20 CFR §217.2

The following definitions are used in this part: Applicant means a person who signs an application for an annuity or lump sum for himself or herself or for some other person. Application refers only to a form described in § 217.6. Apply or file means to sign a form or statement that the Railroad Retirement Board accepts as an application. Award means to process a form to make a payment. An annuity is awarded on the date the payment form is processed. Claimant means a person who files for an annuity or lump sum for himself or herself or the person for whom an application is filed.