide employee and spouse
estimates for employees who have not yet retired under the Railroad Retirement
Act. The estimates will be based on the service and earnings records maintained
by the Board and will show the earliest date the employee can receive a full
annuity and, if applicable, the earliest date he or she can receive a reduced
annuity. Only railroad employees are allowed to access Retirement Planner; but
employees can also use the Retirement Planner to get annuity estimates for their
spouses. In addition, employees can view and print a summary of their current
record of railroad retirement service months, compensation, and social security
wages. By adding service months, compensation, and wages in future years, they
can also obtain an estimate based on projected earnings.
The new service is part of the Board's plan to implement
comprehensive Internet services that will expand access to information and allow
the railroad public to conduct its business with the agency online. For those
who choose not to conduct business over the Internet, the Board's field offices
are available to answer in-person, telephone, and written inquiries.
Most Board offices are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30
p.m., Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays. Addresses and phone
numbers for all Board offices are available by calling the toll-free RRB Help
Line at 1-800-808-0772. The RRB Help Line is an automated telephone service
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Board office locations and phone
numbers can also be found on the Board's Web site.
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