What Is a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)?

A Continuing Disability Review is an evaluation conducted by the SSA to determine whether you still meet the medical requirements for disability benefits. The SSA may also review your case if you start working or if there are changes in your medical or financial situation.

CDRs apply to both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients.

How Often Does the SSA Review Disability Cases?

The frequency of your review depends on the likelihood of your medical condition improving. Here’s how the SSA typically classifies and schedules reviews:

• Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): If the SSA expects that your condition will improve, your case may be reviewed every 6 to 18 months.
• Medical Improvement Possible (MIP): If improvement is possible but not certain, reviews are usually scheduled every 3 years.
• Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE): If your condition is unlikely to improve, reviews typically occur every 5 to 7 years.

These timelines are not fixed, and the SSA can initiate a review at any time if they receive information suggesting your condition may have improved or if you return to work.

What Triggers a Review Outside the Regular Schedule?

Some events can prompt a CDR sooner than expected:

• Returning to Work or earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit
• Changes in your medical condition, reported by doctors or third parties
• Not following prescribed treatment or failing to follow up with medical care
• Inconsistencies in your reported limitations compared to daily activities or medical records

What Happens During a Disability Review?

During a CDR, the SSA will:

• Request updated medical records from your healthcare providers
• Send questionnaires for you and your doctors to complete
• Possibly schedule a consultative exam with an SSA doctor if more information is needed

If the SSA finds that your condition has improved enough for you to return to work, they may stop your benefits. However, if your condition has not improved, your benefits will continue.

How to Prepare for a Disability Review

Here’s how to stay ready for a review and protect your benefits:

• Keep regular doctor appointments and follow your treatment plan
• Maintain up-to-date medical records
• Report any changes in your condition or living/work situation to the SSA
• Keep copies of everything you send to the SSA

Being prepared and organized can make the review process go more smoothly and reduce the risk of a wrongful termination of benefits.