Explore the maximum Railroad Retirement benefit rates for Railroad Retirement and Social Security Acts in 2024 (as well as December 2023).
Maximum Railroad Retirement Benefit – Monthly
First quarter of 2024 akin to EOT on the rear and blinking. Let’s “trainset” into the maximum benefit rates for both Railroad Retirement and Social Security :
Maximum Railroad Retirement Benefit :
Employee alone maximum Railroad Retirement benefit for December 2023 is $6,464, increasing to $6,812 in Dec 2024.
Employees and spouses, maximum Railroad Retirement benefit for December 2023 is $9,537, increasing to $10,052 in Dec 2024.
Survivor benefits for families maximum Railroad Retirement benefit starting at $10,033, with incremental increases to $10,588.
Survivor maximum Railroad Retirement benefit for Widows(er) alone is $6,050 at 65. And $5,125 at 60 as of December 2023. Increasing to $6,339 and $5,404 respectively in December 2024.
Average Tier 2 monthly compensation based on the highest 60 months of earnings was $8,887 in 2023 and $9,323 for December 2024.
Maximum Social Security Benefit – Monthly
Maximum Social Security Benefit :
The maximum social security for employee alone in December 2023 is $3,279, with consistent rates increases to $3,426 in Dec 2024.
Employees and spouses, maximum Social Security benefit for December 2023 is $4,867, increasing to $5,079 in Dec 2024.
Survivor benefits for families maximum Social Security benefit starting at $6,482, with incremental increases to $6,863.
Survivor maximum Social Security benefit for Widows(er) alone is $3,482 at 65. And $2,648 at 60 as of December 2023. Increasing to $3,662 and $2,803 respectively in December 2024.
Side by Side Comparison of maximum Railroad Retirement benefit (March 2024):
| Program and Benefit March 2024 | Maximum Railroad Retirement benefit | Maximum Social Security benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Benefits | ||
| Employee alone | $6,663 | $3,426 |
| Employee and spouse | $9,837 | $5,079 |
| Survivor Benefits | ||
| Family | $10,395 | $6,863 |
| Widow(er) alone at 65 | $6,200 | $3,662 |
| Widow(er) alone at 60 | $5,286 | $2,803 |
| Railroad Retirement Tier 2 | ||
| Average Monthly Compensation | $8,993 | N/A |
Therefore, comparing your railroad retirement benefits to social security, and not including Tier 2 benefits Railroad Retirement is still out pacing Social Security in maximum retirement benefit.
Assumptions used in determining the maximum Railroad Retirement benefit
Benefits under the Railroad Retirement and Social Security Acts are contingent upon an employee’s career trajectory, starting from the age of 22 and extending to retirement or death at age 65. While Social Security benefits are subject to early retirement reduction factors based on the year of birth, Railroad Retirement benefits remain unaffected after 30 years of service.
Notably, those retiring later or beginning work earlier may qualify for higher benefits than indicated. Employees are assumed to retire the month before receiving their first payment. For calculations in 2024, the employee’s birth year is assumed to be 1959, with a full retirement age of 66 years and 10 months under Social Security regulations.
Maximum benefits are based on the highest creditable earnings, including the year of death, ensuring beneficiaries receive the full extent of their entitlement. Social Security benefit computations exclude earnings from the retirement year, potentially leading to increased benefits through recomputation rules in subsequent years.
This mechanism accounts for changes in earnings and their impact on retirement benefits over time.
Additionally, the Railroad Retirement Act offers an average Tier 2 monthly compensation based on the highest 60 months of earnings, starting at $8,887 and rising to $9,323.
Conclusion
It’s essential to note that these figures provide a snapshot, and actual benefits may vary based on individual circumstances and retirement plans. Plan your retirement with clarity and confidence with us at myrailroadretirement.com.