Continuing Disability Review: What to Know and Your Rights

If you have been awarded disability benefits, it is important to be aware that Social Security will periodically review your case to determine whether you continue be medically disabled under the standard. This process is called “continuing disability review” (CDR). During the CDR, Social Security may also review your financial situation to ensure you still meet financial requirements of certain benefits. This financial review would apply to those receiving only SSI. Moreover, if Social Security finds that your medical condition has improved, you will receive written notice saying your benefits will stop. If you disagree with this decision, you do have the right to appeal the termination. You may fill out the “Request for Reconsideration – Disability Cessation” form. This request must be done within 60 days of the date on the notice, or you must have good reason to make a late request. To continuing receiving your monthly benefits while Social Security decides your appeal, you must request reconsideration within 10 days of the date on the notice. If Social Security denies you on reconsideration, you may then request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This request for hearing must be made within 60 days of the date of the reconsideration denial notice. Again, to continue receiving benefits until your hearing date, your request for hearing must be made within 10 days of the date of the reconsideration denial notice. Overall, hiring an experienced law firm to help you know your rights, navigate this CDR process, and even prepare for your hearing is crucial when your benefits are at stake