(a) A widow(er) annuity begins on the later of either the date chosen by the applicant or the earliest date permitted by law.

(b) Earliest date permitted by law—(1) Full-age annuity. The earliest date permitted by law is the latest of—

(i) The first day of the month in which the employee dies;

(ii) The first day of the month in which the claimant attains full retirement age; or

(iii) The first day of the sixth month before the month in which the application is filed.

(2) Reduced-age annuity—(i) Widow(er) age 60 through age 62. The earliest date permitted by law is the latest of—

(A) The first day of the month in which the employee dies;

(B) The first day of the month in which the claimant attains age 60; or

(C) The first day of the sixth month before the month in which the application is filed.

(ii) Widow(er) over age 62 but under full retirement age. The earliest date permitted by law is the latest of—

(A) The first day of the month in which the employee dies;

(B) The first day of the month in which the claimant attains age 62 and one month; or

(C) The first day of the month in which the application is filed.

(3) Disability annuity. The earliest date permitted by law is the latest of—

(i) The first day of the month in which the employee dies;

(ii) The first day of the month in which the claimant attains age 50;

(iii) The first day of the twelfth month before the month in which the application is filed; or

(iv) The first day of the sixth month after the month of disability onset.

(4) “Child in care” annuity. The earliest date permitted by law is the latest of—

(i) The first day of the month in which the employee dies;

(ii) The first day of the month in which the claimant becomes eligible for a widow(er) annuity based on having a “child in care” as explained in part 216 of this chapter; or

(iii) The first day of the sixth month before the month in which the application is filed.