§1597.  Benefits due deceased claimant; payment to dependents or representatives

The administrator may prescribe regulations to provide for the payment of benefits which are due and payable, to the legal representative, dependents, relatives or next of kin of claimants since deceased.  These regulations need not conform with the laws governing successions, and such payment shall be deemed a valid payment to the same extent as if made under a formal administration of the succession of the claimant.