A continuing disability review (CDR) is a process by which Social Security analyzes your medical impairments to determine if you continue to be disabled in order to keep receiving benefits. If Social Security determines that your condition has improved and you are no longer disabled, then your benefits will terminate. The time frame for when CDRs are conducted by Social Security vary. If medical improvement is expected, Social Security will review your claim 6 to 18 months. If medical improvement is possible, Social Security will review the claim every 3 years. If medical improvement is not expected, Social Security will review the claim every 5 to 7 years. Additionally, after a hearing, a judge may award a case with a specific time frame for a CDR. For example, the judge may award you disability but set your case for a CDR in 12 months.
To conduct the CDR, Social Security will reach out to you to obtain nay updated information about your condition. This means if you are selected for a CDR, you will receive written notice from Social Security along with certain forms to fill out and return. This means you will have to be prepared to give Social Security various information regarding your claim as well as updates on your medical conditions and treatment. To prepare for a possible CDR, you should keep all documents you get or send to Social Security, keep a list of all ongoing medical treatment, and always inform Social Security of any changes in your information (address, phone number, etc.). Overall, just because you receive a CDR notice does not mean Social Security will automatically terminate your benefits. If you can show that you still have the medical condition that is keeping you from working and that you are under ongoing medical care, your benefits will likely continue. If you do get notice your benefits will be ending after a CDR, you should consider contacting an experienced law firm to understand your rights to appeal this decision.
Reference Link:https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-cdrs-ussi.htm
