Instruct the claimant to contact the local RRB office for information about programs administered by the RRB, and for specific information about eligibility, claims, and changes in the law. The claimant should inform RRB that they have filed an application with SSA.

If the SSA application is not a claim on the record of a deceased RR worker, advise the claimant to contact RRB right away if he or she is considering filing a claim for RR benefits as their filing date with Social Security does not protect their filing with RRB.

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  RRB offices are located in major cities and representatives regularly visit many other locations.

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  RRB offices are open to the public Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays.

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  To locate the nearest RRB office, call the automated “toll-free” help line at 1-800-808-0772, or access the RRB’s Internet website at http://www.rrb.gov .

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  RRB contact information is also available in the telephone directory under “United States Government.”

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  The claimant may also check with a local union representative, railroad employer, post office, or the nearest Federal Information Center.

Advise the claimant by letter (see Sample Letter Referring NH to Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), DI 11050.070) to contact RRB and file a claim for a disability annuity, provided:

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  The claimant alleges a disability; and

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  EC or ICERS does not indicate the claimant is an RRB annuitant.

NOTE: If the claimant desires a formal disability determination about his or her status under the Social Security Act, or, if it appears NH is insured for disability benefits, take an SSA application for disability benefits.

If the claimant was not referred to the RRB during the initial interview because of an oversight or because the NH alleged less than the required RR service, advise the claimant by letter to contact a local RRB office.

Pattern the notice after the example letter in Sample Letter Referring NH to Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), DI 11050.070.