The Social Security Administration (SSA) will maintain a continuing disability review for mental illness impairments so long as you are disabled. However, this does not mean your case is constantly being reviewed. This is a natural part of the Social Security Disability benefits process.
We know it’s concerning when you first discover that your benefits claim will periodically be reviewed, but as long as the medical evidence continues to provide proof of your disability, then there is nothing to fear.
However, if you or someone you know believe they wrongfully had their benefits revoked, immediately contact us today so that we can begin working on your case and get you re-approved for benefits.
Need immediate assistance? Complete this FREE evaluation form. There are no upfront costs to work with us. We only receive a fee directly from the Social Security Administration if you win your disability case – no out-of-pocket expense for you!
What is a Continuing Disability Review?
The Social Security Administration periodically reviews your medical impairments to determine if you continue to have a disabling condition. This is defined as a Continuing Disability Review (CDR).
The CDR occurs at least once every 3 years — unless your medical condition is expected to dramatically improve sooner. Otherwise, if your condition is not expected to improve, your case will still be reviewed once every 7 years.
Other Triggers for a CDR
While there are basic CDRs that occur on a timely schedule, the SSA may conduct a CDR if they are notified of any of the following possible changes:
- You are not following prescribed treatment
- Medical evidence indicates that your condition has improved
- You inform the SSA your condition has improved
- You return to work
- A new treatment for your condition has been introduced
How is a CDR Conducted?
If your Social Security Disability claim is up for review, the SSA will notify you by mail along with a form to complete:
- Short form: Disability Update Report
- Long form: Continuing Disability Review Report
The long form asks a series of questions, including whether you have been hospitalized or seen a doctor in the past year, evidence of medical tests, X-rays, etc., and if you have been working.
It is highly recommended that you submit any updated medical evidence to the SSA. The SSA usually reviews the 12-month period before the notice and compares this information with the medical evidence and documents submitted during your application.
If there are no medical improvements in your condition, then your benefits will not be affected.
When the CDR legislation was originally introduced in 1980, it had a particularly harmful impact on those beneficiaries with severe mental illness. Within four years, the SSA stopped all CDRs until a revised law was established, which laid the groundwork for CDRs as we know them today.
Now, the standard is that benefits should be continued if the individual’s condition remains the same or worsens since benefits were initially granted.
Unsure What This Means For You?
If you are not sure how to complete your CDR long form or if you believe that your benefits have been unfairly revoked, let us help you!
We specialize in advocating for Social Security Disability benefits. A helping hand and familiar connection goes a long way in making sure you feel heard and cared for, which is exactly what we do at Disability Apply. Complete this form.