To receive the disability benefits described in this publication, you must file an application form. This section will explain the forms you need for the disability benefit for which you are filing.
Disability Annuity
To receive monthly disability annuity payments, Form AA-17b, "Application for Determination of Widow(er)'s Disability", must be filed along with Form AA-17, "Application for Widow(er)'s Annuity". Form G-251, "Vocational Report", is also required if you have ever worked.
If you have filed for a disability annuity, you are automatically considered for early Medicare.
Early Medicare Coverage
If you already receive a monthly railroad retirement annuity payment, you may file Form AA-17b for early Medicare coverage. Normally, you would do this if:
- you are disabled and applied for, or are already receiving, regular monthly annuity payments based on age or caring for a child of the employee, or
- you receive monthly disability annuity payments but you did not previously qualify for early Medicare coverage when your annuity began.
See Part III for more information on early Medicare coverage.