When a spouse under FRA with a child-in-care is entitled to spouse's benefits and the FO receives notice of the NH's death from other than the PC, and the NH's SSN is in the “700” RR series or it otherwise appears that RR employment is involved, the FO will process the notice of death in the usual manner, using direct input whenever applicable.

If the widow(er) was interviewed and, from the information furnished, it appears that RRB has jurisdiction of the survivor's claim, the FO will refer the widow(er) to RRB in accordance with the referral procedure in RS 01602.500 since an application is necessary under the RRA.

If SSA has jurisdiction:

• •

  Take no further action concerning the RR employment.

• •

  Tell the widow(er) there may be a delay in the adjudication of the claim because the deceased's RR and SS E/R's must be combined for the purpose of determining the amount of the benefits.

• •

  Inform the widow(er) that the law prevents a survivor from receiving survivor's benefits under both programs based on the earnings of the deceased.