What to Expect During a Continuing Disability Review

Few things are certain in life, but if you receive SSI or SSDI benefits, you will certainly have a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) at some point.

What is a Continuing Disability Review?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is required to periodically check to make sure beneficiaries still have a disabling condition and are being paid the correct benefit amount. They will also check to see if you are still meeting the non-medical requirements. If Social Security determines that you no longer have a disabling condition that prevents you from working, your benefits will stop. This can sound scary, but most people don’t lose their benefits. Everyone who receives disability benefits will have a CDR (or several!).

How Often Will I Have a Continuing Disability Review?

Social Security will decide how often they are going to conduct a CDR. People with conditions SSA expects will improve will have more frequent reviews than people whose condition Social Security does not expect to improve. You can expect to have a CDR at least every seven years, but your first review could be as soon as six months after your disability began if Social Security expects your condition to improve. Your Notice of Award letter will tell you how often you can expect to have a CDR. Social Security will reach out to you when they’re ready to conduct the review; you don’t need to reach out to them even if your review is past due.

What Can I Expect During a Continuing Disability Review?

When Social Security starts a CDR, they will send you a letter letting you know it’s time for your review and a Continuing Disability Review Report or a Disability Update Report and ask you to fill it out. Provide as many details as you can when filling out these reports.

The Disability Update Report has seven questions that will ask about your work activity and health. The Continuing Disability Review Report is more detailed and asks for information about:

• Demographics
• Someone they can contact who knows about your condition
• Medical treatments, including the names of your providers
• Work activity
• Support services you receive
• Any education or training you’ve received since your last review
• How your condition affects your daily activities

You will also need to gather and submit your medical records for any medications you are taking and all tests and treatments you’ve received since your last review (or since you applied for benefits if this is your first review). It’s a good idea to gather these records before you fill out the Disability Update Report or Continuing Disability Review Report so they can help you answer the questions.

To show that you still meet the non-medical requirements, you will need your pay stubs or tax returns if you are working. If you receive SSI, you will also need to provide proof of income for any other income you have (like unemployment benefits or worker’s compensation), bank account information, proof of any other resources, and proof of household costs (like a lease or mortgage information).

You have 30 days to complete and return the forms and records, but it’s best to respond as soon as possible. If you don’t respond, your benefits may stop.

After you submit your forms and records, Social Security will review them and decide if your condition has improved and if they think you are able to return to work. They will use the medical records you provided to help them make this decision. If they need more information to make a decision, they may request additional information from you or have you meet with one of their doctors for an exam. If they decide you still have a disabling condition that prevents you from working, your benefits will continue.

What if Social Security Determines I’ve Improved?

If Social Security determines your disabling condition has improved and you’re able to work, they will stop your benefits. Your benefits may also stop if you aren’t following the treatment plan your doctor recommended and if following that plan would allow you to improve enough to return to work.

Social Security will also review your income, resources, and living arrangements to make sure you still meet the non-medical requirements. If you no longer meet the non-medical requirements, your benefits will stop.

If your benefits do end and you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal. Northwest Access Fund is not able to provide support with appeals, and we recommend seeking legal assistance to guide you through that process.

CDRs can be stressful, but remember most people don’t lose their benefits. If you have a CDR coming up, reach out for help!