20 CFR 218.1: Introduction.

This part tells when a person's entitlement to a monthly railroad retirement annuity begins and ends. Ordinarily, an annuity begins on the earliest date permitted under the Railroad Retirement Act (Act). This part also tells when and how a person may select a later beginning date. Included is an explanation of how work and certain types of special payments affect the beginning date of an employee or spouse annuity.