RSDI (Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance), also known as OASDI, is a Social Security program providing monthly payments to retirees, disabled workers, and survivors of deceased workers who paid Social Security taxes. Eligible recipients include workers with enough work credits (usually 40, earned over 10 years), their spouses, children, or surviving dependents.

You qualify for retirement benefits at age 62 with 40 work credits. Full retirement age (FRA) is 66–67, based on your birth year (e.g., 67 for those born in 1960 or later). Claiming at 62 reduces benefits, while delaying past FRA until age 70 increases payments by 8% per year.

 Survivor benefits support the spouse, children, or dependent parents of a deceased worker with sufficient work credits. Eligible survivors include:
• Widows/widowers age 60+ (50+ if disabled) or caring for a child under 16.
• Unmarried children under 18 (or 19 if in high school) or disabled before age 22.
• Divorced spouses (married 10+ years, age 60+, not remarried before 60).
• A one-time $255 death benefit may be paid to a surviving spouse or child.

Disability benefits (SSDI) are for workers with a medical condition preventing substantial gainful activity for at least one year or expected to result in death. You need sufficient work credits (e.g., 20–40, based on age) and recent work history. The condition must meet SSA’s strict disability criteria.

Benefits are calculated using your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) over your highest 35 years of earnings, adjusted for inflation. The SSA applies a formula to compute your Primary Insured Amount (PIA), which sets retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. In 2025, the maximum retirement benefit at FRA is approximately $4,018/month.

Yes, but earnings limits apply before full retirement age.
In 2025, if you’re under FRA (Full Retirement Age), you can earn $23,400/year without benefit reductions. Above this threshold, $1 is withheld for every $2 earned.

In the year you reach FRA, the limit is $62,160 up to the month you reach full retirement age, with $1 withheld for every $3 earned before that point.

After reaching FRA, there’s no earnings limit.

Disability benefits have stricter limits — for example, $1,620/month for non-blind recipients.

Apply via the SSA website (ssa.gov), by phone (1-800-772-1213, TTY: 1-800-325-0778), or at a local SSA office. Retirement and disability applications are online, but survivor benefits require a call or visit. Provide your Social Security number, birth certificate (not always necessary for most US Citizens – SSA uses a verification system that bypasses the need to provide birth certificates, but always be prepared), work history, and medical records (for disability). A consultant can guide you to avoid errors. Call me for guidance and consultations to avoid pitfalls and maximize your benefit
options: 208-525-1515.

About 60% of initial disability applications are denied due to insufficient medical evidence, incomplete forms, or not meeting SSA criteria. Other RSDI claims may be rejected for missing credits or documentation. Appeal within 60 days of denial. A Social Security consultant can strengthen your case with proper evidence and representation. I can help you fortify your initial filing effort to avoid pitfalls and problems.

RSDI is an insurance program for workers who paid Social Security taxes, covering retirement, disability, and survivors based on work credits. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for low-income individuals who are 65+, blind, or disabled, regardless of work history. RSDI often pairs with Medicare, while SSI may include Medicaid.

• Single Senior Example: A senior filing as a single taxpayer with the average Social Security retirement benefit (~$24,000 annually) will have deductions exceeding their taxable Social Security income, resulting in no tax on benefits.

• Married Seniors Example: Married seniors, both receiving the average Social Security benefit (~$48,000 combined annually), will also have deductions exceeding their taxable Social Security income, resulting in no tax on benefits.

• The new bill delivers historic tax relief to seniors, with a new tax deduction that, combined with other deductions, ensures the average Social Security beneficiary will pay zero taxes on Social Security.

• How these changes will look depends upon the actual application of the new legislation when tax season approaches. Seeking counsel and support from a certified public accountant or tax specialist will be essential to make sure you understand what applicability of these changes will look like for you.