An application may be cancelled by the claimant or a person described in § 217.17. If the claimant is deceased, the person who is or could be eligible for any annuity accrual under part 234 of this chapter may cancel the application for the annuity.

An application may be cancelled under the following conditions:

(a) Before an annuity is awarded. The application may be cancelled if—

(1) The applicant files a written request with the Board at a place described in § 217.15 asking that the application be cancelled or stating that he or she wants to withdraw the application;

(2) The claimant is alive on the date the written request is filed or the claimant is deceased and the rights of no person other than the person requesting the cancellation will be adversely affected; and

(3) The applicant files the written request on or before the date the annuity is awarded.

(b) After an annuity is awarded. The application may be cancelled if—

(1) The conditions in paragraph (a)(1) and (2) of this section are met;

(2) Any other person who would lose benefits because of the cancellation consents to the cancellation in writing; and

(3) All annuity payments already made based on the application being cancelled are repaid or will be recovered.

When a person cancels an application the effect is the same as though an application was never filed. When an employee cancels his or her application, any application filed by the employee's spouse is also cancelled. However, a request to cancel a survivor's application will cancel only the application of the survivor named in the written request. A person who cancels an application may reapply by filing a new application under this part.