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2) If the a/b is the surviving spouse of a veteran who died in service or died of a service-connected disability, the VA benefit amount will be based on the veteran's rank at the time of death or discharge. (Disability Indemnity Compensation to a surviving spouse or child is not reduced by other income.) E. Railroad Retirement Benefits At application and review, explore potential benefits for each budget unit member. Even if the a/b denies that anyone receives the benefit, explore the possibility. The potential for Railroad Retirement Benefits is based on the railroad work history. If the a/b denies receipt of benefits but his Social Security number begins with a 7, he may have been employed by the railroad. Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) information may be requested by letter. Provide the applicant's name and social security number or railroad retirement claim number Mail written requests to: Quorum Business Park 7508 E. Independence Blvd., Suite 120 Charlotte, NC 28228-9409 Telephone (877) 772-5772 Fax (704) 344-6429 The a/b or financially responsible person may also access the Railroad Retirement Benefits information from the website at: www.rrb.gov. 1. Verification sources a. Use the award letter. However, a general increase may have occurred since the date of the award letter. b. Examine a current check. c. The client's Railroad Retirement (RRB) suspension notice is verification of suspended payments. 2. Count the gross monthly Railroad Retirement benefit for each budget unit member. 4. Benefits increased because of a dependent child are income to the RR beneficiary, not the child.

5. Survivor benefits paid to or for a child is income to the child.