(1) No claim for benefits under this part on account of
total disability of a miner shall be considered unless it is
filed on or before December 31, 1973, or, in the case of a
claimant who is a widow, within six months after the death of her
husband or by December 31, 1973, whichever is the later.
(2) In the case of a claim by a child this paragraph shall
apply, notwithstanding any other provision of this part.
(A) If such claim is filed within six months following May
1972, and if entitlement to benefits is established pursuant to
such claim, such entitlement shall be effective retroactively
from December 30, 1969, or from the date such child would have
been first eligible for such benefit payments had section 922(a)(3)
of this title been applicable since December 30, 1969, whichever
is the lesser period. If on the date such claim is filed the
claimant is not eligible for benefit payments, but was eligible
at any period of time during the period from December 30, 1969,
to the date such claim is filed, entitlement shall be effective
for the duration of eligibility during such period.
(B) If such claim is filed after six months following May
1972, and if entitlement to benefits is established pursuant to
such claim, such entitlement shall be effective retroactively
from a date twelve months preceding the date such claim is filed,
or from the date such child would have been first eligible for
such benefit payments had section 922(a)(3)
of this title been applicable since December 30, 1969, whichever
is the lesser period. If on the date such claim is filed the
claimant is not eligible for benefit payments, but was eligible
at any period of time during the period from a date twelve months
preceding the date such claim is filed, to the date such claim is
filed, entitlement shall be effective for the duration of
eligibility during such period.
(C) No claim for benefits under this part, in the case of a
claimant who is a child, shall be considered unless it is filed
within six months after the death of his father or mother
(whichever last occurred) or by December 31, 1973, whichever is
the later.
(D) Any benefit under subparagraph (A) or (B) for a month
prior to the month in which a claim is filed shall be reduced, to
any extent that may be necessary, so that it will not render
erroneous any benefit which, before the filing of such claim, the
Secretary has certified for payment for such prior month.
(3) No claim for benefits under this part, in the case of a
claimant who is a parent, brother, or sister shall be considered
unless it is filed within six months after the death of the miner
or by December 31, 1973, whichever is the later.
(b) Filing of claims after June 30, 1973
No benefits shall be paid under this part after December 31,
1973, if the claim therefor was filed after June 30, 1973.
(c) Effective date of claims
No benefits under this part shall be payable for any period
prior to the date a claim therefor is filed.
(d) Reduction of State benefits
No benefits shall be paid under this part to the residents of
any State which, after December 30, 1969, reduces the benefits
payable to persons eligible to receive benefits under this part,
under its State laws which are applicable to its general work
force with regard to workmen's compensation, unemployment
compensation, or disability insurance.
(e) Conditions upon payment
No benefits shall be payable to a widow, child, parent,
brother, or sister under this part on account of the death of a
miner unless
(1) benefits under this part were being paid to such miner
with respect to disability due to pneumoconiosis prior to his
death, (2) the death of such miner occurred prior to January 1,
1974, or (3) any such individual is entitled to benefits under
paragraph (5) of section 921(c) of
this title.