20 CFR § 217.3 - Need to file an application.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t20/s217.3"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "20 CFR § 217.3 - Need to file an application."
title_number: 20
title_name: "Employees' Benefits"
section_number: "217.3"
section_name: "Need to file an application."
chapter_name: "RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "REGULATIONS UNDER THE RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT"
part_number: "217"
part_name: "APPLICATION FOR ANNUITY OR LUMP SUM"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "45 U.S.C. 231d and 45 U.S.C. 231f."
regulatory_source: "47 FR 7647, Feb. 22, 1982, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "217"
---


# 217.3 Need to file an application.

In addition to meeting other requirements, a person must file an application to become entitled to an annuity or lump sum. Filing an application will—

(a) Permit a formal decision on whether the person is entitled to an annuity or lump sum;

(b) Protect a person's entitlement to an annuity for as many as 12 months before the application is filed; and

(c) Provide the right to appeal if the person is dissatisfied with the decision (see part 260 of this chapter).

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control numbers 3220-0030, 3220-0031 and 3220-0042)

[47 FR 7647, Feb. 22, 1982, as amended at 52 FR 11017, Apr. 6, 1987]