TN 25 (07-03)

A. POLICY

When the family maximum provision applies and the widow(er)’s benefit includes an increase because of the deceased numberholder’s DRCs, additional steps are required to distribute the maximum proportionately. See RS 00615.710B. below for the steps to follow.

NOTE: The increase to the widow(er) is possible in or after 6/78. Any other survivor who was entitled to benefits on the same record for the month of 5/78 is protected by a savings clause that prevents his or her benefit from being lowered in 6/78 or later. See RS 00615.712.

B. PROCEDURE

When the widow(er) rate is increased by DRCs, the rates of other survivors are decreased proportionately. Follow these steps when the family maximum provisions apply and it is necessary to increase the WIB for DRCs. Distribute the maximum as follows:

1. Step 1

Calculate the widow(er)'s original benefit without considering the family maximum. Include the DRCs.

2. Step 2

Determine the original rate for each survivor other than the widow(er).

3. Step 3

Total the benefit rates from Step 1 and 2 for all survivors entitled on the record.

4. Step 4

Divide the family maximum by the total from Step 3.

5. Step 5

Multiply Step 1 by Step 4. This is the WIB adjusted for the maximum.

Note: This amount must then be reduced for age.

6. Step 6

Multiply Step 2 by Step 4. This is the adjusted survivor rate.

NOTE: If the other survivor was entitled in 5/78 see RS 00615.712 below.

C. EXAMPLE

The PIA is $400. The family maximum is $700. The survivors to be entitled in 3/00 are a widow and a child. The original rates would be $400 for the widow and $300 for the child. The widow is due an increase of $10 because of the deceased numberholder’s DRCs. Using the steps:

1. Step 1

The widow's benefit including the DRCs without considering the family maximum is $410.

2. Step 2

The child’s original rate is $300.

3. Step 3

The total of all rates from Step 1 and 2 for all the survivors entitled on the record is $710.

4. Step 4

Dividing the family maximum by step 3 is $700/$710.

5. Step 5

Multiply Step 1 by Step 4 for the widow: $410 x 700/710 = 404.20.

This is the WIB adjusted for the maximum.

Note: This amount must then be reduced for age.

6. Step 6

Multiply Step 2 by Step 4 for the child: $300 x 700/710 = 295.70.

This is the adjusted survivor rate.