The RSDI (Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance) is considered as the largest among the income-maintenance programs of the Federal Government. Managed by the Social Security Administration, such insurance benefit program aims to provide monthly financial support to those who have lost their income due to retirements, disabilities or death of a family provider.

Originally, this was initiated in 1935 to focus on helping retirees and survivors of a deceased worker. It was only then in 1956, it was expanded to cover disabled workers, if they meet the requirements set by the SSA.

As of now, the RSDI program covers more or less 96% of the occupations in our country. This was brought about by the passage of two laws that compel the workers to pay their Social Security taxes, the Federal Insurance Contribution Act and Self-Employment Contribution Act, in order to finance the program.

In the end of 1999, little less than 45 million beneficiaries were given monthly financial assistance; 62% were retirees, 10% were disabled employees and the rest were those who spouses, children and parents of those retirees, disabled and deceased members.

To become eligible for the Social Security’s RSDI program, an individual must be fully insured based on the rules and criterion of the SSA. This is by working in a covered employment and paying his monthly contributions to acquire a certain number of credits required. Such number of credits is based on his age and the kind of benefit he is applying for.

In cases of applying for RSDI benefits due to disabilities, a claimant’s physical or mental ailment must prevent him from engaging in any "substantial gainful activity" or SGA.

In addition, his incurred impairment either must be expected to last or has already lasted for at least a continuous period of twelve (12) months or expected to result in his death. A claimant’s age, educational attainment, skills and work experiences are also crucial in determining his eligibility, aside from his medical records. However, the SSA implements a more lenient rule for blind workers.

Meanwhile, the filing of a RSDI claim may be done in three ways:

• First, by calling the SSA’s phone number at 1-800-772-1213;

• via their website at http://www.ssa.gov;

• Filing the petition personally at their nearest local office

In either ways, an SSA personnel will be attending to an individual’s Social Security concerns and help him regarding his RSDI claim.

On the other hand, although a worker may file his claim alone, it will also be helpful to seek the aid of an experienced and highly credible Social Security lawyer for proper guidance and representation. This will increase the chances of having a positive result.