After you're approved for disability benefits, Social Security periodically reviews your case to see if you still qualify. This is called a Continuing Disability Review (CDR). Here's what to expect.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What a CDR is
- When CDRs happen
- How to prepare for a CDR
- What happens during the review
- What to do if benefits stop
1. What a CDR Is
The purpose:
- SSA checks if you're still disabled
- Determines if benefits should continue
- Required by law
- Happens to everyone on disability
What they're looking for:
- Medical improvement
- Ability to work
- Changes in your condition
- Whether you still meet disability criteria
Two types:
- Medical CDR: Focuses on your health
- Work CDR: Triggered by work activity
2. When CDRs Happen
Frequency depends on your condition:
- Expected to improve: Every 6-18 months
- Possible improvement: Every 3 years
- Not expected to improve: Every 5-7 years
Your diary date:
- Set when you're approved
- Determines review schedule
- Based on medical expectations
- Can be found on your award letter
What triggers a CDR:
- Scheduled diary date arrives
- You report medical improvement
- You return to work
- Someone reports you're no longer disabled
- Random selection
Important: Staying in treatment shows you're still dealing with your condition. Don't stop seeing doctors.
3. How to Prepare for a CDR
Keep up with treatment:
- See doctors regularly
- Follow prescribed treatments
- Don't stop medications without discussing with doctor
- Document ongoing symptoms
Keep records:
- List of all doctors and treatment dates
- Medications and dosages
- Hospitalizations
- Changes in your condition
Be honest but complete:
- Report your worst days, not just good days
- Explain how disability affects daily life
- Include mental health symptoms
- Describe all limitations
Gather supporting evidence:
- Doctor's statements about your limitations
- Test results
- Treatment notes
- Statements from family or caregivers
4. What Happens During the Review
The process:
- SSA sends you a form (usually SSA-454 or SSA-455)
- You provide medical and personal information
- SSA may request records from your doctors
- May send you for consultative exam
- Decision is made
The forms:
- Short form (SSA-455): Mailer with basic questions
- Long form (SSA-454): Detailed questionnaire
- Which one depends on your case
Consultative exams:
- SSA may schedule you for exam
- With their chosen doctor
- Attend and be thorough
- Describe your limitations honestly
Timeline:
- Process takes several months
- Benefits continue during review
- You'll receive written decision
- Can appeal if unfavorable
5. What to Do If Benefits Stop
If SSA decides you've improved:
- Benefits will stop
- You'll receive notice
- You have appeal rights
- Act quickly
Appeal options:
- Request reconsideration within 60 days
- Request disability hearing
- Benefits may continue during appeal (if requested within 10 days)
Requesting continued benefits:
- Must request within 10 days of decision
- Benefits continue while you appeal
- If you lose, may owe money back
- Weigh the risks
The "Medical Improvement" standard:
- SSA must prove your condition improved
- AND that you can now work
- Not just that you're no longer on their list
- They can't just re-evaluate with higher standard
Getting help:
- Consider disability attorney
- Legal aid organizations
- Disability advocates
- Don't go through appeals alone
During the Review
Do:
- Respond promptly to all requests
- Provide complete information
- Keep copies of everything you send
- Continue treatment
Don't:
- Ignore CDR notices
- Exaggerate or minimize symptoms
- Stop seeing doctors
- Miss any scheduled exams
How Purple Helps
While Purple can't help with the CDR process itself, we support your financial management:
- Track your benefits during the review
- Early access to deposits while you wait
- Clear records for any financial questions
- Stable banking throughout the process