1506.Application Filed with Department of Veterans Affairs or Railroad Retirement Board

1506.1Are applications you file with the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Railroad Retirement Board considered applications for Social Security benefits?

An application you file for survivor benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs for benefits payable under its program is also considered an application for Social Security benefits. An application filed with the Railroad Retirement Board for benefits under its programs, is also an application for Social Security benefits. In these situations the claim or notice of the claim is sent to SSA.

1506.2What types of Social Security benefits are considered when you file an application with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

When you file an application with the Department of Veterans Affairs for survivor's dependency and indemnity compensation, your application may also be considered an application for the following Social Security benefits:

1. Child's benefits;

2. Surviving spouse's benefits; or

3. Parent's monthly Social Security benefits.

Your application listed in (A) through (C) above is not considered an application for the lump-sum death payment.

1506.3What types of Social Security benefits are considered when you file an application with the Railroad Retirement Board?

When you file an application with the Railroad Retirement Board for an annuity, your application is also considered an application for Social Security benefits (unless you specify otherwise). In the case of disability, your application is used to establish a period of disability under both the Railroad Retirement Act and the Social Security Act (unless you specify otherwise).