Office of the General Counsel

January 29, 1999
[xxx]
Re: OPM Claim File Number 001827

Dear [xxx]:

This concerns your claim for interest on an insurance benefits award that your late brother, Mr. [xxx], received from the Social Security Administration, as well as interest on the disability benefits award that he received from the [agency]. Your claim is for accumulated interest from the date that he was awarded each of these benefits until the date when he received a lump sum in final payment of the benefits.

Section 3702(a)(2) of title 31, United States Code (USC), authorizes the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to settle claims involving Federal civilian employees' compensation and leave. OPM also is authorized to accept from the [agency] and review claims for the proceeds of canceled checks for veterans' benefits payable to deceased beneficiaries. However, OPM does not have the authority to review claims such as yours for interest on Social Security benefits or on a disability benefits award from the [agency]. You should send your claim for the interest on the insurance benefits to the Social Security Administration and your claim for interest on the disability benefits to the [agency]. 42 U.S.C. 405, 1382; 38 U.S.C. 511; Matter of John L. Bond, B-202041 (September 8, 1982); Matter of Patricia J. Engevik, B-202201 (December 23, 1981); Matter of Florentina Abuan Y Nonan, B-160544 (January 31, 1967).

We are returning the Death Certificate that you enclosed with your letter for your further use in submitting your claims.

Sincerely,

Jo-Ann Chabot
Attorney

Enclosure