If you receive SSI based on a disability, Social Security will periodically review your case to determine whether you still meet the medical criteria for benefits. This process—called a Continuing Disability Review, or CDR—can feel stressful, but understanding what to expect and how to prepare can make a real difference in the outcome.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What a Continuing Disability Review is and why it happens
- How often SSA conducts CDRs
- What SSA is looking for during the review
- How to respond to the CDR questionnaire
- What happens if SSA decides you're no longer disabled
- How to appeal an unfavorable CDR decision
What Is a CDR?
A Continuing Disability Review is SSA's process for checking whether your medical condition has improved enough that you no longer meet the definition of disability. It's different from an SSI redetermination, which focuses on your financial eligibility (income and resources). A CDR is all about your medical condition.
SSA conducts CDRs because some disabilities improve over time—and the law requires periodic reviews to ensure that only people who continue to meet the disability standard receive benefits.
How Often Do CDRs Happen?
The frequency depends on the nature of your disability. If SSA classified your condition as "medical improvement expected" at the time of your approval, your first review could come as early as 6 to 18 months after benefits begin. For conditions where improvement is "possible", reviews typically happen every 3 years. For conditions where improvement is "not expected", reviews may occur every 5 to 7 years.
In practice, the timing can vary based on SSA's workload and funding. Some people go longer between reviews, while others may be scheduled sooner. You'll receive a notice in the mail when it's time for your review.
What SSA Looks For
The core question in a CDR is whether your medical condition has improved since you were last found disabled. SSA uses a process called the medical improvement standard, which means they can only find you no longer disabled if there has been medical improvement that relates to your ability to work.
This is an important protection—SSA can't simply re-evaluate your case from scratch using today's standards. They have to show that something has actually changed about your condition. If your health is the same or has gotten worse, you should continue to qualify.
How to Prepare
When SSA initiates a CDR, they'll typically send you a questionnaire (the "Disability Update Report" or SSA-455). This form asks about your current medical condition, treatments, daily activities, and any changes since your last review.
Be honest and thorough in your responses. Describe your worst days, not your best. If your condition fluctuates, explain that. List all of your treating doctors, therapists, and specialists, along with their contact information—SSA will request your medical records from these providers.
Keep your medical records up to date by maintaining regular appointments with your healthcare providers. Gaps in treatment can make it look like your condition has improved when it may simply mean you couldn't afford care or had transportation barriers.
Consider writing a detailed statement about how your disability affects your daily life. Include specifics: what tasks you struggle with, how long you can stand or sit, what medications you take and their side effects, how often you need help from others, and anything else that paints a clear picture of your limitations.
If SSA Finds You're No Longer Disabled
If SSA determines your condition has improved and you no longer meet the disability standard, your benefits will be stopped. But you have the right to appeal this decision, and it's critical to act quickly.
You have 60 days to request an appeal. If you file within 10 days of receiving the notice, you can elect to continue receiving benefits while your appeal is pending (though you may have to repay those benefits if your appeal is unsuccessful).
The appeals process includes reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further levels if needed. Many people who are initially found no longer disabled win their benefits back on appeal—especially at the hearing level.
Preparing for a CDR is easier when your financial house is in order. Purple gives SSI recipients the tools to manage their benefits, track their resources, and focus on what matters most—their health and wellbeing.