Code of Federal Regulations Title 20. Employees' Benefits § 20.404.603 You must file an application to receive benefits

(a) Permit a formal decision to be made on your entitlement to benefits;

(b) Protect your entitlement to any benefits that may be payable for as many as 6 months or 12 months (depending on the type of benefit, as explained in § 404.621) before the application was filed;  and

(c) Give you the right to appeal if you are dissatisfied with the decision.