This part prescribes how to apply for an annuity or lump-sum payment under this chapter. It contains the rules for the filing and cancellation of an application and the period of time the application is in effect. Eligibility requirements for an annuity and for a lump-sum payment are found respectively in parts 216 and 234 of this chapter.

[54 FR 13363, Apr. 3, 1989]

The following definitions are used in this part:

Applicant means a person who signs an application for an annuity or lump sum for himself or herself or for some other person.

Application refers only to a form described in § 217.6.

Apply or file means to sign a form or statement that the Railroad Retirement Board accepts as an application.

Award means to process a form to make a payment. An annuity is awarded on the date the payment form is processed.

Claimant means a person who files for an annuity or lump sum for himself or herself or the person for whom an application is filed.

In addition to meeting other requirements, a person must file an application to become entitled to an annuity or lump sum. Filing an application will—

(a) Permit a formal decision on whether the person is entitled to an annuity or lump sum;

(b) Protect a person's entitlement to an annuity for as many as 12 months before the application is filed; and

(c) Provide the right to appeal if the person is dissatisfied with the decision (see part 260 of this chapter).

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control numbers 3220-0030, 3220-0031 and 3220-0042) [47 FR 7647, Feb. 22, 1982, as amended at 52 FR 11017, Apr. 6, 1987]