To receive the disability benefits described in this booklet, you must file an application form. This section will explain the forms you must file to receive a disability benefit.
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 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.