What if the Social Security Administration (SSA) contacts you to review your case after you are approved for disability benefits? This happens occasionally and is called a Continuing Disability Review (CDR).
What does CDR really mean?
one Continuing Disability Review (CDR) Doesn't automatically mean you'll lose benefits – but it does mean The SSA is re-evaluating whether your condition still meets the criteria for a disability. These exams are routine, usually every 3 to 7 years, depending on your age, condition and likelihood of improvement.
If the SSA thinks your health has improved enough to return to work, or they find flaws in your medical records, they may try to terminate your benefits. that's why Being proactive with medical documentation and ongoing care is critical.
🎥 Watch our related video: Will Social Security take away your benefits?
Here are four things you should know about CDRs
- If someone contacts you, the SSA will try to cancel your benefits.
- Please cooperate in time. Don’t ignore this or wait for a response.
- You should know what disability or combination of disabilities you are considered disabled by.
- The first question the SSA asks you is “Are you better off, worse off, or the same?” If you say you're doing better, you've set up a case for a full review. The best answer is to say you had it worse and provide the SSA with your additional disabilities and a detailed list of doctors and hospitals that treated you for both your old disability and your new disability.
Here are some other things worth noting:
Losing the advantages of SSD
Once you lose your benefits, it's hard to get them back. The older you are, the less likely you are to be scrutinized. The younger you are, the more likely it is that the SSA will contact you to request a CDR.
Why younger people are scrutinized more often
The SSA considers younger individuals to have a higher potential for recovery or improvement, so they schedule audits more frequently. However, that doesn’t mean you’re at fault—it’s just the way the SSA allocates its review resources. If you are under 50 and have a disability, you can expect to have tests more frequently than someone in their 60s.
SSD case review
In some cases, the judge hearing your case has told the SSA that your case should be reviewed within a certain number of years. The SSA can review your case as many times as you need. The number of case reviews SSA conducts in a year depends on the funds set aside for this purpose. The SSA has been out of money for years, and many cases have not been reviewed at all.
When your clients receive CDR notices, we've been helping them fill out the paperwork to avoid the risk of losing benefits. We offer this service to customers only.
Reply to review notification
If you receive a CDR packet via email, Don’t panic – but don’t procrastinate. You usually have about 30 days to fill out and return the form. It is critical that your answers are accurate, consistent, and supported by medical evidence. Even small mistakes or missing documentation can raise red flags.
If you are a Good Law Group client, our team can help you fill out these forms carefully and correctly to minimize the risk of your benefits ending.
Disability Scheduling and Medical Care
If the SSA notifies you that they have decided to cancel your benefits, you have 60 days to appeal. If you file an appeal within the first 10 days, SSA will not stop your benefits while the appeal process is ongoing.
The important thing to remember is SSA is seeking current and ongoing medical treatment for the condition that causes your disability. If you have a new condition/disability, do not let it prevent you from getting the treatment you need for the old disability you were found to have. If you stop seeking treatment from one doctor (especially a specialist), you need to find another specialist in the same field. Don't wait more than two or three months. SSA does not want to see disparities in care.
Why ongoing medical care is important
Regular medical visits and updated treatment records show SSA that your condition is still serious and requires treatment. If your medical record shows a long period of absence from care, the SSA may consider your condition to have improved, even if that is not the case. Keep every appointment and if you must change doctors, immediately find another provider in the same specialty.
Work Plans and Your SSDI Benefits
Finally, you should know that the SSA has many programs to get you back to work (such as the “Trial Work Period” program, the “Ticket to Work” program, and allowing you to work part-time). The SSA may work against you if you participate in these programs. I heard the judge say that if you can work part time, you can work full time.
Learn about SSA job incentives
SSA plans such as Trial construction period and Work ticket Designed to encourage people to re-enter the labor market. However, involvement can sometimes complicate your claim. Even part-time employment may cause the SSA to question your continued eligibility. Before getting involved, talk to a disability attorney to understand how it will impact your case.
Get help from Good Law Group
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exist Good Law Groupour disability attorneys have extensive experience handling ongoing disability reviews and appeals. If your benefits are at risk or you receive a review notice, we can guide you through the process and protect your rights.
📞 Call (847) 577-4476 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Continuing Disability Review
What is a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)?
A CDR is a periodic review conducted by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine whether you still meet the medical requirements for disability benefits. The SSA will review your medical records, work activities, and overall health to confirm that your condition still causes a disability.
How often do CDRs occur?
Usually every 3 to 7 years, depending on the SSA's assessment of your condition and the likelihood of improvement. Younger individuals or those whose health is expected to improve will be tested more frequently.
What happens if my benefits are terminated?
While your appeal is being processed, you have 60 days to file an appeal and 10 days to request that your benefits continue. Good Law Group can help you file an appeal and provide strong evidence to protect your interests.
How do I prepare for CDR?
Maintain consistent medical care, update your medical records, and keep detailed documentation from doctors and specialists. If you receive an audit notice, contact an attorney immediately to help ensure that your paperwork is accurate and complete.
Protect your disability benefits with Good Law Group
If you receive a CDR notice or your benefits are at risk, don't face it alone.
Let the experienced team at Good Law Group guide you through the process, file your appeal, and help you protect the benefits you deserve.
📞 Call us at (847) 577-4476 or contact us online today.
