How the SSA Reviews Your Disability Case: What You Need to Know

Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) isn’t always permanent. The Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts periodic Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to determine if you still qualify for benefits. Understanding how these reviews work can help you prepare and avoid unnecessary benefit interruptions.

This guide explains the CDR process, timelines, what triggers a review, and how to prepare.

1. What is a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)?

A Continuing Disability Review (CDR) is an SSA process used to assess whether a person still meets the medical and non-medical criteria for disability benefits. The review determines if your condition has improved enough for you to return to work.

There are two types of CDRs:

• Medical CDR: Evaluates whether your disability has improved.

• Work-Related CDR: Determines if earnings from work exceed SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold ($1,620/month in 2025, $2,700 for blind individuals).

2. How Often Does SSA Review Disability Cases?

The frequency of CDRs depends on the likelihood of medical improvement:

• Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): Reviewed every 6 to 18 months.

• Medical Improvement Possible (MIP): Reviewed every 3 to 7 years.

• Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE): Reviewed every 5 to 7 years (for severe conditions unlikely to improve).

If you receive a CDR notice, you must respond promptly to continue receiving benefits.

3. What Triggers a Disability Review?

A CDR can be triggered by:

• Routine medical review schedule based on your disability classification.

• Returning to work or increased earnings beyond the SGA limit.

• Medical evidence suggesting improvement from new doctor reports.

• Failure to follow prescribed treatment that could improve your condition.

• Being flagged by a data match (e.g., tax records showing earnings).

4. What to Expect During a CDR

Step 1: Receiving a CDR Notice

SSA sends a short-form or long-form disability review notice.

• Short Form (SSA-455): Sent when SSA expects no medical improvement. It asks for basic updates on your condition.

• Long Form (SSA-454): Sent if SSA needs detailed medical and work history.

Step 2: Providing Medical and Work History

SSA may request:

• Recent doctor visits, treatments, and hospitalizations.

• Medications and their impact on your condition.

• Work activity, if any, and income records.

Step 3: SSA Decision

After reviewing your case, SSA will either:

• Continue benefits (if your disability remains severe).

• Schedule a consultative exam (if more information is needed).

• Terminate benefits (if SSA determines you can work).

If your benefits are denied, you have the right to appeal the decision within 60 days.

5. How to Prepare for a CDR

To increase your chances of a successful review:

• Keep medical records updated and maintain regular doctor visits.

• Follow prescribed treatments and document any side effects.

• Track symptoms and limitations that affect daily activities.

• Report changes in work or income honestly to SSA.

• Keep copies of past CDR reports and SSA communications.

6. What to Do If Your Benefits Are Denied

If SSA terminates your benefits after a CDR, you can:

1. File an appeal within 60 days.

2. Request benefit continuation (must be done within 10 days of notice).

3. Gather new medical evidence to support your claim.

4. Seek legal assistance from disability advocates or attorneys.

Stay on Top of CDRs with Purple

A CDR doesn’t have to be stressful. Purple helps you track medical records, monitor earnings, and stay compliant with SSA rules to avoid benefit disruptions.

Get started with Purple today and stay prepared for your next disability review!