TN 31 (06-04)

A. Introduction

The fact that a claimant has an SSA claim certified to the RRB for benefit payment does not qualify the individual as a QRRB in the strict sense of the term. Such individuals, however, are “deemed QRRBs,” since RRB has jurisdiction of their claims.

B. Policy

An individual is considered to be a deemed QRRB if he/she:

• is entitled to RIB and is the spouse of an individual with 120 months of creditable RR service; or

• effective 1/1/02, is entitled to RIB and is the spouse of an individual who, after December 31, 1995, has at least 60 months but less than 120 months of creditable RR service.

• is entitled to auxiliary or survivor benefits based on the earnings of a worker who has 120 months of RR service; or

• effective 1/1/02, is entitled to auxiliary or survivor benefits based on the earnings of a worker who, after December 31, 1995, has at least 60 months but less than 120 RR service months.

NOTE: A survivor of a worker who did not have a current connection with the RR industry at the time of his/her death is not a deemed QRRB.

C. Procedure

Handle “deemed QRRB” certification cases the same as QRRB certification cases (see RS 01601.200 for a discussion of certification under the RR Act).