20 CFR §216.12

1. (a)A current connection is required to qualify an individual for the following types of railroad retirement benefits:
   1. (1)An employee occupational disability annuity as described in subpart D of this part;
   2. (2)A supplemental annuity as described in subpart E of this part;
   3. (3)An employee vested dual benefit in certain cases;
   4. (4)A survivor annuity as described in subparts G, H, and I of this part; and
   5. (5)A lump-sum death payment as described in part 234 of this chapter.
2. (b)A current connection which was established when an employee's annuity began is effective for:
   1. (1)Any annuity under this part for which the employee later becomes eligible; and
   2. (2)Any survivor annuity under this part or a lump-sum death payment under part 234 of this chapter.