MOEL option code “A” is a conditional (flexible) MOEL. We will determine the final MOEL when we verify the claimant’s earnings for the year of entitlement. The earnings enforcement process may move the MOEL or convert the MOEL to a MOET based on the verified earnings.

Use option “A” if the claimant:

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  has material earnings (see GN 00204.040A);

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  elects reduced benefits; and

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  selects an MOEL prior to full retirement age (FRA).

Do not use option “A” if the claimant:

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  does not accept reduced benefits;

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  does not have material earnings;

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  selects an MOEL that is FRA or over; or

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  is affected by retirement insurance benefit limitation (RIB- LIM).

MOEL option code “B” is also a conditional MOEL. The final MOEL is determined when we verify the claimant’s earnings for the year of entitlement and pay any partial payment due. The earnings enforcement process may move the MOEL or convert the MOEL to a MOET based on the verified earnings.

Use option “B” if the claimant:

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  selects an MOEL within 12 months of FRA;

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  accepts a partial payment in a month prior to FRA as long as there is no ongoing reduction in the benefit amount;

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  has material earnings; and

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  does not elect reduced benefits.

Do not use option “B” if the claimant:

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  selects an MOEL under FRA and wants reduced benefits;

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  selects an MOEL of FRA or later;

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  does not have material earnings; or

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  is affected by RIB-LIM.

Option “C” is final (not flexible) and the earnings enforcement process does not automatically adjust this MOET. For procedures concerning changing the month of entitlement, see GN 00204.047. For administrative finality rules, see GN 04030.070.

Use option “C” if the claimant selects an MOET under FRA and:

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  alleges no material earnings; or

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  chooses a specific MOEL regardless of earnings; or

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  RIB-LIM applies.

Do not use option “C” when:

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  the claimant wants the MOEL to be revised upon verification of earnings; or

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  MOET is FRA or later (the correct code is D if the claimant selects FRA or later.)

Option code “D” is final (not flexible). Use option code “D” when the MOET is FRA, later than FRA, or for a benefit category not subject to reduction for age (e.g., Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB), child’s benefits).

Option code “E” is final (not flexible). Use option “E” in one specific situation when the claimant:

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  is an auxiliary spouse;

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  is age 61 years and 9 months old or older;

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  has a child-in-care;

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  has the same date of entitlement as the number holder (NH); and

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  is filing a DIB claim not established on the Master Benefit Record (MBR).

NOTE: Review all MOEL and MOET date entries propagated into iClaims to ensure the related option codes are accurate. For more information on the Internet MOEL process, see GN 00204.055K.