A DWB may, if otherwise eligible, elect to receive a reduced RIB at any time between ages 62 and 65. When DWB terminates upon entitlement to RIB, DWB entitlement is deemed to continue until attainment of age 65 or until the occurrence of a DWB termination event, see example E.1.

Also, if a DWB becomes entitled to D benefits prior to age 65 and disability continues, is deemed to remain entitled to DWB.

A person who becomes entitled to D benefits at or after age 60 and furnishes proof of disability is deemed to be entitled to DWB for each month of D entitlement.

Although delay in submitting evidence of disability should be avoided, it will not result in loss of months of deemed DWB entitlement. The effective date of deemed DWB entitlement for a person entitled to D benefits depends on the date DWB could have begun, not on when evidence of disability is submitted. (See example E.2.)

In some cases, it will be advantageous for a disabled surviving spouse who is eligible for a reduced RIB greater than the reduced D benefit to also file for D benefits in order to be deemed entitled to DWB. In such a case, the application for D benefits is restricted to the first month of D eligibility and the RIB application is restricted to begin with the following month. This permits D entitlement to be established for at least one month prior to the start of RIB entitlement. Based on the D entitlement, the surviving spouse may be deemed entitled to DWB and D-HI awarded with the 25th month of deemed DWB entitlement. (See example E.4.)

An E beneficiary who is disabled and applies for D-HI is deemed to have filed for DWB and is deemed entitled to DWB for each month of E entitlement in which DWB eligibility requirements are met.

In the case of E beneficiaries, the application for D-HI can be effective for purposes of beginning the 24 month D-HI qualifying period up to 12 months prior to the month of filing (i.e., the earliest D-HI can begin based on such an application is twelve months after filing). (See example E.3.)

Mrs. Allen was entitled to D-HI effective 7/1/92 based on DWB entitlement which began 7/90. DWB was terminated upon entitlement to RIB effective 12 /92, the first month throughout which attained age 62. D-HI entitlement is not affected because DWB entitlement is deemed to continue despite the termination of DWB entitlement upon entitlement to a higher RIB.

Mr. Smith, born in 5/29, was entitled to surviving spouse's benefits effective 6/ 89, the month spouse died. In 12/92, filed evidence establishing that was disabled several years prior to spouse's death. Deemed, for D-HI purposes, to be entitled to DWB beginning 6/1/89. May be entitled to D-HI beginning 6/1/91. As indicated in C.2. above, The delay in submitting evidence of disability does not result in loss of months of D-HI entitlement.

Beneficiary, born in 1937, has an entitled child in care, and has been receiving E benefits since 9/87, when spouse died. At that time had been severely disabled for many months, but did not file for DWB because of eligibility for E benefits. On 5/24/92, files an application for D-HI and submits evidence of disability. If meets all DWB eligibility requirements, for purposes of D-HI, will be deemed entitled to DWB beginning 5/1/91 and will be entitled to D-HI beginning 5/1/93.

One completely disabled, inquired at a FO about benefit rights when spouse died in 10/90. One attained age 62 in 10/90, is fully insured, and wants reduced RIB. Does not meet DIB insured status. Deceased spouse's PIA is less than own, and entitlement to a reduced RIB will preclude entitlement to D benefits. Although disabled can only be entitled to D-HI if deemed entitled to DWB for 24 months. Thus, in addition to filing for RIB, files an application for D benefits on which makes clear that is filing for D benefits only for the month of 10/90; application for RIB is restricted to begin 11/1/90. Deemed entitled to DWB beginning 10/1/90. Deemed DWB entitlement continues after D benefits are terminated and becomes entitled to D-HI beginning 10/1/92, the 25th month of deemed DWB entitlement. Upon attaining age 65 in 10/93 is entitled to HI under the regular insured provision and coverage continues without interruption.