Unfortunately for those receiving Social Security Disability benefits, the journy doesn’t end with approval. The Continuing Disability Review (CDR) process continues to evaluate recipients’ ongoing eligibility for years after they’ve been found disabled.
The CDR is a periodic evaluation conducted by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine whether individuals receiving disability benefits still meet the criteria for disability. Its primary goal is to safeguard against fraud and abuse. Recipients are selected for review based on various factors, including medical condition, expected recovery, or the likelihood of improvement.
There are two main types of CDRs: the medical CDR and the work CDR. Medical CDRs assess whether an individual’s medical condition has improved to the point where they can engage in substantial gainful activity, meaning they are no longer eligible for disability benefits. Work CDRs focus on individuals who have returned to work and evaluate their ability to sustain employment and financial independence.
Usually, CDRs just mean updating your medical treatment records with the SSA. In the majority of cases, this is all that is required, and benefits continue uninterrupted. However, in a small number of cases, the SSA may find that your condition has improved and you are now able to return to work. If this happens, you have the right to appeal this decision, and can request a new hearing in your case, but it’s very important to contact a disability attorney as soon as possible to handle an appeal and ensure your benefits continue during this process.
