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. If the document used to prove the age of the person also shows his/her relationship to the employee, separate proof of relationship is not needed.
For example, if a child's proof of age shows the employee as his/her parent, a separate proof of relationship is not necessary.
A wife or husband may qualify for benefits if he/she has the employee's child in care. The term child in care means the railroad employee's dependent and unmarried natural child, adopted child, or stepchild, or under certain conditions a grandchild whose parents are deceased or disabled.
If you are filing as the parent of a former railroad employee, you must submit evidence that you are the employee's natural parent, adoptive parent, or stepparent. This evidence would be a birth record for the employee from the list given below which shows that you are named as the employee's parent. If the employee was legally adopted, refer to the section marked Adoption in this chapter.
| Best Evidence of Relationship |
Where to Secure |
| Certified copy of the civil birth record of the person filing for benefits (showing the parents' names) |
Bureau of Vital Statistics in state capital of state of birth |
| Certified copy of the religious birth record of the person filing for benefits (showing the parents' names) |
Church where baptized or confirmed |
| Any evidence listed in Proof of Age if it shows relationship |
|
In the following cases, it may be necessary to submit more than one document to prove the relationship to the employee.
- A grandchild must show who his/her parents are and prove that his/her parent is related to the employee.
- A brother or sister of the employee must furnish his/her birth record and the employee's, showing that they both have the same parents.
- A stepchild must show he/she is the child of the person married to the employee. See the section for establishing proof of marriage.
- A stepparent must show that the person he/she is married to is the employee's parent. See Part 4 for establishing proof of marriage.
Adoption
When the relationship involves a legally adopted child or the parent of a legally adopted child, submit a certified copy of the decree or order of adoption. If the record of adoption cannot be obtained, submit one of the following documents:
- The official notice received by the adopting parents stating that the adoption has been completed; or
- A birth certificate issued as a result of the adoption proceeding.
If you are unable to furnish any of the documents described above or if the adoption proceedings have been completed, contact the nearest field office of the RRB. The people there will be glad to assist you.