DI 52125: Public Disability Benefit (PDB) Offset
BASIC (09-08)
Citations:
Part B Black Lung (BL) refers to benefits paid on BL claims filed before 01/01/1974. Part B BL benefits are not offsettable as workers’ compensation (WC). However, a Part B benefit can be subject to offset as a PDB.
A. Definition - miner
A miner or coal miner is any number holder (NH) who is working or has worked as an employee in a coal mine, performing functions in extracting the coal or preparing the coal so extracted.
B. Offset determination
1. Covered coal mine employment
Benefits paid to a miner or auxiliary under Part B are excluded from PDB offset because such benefits are based on service performed by a miner in coal mine employment, which is generally covered employment under section 210 of the Act.
2. Non-covered coal mine employment
If a NH’s work met the definition of “miner” but was not covered for Social Security purposes, the Part B benefit would potentially cause a reduction to the Social Security disability insurance benefits as a PDB.
C. Reference
DI 52115.015 - Federal Mine Safety And Health Act (FMSHA)