TN 25 (09-93)

A. Introduction

Effective for age 62 attainments occurring after 8/81, RSI eligibility may not begin earlier than the first month throughout which the individual is age 62.

B. Policy

HI eligibility for the age 65 or over spouse of a 62-year old worker begins with the month an insured worker attains age 62, rather than the first month throughout which the worker is age 62.

Neither the worker nor the spouse need actually establish entitlement to monthly benefits for this provision to apply. If the worker would have been eligible for RIB in the month he/she attained age 62 except for the fact that he/she was not age 62 throughout the month, the age 65 or over spouse can file for and establish entitlement to HI for the month the worker attained age 62.

C. Example

Mr. Mason, DB 12/3/30, files for reduced RIB in 12/92. His wife, who is age 67, also files at that time for spouses's benefits. Although Mr. and Mrs. Mason's monthly benefit entitlement cannot begin until 1/93, the first month throughout which Mr. Mason is age 62, Mrs. Mason will be awarded HI as of 12/ 1/92, the month her husband attained age 62, provided she meets all eligibility requirements in that month and provided her husband is insured for that month. (If Mr. Mason did not attain insured status until the 3/93 quarter, Mrs. Mason could not qualify for HI until 1/1/93.) Also, Mrs. Mason could file for HI only and establish entitlement as a “T” beneficiary beginning 12/1/92 even if her husband does not wish to file for RIB until a later date.

D. References

• HI 00801.032 Establishing Entitlement

• GN 00204.021 Separate HI Filing