Many people know about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) but are less familiar with retirement, survivors, and disability insurance (RSDI).
RSDI is a federal program under the Social Security Administration (SSA), sometimes referred to as Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI).
What Does RSDI Do?
RSDI provides financial support to qualified California residents who can no longer work due to injury or the death of a family member who was working or receiving disability benefits. Eligibility can occur before or after retirement.
The goal of RSDI is to offer benefits to those who lose one of their primary sources of income.
Types of RSDI Benefits
RSDI offers three types of benefits: retirement, survivor, and disability. Each has specific requirements.
Retirement Benefits
You must be at least 62 to qualify for retirement benefits. You need to apply within four months of when you want the benefits to start. You must also have earned a certain number of work credits and not be receiving Social Security or other retirement benefits.
If you apply at 62, your benefits may be reduced due to early withdrawal. If you wait until age 70, you might receive higher payments.
Survivor Benefits
Survivor benefits are available to widows, widowers, or those supporting minors. Divorced spouses may qualify if they are at least 60 and were married for 10 years. Disabled children may also qualify if their parents have limited income or resources. Stepchildren, adopted children, or grandchildren may also be eligible in certain cases. Some exceptions exist for disabled individuals.
Disability Benefits
To qualify for disability benefits, you must be at least 18 and unable to work due to a medical issue that is expected to last at least one year or lead to death. You may not qualify if you are already receiving Social Security benefits or have had a denial in the past 60 days. Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on your age, work history, and average earnings.
Appealing a Denial
Denials happen for various reasons. Some are minor, such as incomplete information. Others may relate to whether your medical issue qualifies. You have the right to appeal, and many initial denials get overturned upon appeal.
by Yana Keller
