Proof of relationship must be given by each person applying for benefits as the child, parent, brother, sister or grandchild of the former railroad employee. The best proof of relationship is a certified copy of the civil or religious birth record of the person filing for benefits showing the parent's name.
When the relationship involves a legally adopted child or the parents of a legally adopted child, the best proof is a certified copy of the decree or order of adoption.
It may be necessary to submit more than one document to prove the relationship to the employee. The following situations are examples of when this may occur.
- A stepchild must show he or she is the child of the person married to the employee.
- A grandchild must show who his or her parents are and prove that his or her parent is related to the employee.
- A stepparent must show that the person he or she is married to is the employee's parent.