What are railroad retirement benefits compared to in terms of social security?

Railroad retirement benefits consist of two tiers: Tier 1, which is comparable to Social Security benefits, and Tier 2, which serves as an additional benefit specifically for railroad workers. By design, Tier 1 benefits are calculated similarly to Social Security, providing a foundation of income that reflects workers' earnings over their careers in the railroad industry, similar to how Social Security benefits are calculated based on earnings from covered employment.

Tier 2 benefits, on the other hand, are unique to railroad retirement and are intended to provide additional retirement income to railroad employees. While they are part of the overall railroad retirement system, they do not have a direct counterpart in Social Security.

Choosing both Tier 1 and Tier 2 as the answer indicates an understanding that railroad retirement benefits encompass broader financial support that includes both tiers, reinforcing the connection to Social Security through Tier 1, while acknowledging that Tier 2 serves a distinct function within the realm of railroad worker retirement benefits. This comprehensive view of the railroad retirement system clarifies why both tiers are relevant when comparing railroad retirement benefits to Social Security.