We are writing to tell you that we plan to stop (1) Social Security benefits. Based on information we received from the Railroad Retirement
Board (RRB) we should not have awarded benefits on the record of (2) because (3) was insured under the Railroad Retirement Act.
Why Benefits Will Stop
If a person is insured under the Railroad Act at the time of death, the RRB is responsible
for handling survivor claims. The amount of benefits the RRB pays is based on the
combined Social Security and Railroad earnings. If a survivor annuity or a lump-sum
death payment can be paid under the Railroad Retirement Act, no lump-sum death payment
or monthly benefit can be paid to the survivor under the Social Security Act based
on the same earnings. This is true even though that person was also insured under
Social Security. Because of this rule, (4) (5) only entitled to the Railroad Retirement annuity.
What You Can Do
Please let us know right away if any of this information is wrong. We cannot use this
information to change Social Security benefits until we give you time to check it.
You will also need to give us any proof you have that shows that our information is
wrong.
If We Do Not Hear From You
If we do not hear from you within 30 days from the date of this letter, we will assume
the information in this letter is correct and use it to stop (6) benefits.
We will send another letter at that time. It will explain the change in benefits,
the amount of any overpayment, and how to appeal our decision.
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You will have 60 days to ask for an appeal.
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The 60 days will start the day after you receive the next letter.
If You Have Any Questions
3901C - Domestic
3901D - Foreign