What to Expect During a Disability Redetermination Interview

The SSA may conduct your interview in person, by phone, or by mail. During the interview, they will review:

• Medical condition updates since your initial approval or last review.
• Current treatments, medications, and doctor visits.
• Income and resources (for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients).
• Daily living activities and ability to work.
• The goal is to determine whether your condition still qualifies as disabling under SSA rules.

Steps to Prepare for Your Disability Redetermination Interview

Update Your Medical Records

• Gather recent medical records, including doctor visit summaries, hospital stays, surgeries, test results, and any therapy notes.
• List all current medications and dosages.
• Ask your doctors for updated medical opinions regarding your condition and limitations.

List Your Medical Providers

• Create a list of all doctors, specialists, clinics, and hospitals you’ve visited since your last review.
• Include their names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of visits.

Review Your Daily Activities

• Be ready to explain how your disability affects your daily life.
• Think about what tasks you can no longer do or need help with, such as cooking, cleaning, driving, or working.

Gather Employment and Income Information

• If you’ve worked or had any earnings since your last review, collect pay stubs, employer contact information, and work history.
• If you receive any other income (such as workers’ compensation, pensions, or other benefits), have that information ready.

Prepare Financial Records (SSI Only)

• If you receive SSI, the SSA will also review your assets and resources.
• Bring or have available bank statements, property ownership documents, and information about vehicles and other assets.

Be Honest and Consistent

• Always provide truthful and consistent information.
• If you’re unsure of an answer during the interview, it’s better to say so than to guess.

Stay Organized

• Keep all your documents neatly organized in a folder or binder.
• Make copies of everything you submit to the SSA.

Common Questions You May Be Asked

• Have there been any changes in your medical condition?
• Are you seeing any new doctors or taking new medications?
• Have you returned to work?
• How does your condition impact your daily life?