Retirement Survivors Disability Insurance (RSDI) is regarded as one the largest income-maintenance
programs of the Social Security Administration (SSA). According to SSA, RSDI program provides payments to eligible workers, their dependants, and survivors. The program was initiated in 1935 in order to aid retiree and survivors of decedent workers. In 1956, the RSDI"s benefits were expanded to cover qualified disabled workers.
For an RSDI claimant to become eligible for the program, he or she must be fully insured based on the rules and guidelines set by SSA.
Retirees
Workers who decide to retire can apply for RSDI benefits. The amount of the claimant"s monthly retirement benefits will be based on his or her total contributions to the SSA and the age he or she decided to retire.
Employees who retire early usually obtain lower amount of benefits, and those who retire at the full retirement age (62 years old) the amount of benefits he or she may acquire will be higher.
Survivors
RSDI benefits may be granted to certain people whose fully-insured Social Security member dies. Under the SSA"s guidelines, the deceased family member should have at least rendered 10 years of service or equivalent contribution. Survivors who may be eligible for RSDI claims are:
"Widow "" the legal spouse of the decedent may claim for RSDI benefits at full retirement age
"Disabled widow- the disabled legal husband or wife of the deceased may obtain full benefits at the age of 50
"Unmarried children "" children of the decedent who are below 18 years of age may receive RSDI benefits
"Parents "" parents of the deceased who are 62 years old or older
Disabled
This insurance intends to provide financial help for workers who have long-term disabling condition. The following are the criteria for a person to obtain disability benefits:
"The disability prevents the claimant from performing significant life activity like work
"The condition is expected to up to a year or may lead to death
"The claimant is under 65 years of age
"He or she should have at least rendered five years of service prior to the disability
A person who intends to apply for Retirement Survivors Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits may file an application with the SSA. He or she may contact SSA through any of the following procedure:
"Via SSA"s toll free number at 1-800-772
"Through the Administration"s website, www.ssa.gov