This review happens periodically to determine ongoing eligibility for benefits
Being approved for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process. Filling out the paperwork, complying with the documentation requests, and going to a hearing (if necessary) can be both demanding and time-consuming. Yet even after you have been approved for benefits, you are still subject to a review process.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is required by law to review the case of every recipient of Social Security disability benefits. This review is called a continuing disability review (CDR). If the SSA determines that you are able to work because your medical or mental health condition has improved, then your benefits will be discontinued.
The CDR process involves the SSA examining your disability (or disabilities) to determine if you still qualify for benefits. If the SSA finds that your impairments no longer qualify you for benefits under the law, then your benefits will be terminated.
According to a California Social Security disability benefits lawyer, the SSA is required to perform a CDR once every 3 years. If you have a medical that isn’t expected to improve, it will review your case once every 7 years. During this process, the SSA will analyze information about your impairment.
People whose impairment is not expected to improve will receive what is known as the “short form,” or the Disability Update Report. This is a 2 page report that you must complete and return to the SSA. If you do not, then you will get the long form Continuing Disability Review Report. In this 10 page report, the SSA will ask for more detailed information about your condition. This may include whether you have been hospitalized in the past year, if you have seen a doctor or had any tests, or if you have worked. The SSA will also examine your living arrangements, income, and other factors.
A typical CDR will take 1 to 3 months to process, provided that you get the short-form Disability Update Report. This scannable form will be used to determine whether the SSA will perform a full CDR. The SSA will usually make this decision within a 1 to 3 month timeframe.
If you receive the longer Continuing Disability Review Report, then the SSA is conducting a CDR. This may occur because of your answers on the short-form mailer, or simply because your condition is expected to improve. After you return the form, the SSA will conduct a full medical review of your case. This may take between 3 and 5 months to complete.
While a CDR can be scary, there is no need to panic if you receive a Continuing Disability Review Report. An experienced California Social Security disability benefits lawyer can work with you to help you answer the questions appropriately, and to put together the necessary evidence to support your claim for ongoing benefits.
PLBH works with individuals throughout California who cannot work due to a disability. We offer support through each stage of the process. With more than 50 years of experience, we understand the system and how to best work with the SSA to increase our clients’ chances of success. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with a seasoned California Social Security disability benefits lawyer, contact our office today at (800) 435-7542 or info@plblaw.com.