POMS Reference

RS 01601: SSA and RRB Interrelationship and The RR Act

TN 6 (05-02)

A. INTRODUCTION

To receive MS credit from RRB the veteran must have entered the Armed Forces when the U.S. was at war or in a state of national emergency, or involuntarily entered the service and the period of MS was preceded by RR service. Voluntary service during the period 06/15/1948 - 12/15/1950 can qualify for MS credit under certain conditions.

B. POLICY

1. Creditable Periods

Credit may be given for:

  1. Spanish-American War, 04/21/1898 - 08/13/1898

  2. Philippine Insurrection, 02/04/1899 - 04/27/1902

  3. WW I, 04/06/1917 - 11/11/1918;

  4. WW II, 09/08/1939 - 06/14/1948;

  5. 06/24/1948 - 12/15/1950, if the veteran involuntarily entered or was drafted into the service during this period unless in MS on 12/31/1946 or was required to involuntarily enter on or after 01/1/1947. RR may grant MS credit for any month not shown above if the MS was involuntary; i.e., the peacetime draft starting 06/24/1948 or any earlier or later draft period or call to duty under any authority;

  6. Effective 12/1/1988, RRB began granting MS wage credits for periods of voluntary MS 06/15/1948 - 12/15/1950 if the person rendered creditable RR service in the year released from MS or the year after without any intervening non-RR employment.

  7. National emergency, 12/01/1950 - 09/14/1978 (includes any remainder of a period of service which began during this period);

  8. Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, 08/02/1990 - date yet to be determined (continuing).

  9. Any month not listed above if the MS was involuntary; i.e., drafted, drafted, recall to active duty, federalizing the National Guard, etc.

2. Covered Service Branches

All active service in the following branches of the armed forces is covered:

  1. Land or naval forces of the U.S. Armed Forces including the Coast Guard;

  2. All reserve components ordered to active duty, including:

    1. Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC)

    2. Women's Air Force (WAFS)

    3. Women's Army Corps (WACS)

    4. Women's Navy Reserves (WAVES)

    5. Marine Corps Women's Reserves (Marines)

    6. Women's Coast Guard Reserve (SPARS)

NOTE: RR MS does not include service in the Army Specialist Corps or the Merchant Marine.

3. RRB Crediting of MS Differs from SSA

RRB can credit MS:

a. before 09/16/1940;

b. that may have ended in a dishonorable discharge;

c. of less than 90 days;

d. credited by another Federal Agency;

e. used by OPM for Civil Service annuity purposes.

4. RRB MS Creditable Amounts

Amount of Credit

 

Before 01/1968

$160 per month

01/1968 - 12/1974

$260 per month

01/1975 on

credit equal to the amount of SS covered military wages (no DMW granted).