Policy and Systems

Part 7 - Proof of Death

Proof of Death

Proof of the death of a former railroad employee is required with all claims for survivor benefits.

Death occurred inside the United States

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Part 6 - Proof of Military Service

In some cases, credit may be given for the former railroad employee's military service. If credit for military service is claimed, proof must be furnished. Both the beginning date and the ending date of the military service must be proven.

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Part 5 - Proof of Divorce

Proof of divorce is required when benefits are claimed as the divorced wife or husband or the surviving divorced spouse of a former railroad employee. A person filing as a divorced spouse or surviving divorced spouse must prove that the divorce took place after at least ten consecutive years of marriage to the employee.

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Part 4 - Proof of Marriage

If you are filing for monthly railroad retirement benefits or Medicare as the wife, husband, divorced wife or husband, widow, widower, remarried widow or widower, or surviving divorced wife or husband of a former railroad employee, you must furnish evidence of your marriage to the employee. If you are claiming benefits as a remarried widow or widower, you may have to furnish proof of your remarriage.

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Part 3 - Proof of Relationship

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.

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Part 2 - Proof of Age

Proof of age is required of almost every applicant for railroad retirement monthly benefits or Medicare coverage. Various types of acceptable proofs of age and places to secure them are listed in this chapter. Always try to secure one of the documents listed in "Best Proofs of Age." If none of these documents can be obtained, then you should submit a document listed under "Other Proofs of Age."

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Part 1 - General Information

Every applicant for railroad retirement benefits or Medicare must submit some type of documentary evidence or proof to support a claim for benefits. The purpose of this booklet is to describe the types of acceptable evidence and to assist you in obtaining these records if they are not in your possession. If, after following these guidelines, you are unable to obtain the necessary evidence, contact the nearest field office of the RRB for assistance.

Evidence submitted in support of an applicant's claim should be:

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Furnishing Evidence to Support Your Claim

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General Information

Evidence submitted in support of an applicant's claim should be:

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Where can I get additional information?

When you are uncertain that a proposed use of benefit is proper, write, phone, or visit the nearest Railroad Retirement Board office. Most Railroad Retirement Board offices are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and are closed on federal holidays. To call and speak to an RRB representative, dial 1-877-772-5772.

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