Getting a letter from Social Security saying it's time for a disability review can feel alarming, especially if you depend on your benefits to cover basic living expenses. But a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) doesn't automatically mean you'll lose your benefits. Understanding what the process involves and how to prepare can help you approach it with confidence instead of anxiety.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What a Continuing Disability Review is and why Social Security conducts them
- How often you can expect to be reviewed
- The different types of reviews and what each involves
- How to prepare for your disability review
- What happens if Social Security decides your disability has improved
- Your rights to appeal if your benefits are stopped
What Is a Continuing Disability Review?
A Continuing Disability Review is Social Security's way of checking whether you still meet the medical criteria for disability benefits. Both SSI and SSDI recipients are subject to CDRs, and they're a normal, expected part of receiving disability benefits — not a sign that something is wrong.
Social Security conducts these reviews because some medical conditions improve over time. The agency wants to make sure that the people receiving disability benefits are still disabled according to their standards. The standard they use during a CDR is called medical improvement — they're looking at whether your condition has gotten better since the last time they evaluated you.
It's important to understand that the standard for a CDR is different from the standard used in your original disability application. During a CDR, Social Security has to show that your condition has improved, whereas during your initial application, you had to show that you were disabled. This distinction works in your favor.
How Often Are Reviews Conducted?
The frequency of your CDR depends on how Social Security categorized your disability when they approved your claim. There are three categories.
If your condition was classified as "medical improvement expected", you'll typically be reviewed within 6 to 18 months after your benefits start. This category is used for conditions that are likely to improve, such as certain injuries or acute illnesses.
If your condition falls under "medical improvement possible", you'll be reviewed roughly every three years. Many disability recipients fall into this category.
If your condition is considered "medical improvement not expected" — which applies to conditions like severe intellectual disability, degenerative diseases, or certain permanent conditions — you'll typically be reviewed every five to seven years.
Social Security will let you know which category your case falls into, and you can also ask your local office if you're not sure.
Types of Reviews
Social Security uses two main approaches for CDRs. The first is a short-form review, which is a questionnaire (called a Disability Update Report or Mailer) that asks about your medical treatment, any changes in your condition, and your daily activities. If your answers indicate your condition hasn't improved, Social Security may conclude the review right there without requiring a full medical evaluation.
The second is a full medical review, which involves a more thorough evaluation of your medical records and may require you to attend a consultative examination with a doctor Social Security selects. A full review is more involved, but it still follows the medical improvement standard.
Social Security may also conduct a redetermination, which is different from a CDR. Redeterminations are for SSI recipients and focus on your financial eligibility — your income and resources — rather than your medical condition. If you're on SSI, you might experience both CDRs and redeterminations at different times.
How to Prepare
Preparation can make a significant difference in how smoothly your review goes. Here's what helps.
Stay current with your medical treatment. Continuing to see your doctors and following prescribed treatment plans creates an ongoing record of your condition. If you haven't seen a doctor in a while, Social Security might interpret that as a sign that your condition has improved — even if the real reason is that you couldn't afford the appointment.
Keep records of your medical providers, medications, test results, and hospitalizations. When Social Security asks for this information, you'll want to have it ready. Include the names, addresses, and phone numbers of every doctor, therapist, or specialist who has treated you.
Document how your disability affects your daily life. Social Security wants to know about your functional limitations — what you can and can't do because of your condition. If you have difficulty with things like cooking, cleaning, dressing, concentrating, or getting along with others, make note of that.
Respond promptly to any forms or requests from Social Security. Missing deadlines can complicate your case and potentially result in a temporary suspension of benefits.
What If Social Security Finds Medical Improvement?
If Social Security determines that your condition has medically improved to the point where you can work, they'll send you a notice explaining their decision and letting you know that your benefits will stop.
This doesn't have to be the end of the road. You have the right to appeal the decision, and you can request that your benefits continue during the appeal process. This is called continuing benefits pending appeal (sometimes referred to as "benefit continuation"), and you generally need to request it within 10 days of receiving the cessation notice.
The appeal process has several levels: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, review by the Appeals Council, and federal court review. Many cases that are denied at the initial level are overturned at the hearing stage, so it's worth pursuing an appeal if you believe your condition hasn't truly improved.
Consider working with a disability attorney or advocate if your benefits are at stake. Many disability attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your appeal.
Disability reviews are a normal part of receiving benefits — and being financially organized helps you focus on what matters. Purple's checking account is designed for SSI and SSDI recipients, helping you manage your finances while you navigate the review process.