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

A CDR is a routine review conducted by the SSA to determine whether your medical condition still qualifies as disabling under their guidelines. This process:

• Ensures that only eligible individuals continue receiving benefits
• Can occur at varying intervals depending on your condition

2. How Often Are Disability Reviews Conducted?

The frequency of your disability review depends on the nature and severity of your medical condition:

• Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): Review usually occurs every 6-18 months
• Medical Improvement Possible (MIP): Review generally scheduled every 3 years
• Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE): Review typically occurs every 5-7 years

Your approval notice will indicate which category applies to your case.

3. What Triggers a Disability Review?

Besides scheduled reviews, other factors can trigger a CDR, such as:

• Reports of returning to work or earning above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels
• Medical evidence suggesting improvement in your condition
• Completion of vocational rehabilitation programs
• Age milestones, especially when transitioning from child SSI to adult benefits at 18

4. What Happens During a Disability Review?

The review process involves several steps:

A. Receiving the CDR Notice

You will receive a letter from the SSA informing you of your upcoming review. The notice will include the forms required for your review.

B. Completing Disability Forms

You may be asked to complete one of the following forms:

• Short Form (SSA-455): For cases where improvement is unlikely. It asks basic questions about your health and daily activities.
• Long Form (SSA-454): For cases where improvement is possible or expected. This form requires detailed updates on your medical treatments, doctors, medications, and daily limitations.

C. Submitting Updated Medical Evidence

Provide:

• Recent treatment records
• Updated diagnoses or test results
• Doctor statements describing your current limitations and whether your condition has improved

D. Consultative Examinations

If SSA needs further information, they may schedule a consultative examination (CE) with an SSA-appointed doctor to assess your medical status.

5. How Does SSA Decide If Benefits Continue?

SSA evaluates whether:

1. Your condition has medically improved
2. The improvement affects your ability to work

If SSA finds significant medical improvement related to your ability to work, your benefits may be stopped. However, if you continue to meet their disability criteria, your benefits will continue.

6. What If Your Benefits Are Stopped After a Review?

If SSA decides to stop your benefits:

• You will receive a notice explaining the decision and your appeal rights
• You have 60 days to appeal
• If you appeal within 10 days of the notice, your benefits may continue during the appeal process

7. Tips to Prepare for Your Disability Review

To avoid delays or denials during your CDR:

• Continue regular medical treatment and keep appointments
• Maintain updated medical records documenting your condition and functional limitations
• Report any changes in your health, work, or income to SSA promptly
• Respond to SSA notices quickly and complete all forms accurately