Railroad retirement annuitants, and individuals planning retirement, should be aware of the railroad retirement laws and rules pertaining to annuity payments for those who choose to work after retirement. These laws and rules apply to age and service and disability annuity payments.
For those under full retirement age throughout the year, the earnings deduction is $1 for every $2 earned over the exempt amount. The exempt earnings amount rose from $23,400 in 2025 to $24,480 in 2026.
For those attaining full retirement age in 2026, the deduction is $1 for every $3 of earnings over the exempt amount in the months before the month in which full retirement age is attained. Annuitants attaining full retirement age in 2026 will see the exempt earnings amount increase from $62,160 in 2025 to $65,160 in 2026 for the months before the month full retirement age is attained.
The RRB has prepared an extensive list of questions and answers to describe railroad retirement work restrictions and earnings limitations on post-retirement employment. Please visit the RRB website to read the full Q&A. More information is also available on the RRB’s FAQ page under “Earnings & Working After Retirement,” or by calling RRB at (877) 772-5772.