How long does a disability redetermination take?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/25/2025
If you receive Social Security Disability benefits, you may be selected for a disability redetermination, which is the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) way of checking if you’re still eligible. One of the biggest questions people have is: “How long does it take?”
The answer depends on
your type of benefits, the
complexity of your case, and how quickly you respond to SSA requests.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical timeline and what to expect.
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Types of Redeterminations and Their Timelines
Medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR)
This is done to verify whether your medical condition still qualifies as a disability.
- Short-form CDR (mail-in):
- Usually completed in 1 to 3 months
- Often used for individuals with disabilities not expected to improve
- Long-form CDR (full review):
- Can take 6 to 12 months, depending on how quickly records are submitted and evaluated
- Involves gathering medical records, possibly scheduling consultative exams, and detailed SSA review
SSI Redetermination (Financial Review)
For those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the SSA reviews financial eligibility.
- Typically takes 1 to 3 months
- Requires submission of income, asset, and living situation documentation
- May involve an in-person or phone interview
Factors That Affect How Long It Takes
How Quickly You Respond
If you delay sending in required documents or miss appointments, the process will slow down—or even stop.
Medical Evidence and Records
Waiting on your healthcare providers to send in records can delay your review. If records are missing or outdated, SSA might schedule additional exams, extending the timeline.
SSA Workload
SSA office backlogs or staffing shortages can also contribute to delays—even if your paperwork is complete.
What to Do While You Wait
- Continue all medical treatments and keep appointments
- Track communication with SSA
- Check your SSA online account regularly for updates
- Respond immediately to any SSA letters or forms
How Hogan Smith Can Help You
A disability redetermination doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. At Hogan Smith, we help clients navigate redeterminations efficiently and with confidence.
We can assist you by:
- Making sure all your documents are submitted correctly and on time
- Communicating with your medical providers for faster record submission
- Helping you prepare for interviews or SSA medical evaluations
- Following up on your case to avoid unnecessary delays
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’ve received notice of a disability redetermination—or want help staying prepared—contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. We’ll walk with you through the entire process and help you maintain the benefits you’ve worked so hard to secure.
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