TN 25 (11-96)

A. Introduction

The Special Minimum PIA is an alternative to regular PIA methods and is used for all benefits payable. Effective for benefits payable 1/73 or later and for LSDP payable based on deaths after 12/72, it is intended to help persons with low earnings over a working lifetime. The Special Minimum PIA is computed using a years of coverage test.

B. Policy - years of coverage

NOTE: Information in this section about years of coverage (YOCs) applies only to the Special Minimum PIA.

1. How Defined

Years of coverage are years after 1936 up to the year of entitlement or through the year of death in which a specific amount of earnings are credited. The number of years of coverage cannot exceed 30. Years wholly in a period of disability cannot be used unless the period of disability is disregarded.

If there are less than 30 YOCs, and the NH has additional earnings in or after the year of entitlement, a recomputation to include the new YOC may be given effective with January of the year following the new YOC.

2. How determined

Years of Coverage are determined as follows:

1. Prior to 1951 - 1 year of coverage for each $900 of aggregate earnings, not to exceed 14;

2. After 1950 through 1978 - 1 year of coverage for any year with earnings equal to 25% of a special wage base through 1990 or, beginning in 1991, 15% of the base.

3. Years after 1978 - 1 year of coverage for any year with earnings equal to 25% of a special wage base through 1990 or, beginning in 1991, 15% of the base. Use the following chart to determine if the amount for the year is met:

C. Procedure - determining the special minimum PIA

Determine the Special Minimum PIA as follows:

1. 1979 and later

For 1979 and later, subtract ten from the number of years of coverage and multiply by $11.50.

2. 3/74-12/78

For 3/74-12/78, subtract as above and multiply by $9.

3. 1/73-2/74

1/73-2/74, subtract as above and multiply by $8.50.

4. Cost-of-living increases

Beginning 6/79, add COLA's to the special minimum PIA.

The charts in RS 00640.075 show all PIAs and Maxes beginning with the 6/79 COLA.

D. Policy - the support PIA

Before 1979 a support PIA (underlying AMW PIA) is figured. In 1979 or later a support PIA is computed when additional earnings or DRC's are involved. When the support PIA surpasses the special minimum, it becomes the PIA of record.

E. Example

Carol Adams, born 5/15/28, files for RIB and elects benefits effective 6/ 90. Her ER shows the following:

Her PIA under the AIME method is $233.10. By applying the above method for determining the special minimum PIA, Mrs. Adams is credited with 13 years of coverage for the 1937-1950 period and with 14 years of coverage after 1950 (1951-1954; 1957-1965, and 1972), for a total of 27 years of coverage. Her special minimum PIA is $372.20 (27 years minus 10 years, multiplied by $11.50 per year plus all COLA's beginning 6/79 through 12/89). The support PIA is $233.10.

F. Procedure - determining family maximum under the special minimum

1. 1/79 and later

Use special minimum tables in RS 00640.075 for family maximum 1/79 and later.

NOTE: Beginning with 1979 a special computation is used to determine the family maximum. For 1/79 through 5/79 the maximum will be 150% of the PIA. Beginning with the 6/79 COLA, add the COLA to the previous PIA and maximum. Then multiply the new PIA by 150%. Compare the two maximums for each PIA and pay the higher. The tables in RS 00640.075 do this comparison for you. They are updated each year when the new COLA is announced.

2. 1/73 through 12/78

Choose the highest of one of the following calculations for the period 1/73 - 12/78.

• the table maximum for the PIA if the special minimum PIA matches the table PIA;

• the table maximum for the next higher PIA appearing on the table if the Special Minimum PIA does not exactly match a table PIA; or

• the highest saving clause maximum applicable to the NH.