[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 72 (Thursday, April 13, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 19829]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-9024]


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RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD

20 CFR Part 219

RIN 3220-AB43


Evidence Required for Payment

AGENCY: Railroad Retirement Board.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) hereby amends its 
regulations to permit the use of noncertified copies and facsimile 
copies of records or documents needed to establish eligibility for 
benefits under the Railroad Retirement Act. These amendments will make 
it easier for individuals to apply for benefits under the Act.

DATES: Effective May 15, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marguerite P. Dadabo, Senior Attorney, 
(312) 751-4945, TTD (312) 751-4701.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In order to receive benefits under the 
Railroad Retirement Act an individual may be required to provide proof 
of age, marriage, divorce, or death. Section 219.6 of the Board's 
regulations generally required that where a claimant must provide a 
record or document to establish an eligibility requirement, the 
original or a certified copy of such document or record must be 
provided. This requirement proved burdensome for claimants. Many 
claimants wish to transmit their documentary evidence electronically by 
use of telefax devices. Consequently, the Board amends its regulations 
to permit the use of uncertified copies and facsimiles of certain 
official records when the official custodian of such records transmits 
the facsimile directly to an office of the Board and the source of the 
transmittal is clearly identified on the facsimile. In addition, the 
Board amends it regulations to permit Board employees to certify 
translations of foreign documents.
    On November 26, 1999, the Board published this rule as a proposed 
rule (64 FR 66433), inviting comments on or before January 25, 2000. No 
comments were received.
    The Board, with the concurrence of the Office of Management and 
Budget, has determined that this is not a significant regulatory action 
under Executive Order 12866; therefore, no regulatory impact analysis 
is required. There are no information collections associated with this 
rule.

List of Subjects in 20 CFR Part 219

    Pensions, Railroad employees, Railroad retirement.

    For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Railroad Retirement 
Board amends chapter II of title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
as follows:

PART 219--EVIDENCE REQUIRED FOR PAYMENT

    1. The authority citation for part 219 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 45 U.S.C. 231f.


    2. In Sec. 219.6 the section heading and paragraphs (a) and (b) are 
revised, and a new paragraph (d) is added to read as follows:


Sec. 219.6  Records as evidence.

    (a) General. If a claimant or an annuitant provides an original 
document or record as evidence to prove eligibility or continued 
entitlement to payments, where possible, a Board employee will make a 
photocopy or transcript of these original documents or records and 
return the original documents to the person who furnished them. A 
claimant may also submit certified copies of original records as 
described in paragraph (c) of this section. The Board may also accept 
uncertified copies as described in paragraph (d) of this section.
    (b) Foreign-language documents. If the evidence submitted is a 
foreign-language document, the Board may require that the record be 
translated. An acceptable translation includes, but is not limited to, 
a translation certified by a United States consular official or 
employee of the Department of State authorized to certify evidence, or 
by an employee of the Board or the Social Security Administration.
* * * * *
    (d) Uncertified copies and facsimiles. In lieu of certified paper 
copies of records or extracts from such official sources as listed in 
paragraph (c) of this section, the Board will accept facsimile copies 
of such records or extracts when the official custodian of such records 
transmits the facsimile directly to an office of the Board and the 
source of the transmittal is clearly identified on the facsimile.

    Dated: March 24, 2000.

    By Authority of the Board.

    For the Board.
Beatrice Ezerski,
Secretary to the Board.
[FR Doc. 00-9024 Filed 4-12-00; 8:45 am]
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