POMS Reference

RS 00615: Computation of Monthly Benefits Amounts

TN 24 (09-02)

A. BACKGROUND

Benefits are payable as early as age 50 to widow(er)s who meet disability requirements. Their benefits are reduced since they are under FRA. All DWB benefits are converted to reduced aged widow(er)'s benefits at FRA.

B. POLICY

1. New Entitlements 1/84 or Later

DWB are reduced by 28.5 percent. No additional reduction applies for the period before age 60.

2. Entitlement Before 1/84

DWB were reduced by 28.5 percent plus 43/240 of 1 percent for the number of months from MOET to age 60. At age 50, this totaled approximately 50 percent.

3. 1/84 DWB Recalculation

Beneficiaries who were entitled to DWB prior to 1/84 had their benefits recalculated effective 1/84 as if the reduction for the period prior to age 60 did not exist.

C. PROCEDURE

To round benefits prior to 1/84:

  1. Determine the WIB OB.

  2. Determine the reduction amount for the period age 60 to age 65. Do not round this amount.

  3. Subtract the amount in 2. from the amount in 1.

  4. Determine the reduction amount for the months prior to age 60. Round this reduction amount up for calculations 6/82 or later and down for calculations 5/82 or earlier.

  5. Subtract the amount in 4. from the amount in 3.

  6. Round the result in 5. down to the nearest $.10 for calculations 6/82 or later and up to the nearest $.10 for calculations 5/82 or earlier.