The Lowdown on Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR)

According to the law, the SSA must re-evaluate your case from time to time, whether you’re receiving Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. These evaluations are called Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR), which serve the purpose of determining whether you’re still medically eligible for benefits.

If this evaluation determines that your condition has improved enough, you may no longer be eligible for your current program. But fortunately, if your case was solid enough that you were approved for benefits, this re-evaluation process shouldn’t be difficult.

CDRs are conducted at varying times on a case-by-case basis, but typically every 3-7 years. This is determined by the rate at which your medical condition is expected to improve – or if it’s expected to improve at all. Age can also contribute to CDR frequency. They can also be conducted immediately if you go back to work; if you or another individual notify the SSA of any improvements in your condition or that you’re not following prescribed treatments; or if new treatments emerge that could alleviate your medical condition.

When it’s your turn for a CDR, you will either receive a Disability Update Report (SSA-455-OCR-SM) or the Continuing Disability Reviews Report (SSA-454-BK) in the mail from the SSA. These will ask specific questions regarding the treatment and medical evaluation you’ve recently received.

Based on these forms(SSA-454-BK or SSA-455-OCR-SM)  and the understanding that you’ve still been unable to work, the SSA will determine if there’s been any improvement in your condition. Obviously, if the answer to this is no, your benefits will not be affected. If the SSA finds the information insufficient to make a firm decision, they may request a more thorough examination from a healthcare professional they’ve contracted. But if they determine there’s been a change in your ability to work, you will be notified that your benefits will stop and then given the chance to appeal this decision.

If you’re facing a Continuing Disability Reviews or appeal, the experienced Social Security Disability Lawyers of Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, can help. To schedule a 100% free initial consultation, you can contact us by calling (toll-free) 1.877.526.3457 or by sending us a confidential email.