TN 5 (03-12)

RS 00620.072 Inclusion of Railroad (RR) Compensation in Survivor Cases

A. Timeframes for inclusion of RR compensation in survivor cases

1. Beginning 01/02/1966

In computing survivor benefits where the number holder (NH) died on or after 10/02/1966 the method of considering previously excluded wages depends on the following:

  • Existence of RR earnings after 1965.

  • Date of death.

  • Month of attainment of age 65.

2. Survivor or lump sum claim

Do the recomputation or recalculation to include RR earnings when filing a survivor or lump sum claim.

B. Procedure for survivors cases processed on or before 10/29/1972

1. Death on or after 01/02/1966 and earnings exist after 1965

An automatic recomputation as defined by the 1967 amendments applies effective with the year of death with all RR earnings considered. Any resulting increases in the PIA are effective for survivor benefits.

The following are timeframes for survivors cases:

  1. a. 

    Use the 1965 new start (NS) or the 1967 old start (OS), unless precluded under normal rules. Choose the higher PIA.

  2. b. 

    Consider a recalculation when including RR earnings. Determine the PIA by reopening any previous computations the worker is eligible for after including the additional earnings.

2. Death on or after 01/02/1966 and before 01/03/1968 and no earnings exist after 1965

An automatic recomputation as defined by the 1967 amendments applies effective with the year of death with all RR earnings considered. Make the recomputation using the 1965 NS or the 1965 OS. Choose the higher PIA.

EXCEPTIONS:

  • Only use the 1965 OS to include earnings for the year of effective filing or the year preceding that year.

  • If the situation does not allow the use of the 1965 OS, recalculate the earnings when it yields a higher PIA.

3. Death after 01/02/1968 and no earnings after 1965

If the person dies after 01/02/1968 and there are no earnings after 1965, no recomputation is necessary.

EXCEPTION: You may perform a recomputation if the NH is male and dies before month of attainment of age 65. In this case, perform a summary recomputation to include RR earnings using the 1965 NS or the 1967 OS. If excluding use of the 1967 OS under normal rules, do a 1965 0S.

You may perform a recalculation of earnings when:

  • NH is age 65 or older;

  • NH dies after 010/2/1968; and

  • No earnings exist after 1965.

C. Policy for the 1950 survivors recalculation

The Program Center (PC) performs an automatic recalculation to include the deceased NH's RR compensation when the survivor:

  • was on Social Security rolls before 1947;

  • is not entitled under the Railroad Retirement Act; and

  • did not file subsequently for monthly survivor benefits before 09/1950. NOTE: The increased survivor benefits are effective 09/1950.


To Link to this section - Use this URL:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0300620072
RS 00620.072 - Inclusion of Railroad (RR) Compensation in Survivor Cases - 03/06/2012
Batch run: 02/21/2013
Rev:03/06/2012