The SSA periodically reviews disability cases to confirm continued eligibility. Here's what to expect and how to prepare.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What triggers a disability review
- The CDR process
- Preparing for your review
- What to do if benefits stop
1. What Triggers a Disability Review
Scheduled reviews (CDR):
- Every 1-7 years typically
- Based on improvement expectations
- Required by law
- Part of normal process
Review frequency:
- Improvement expected: Every 6-18 months
- Improvement possible: Every 3 years
- Improvement not expected: Every 5-7 years
- Depends on your condition
Other triggers:
- Work activity reported
- Medical improvement reported
- Report from others
- Random selection
Work-related reviews:
- If you start working
- To check continued disability
- Especially at SGA level
- Separate from CDR
Important: Getting a CDR notice doesn't mean you'll lose benefits. Most people continue receiving benefits after review.
2. The CDR Process
Initial notice:
- Mailer or form received
- Questionnaire about condition
- Medical treatment history
- Daily activities
Two types of CDRs:
- Medical CDR: Is disability continuing?
- Work CDR: Are you working at SGA?
- Different processes
- Can be combined
Medical CDR steps:
- Complete questionnaire
- SSA gathers medical records
- Disability examiner reviews
- Decision made
Possible outcomes:
- Benefits continue
- Benefits stop (improvement)
- Benefits stop (failure to cooperate)
- Further review needed
3. Preparing for Your Review
Stay in treatment:
- Continue seeing doctors
- Follow treatment plans
- Document your condition
- Keep records
When you get the form:
- Complete thoroughly
- Be honest
- Describe limitations
- Return promptly
Important information:
- All treating doctors
- Medications and side effects
- How condition affects daily life
- Work limitations
Common mistakes:
- Minimizing symptoms
- Missing deadlines
- Incomplete responses
- Not listing all doctors
4. What to Do If Benefits Stop
If you disagree:
- Appeal within 10 days
- Request continued benefits
- Benefits continue during appeal
- Don't delay
Appeal levels:
- Reconsideration
- Administrative Law Judge hearing
- Appeals Council
- Federal court
Getting help:
- Disability attorney
- Legal aid
- Advocacy organizations
- Free consultations available
Preparing appeal:
- Gather new evidence
- Get doctor statements
- Document your condition
- Explain why decision wrong
During the Review
What they look at:
- Has condition improved?
- Can you work now?
- Are you following treatment?
- What does evidence show?
Medical improvement standard:
- Benefits can only stop if
- Medical condition improved AND
- You can now work
- High bar to meet
Your responsibilities:
- Respond timely
- Provide information
- Attend appointments
- Keep treating condition
Rights during review:
- See your file
- Submit evidence
- Have representation
- Appeal decisions
Protecting Your Benefits
Ongoing:
- Maintain treatment
- Keep records
- Report accurately
- Respond promptly
Document everything:
- Medical appointments
- Symptoms and limitations
- Daily challenges
- Treatment effects
If concerned:
- Talk to your doctor
- Get supporting statements
- Know your rights
- Seek help early
How Purple Helps
- Track medical expenses
- Organize financial records
- Document your situation
- Stay organized
- Manage your benefits