POMS Reference

NL: Notices, Letters and Paragraphs

TN 47 (12-05)

Document Identifier for Word Processor: E3155

A. Exhibit Letter

We are writing to tell you that we plan to reduce (1) Social Security benefits beginning (2) .

Why We Are Changing The Benefit Amount

We recently matched computer records with the Railroad Retirement Board and learned that (3) enough railroad earnings (120 railroad service months or 60 railroad service months after 1995) to qualify for railroad benefits. As a result, we can no longer use railroad earnings to figure (4) Social Security benefit amount. This reduces (5) Social Security benefit.

 

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 reduce (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.

  • You will have 60 days to ask for an appeal.

  • The 60 days will start the day after you receive the next letter.

If You Have Any Questions

3901C - Domestic
3901D - Foreign

B. Requesting Instructions

The PC will send this notice to a beneficiary in current pay status whose benefits are to be reduced because RR earnings can no longer be used in the benefit computation.

Refer to NL 00703.005E. for 3901C and 3901D text and fill-ins.

Fill-ins:

  1. your/beneficiary full name (possessive)/the children's

  2. month and year rate change is effective

  3. you have/(railroad worker's full name) has

  4. your/beneficiary's title and surname, possessive/child's first name, possessive (if only child beneficiary)/the children's

  5. your/his/her/their

  6. your/beneficiary's title and surname, possessive/child's first name, possessive (if only child beneficiary)/the children's

C. Typing Instructions

Use Form SSA-L2000-C2 (Universal Notice) and follow the notice standards. Information for this notice will be shown on Form SSA-573.