Individuals in Indiana and around the country receive Social Security Disability benefits when they suffer injuries or develop illnesses that prevent them from working. To ensure that benefits are only paid to individuals who are unable to earn a living, the Social Security Administration conducts what are known as Continuing Disability Reviews. During a CDR, a medical examiner and a disability consultant determine whether a recipient’s medical situation has improved since their claim was approved or last reviewed.
CDR review documents
If you are receiving Social Security Disability benefits and your case is selected for a CDR, you will be asked to provide the Social Security Administration with details about any income you have earned, the names of your doctors and a list of the hospitals and clinics where you received treatment. If the reviewers feel that you may be able to return to work, you will probably be asked to undergo a medical examination at the Social Security Administration’s expense.
How often are disability claims reviewed?
The Social Security Administration schedules CDRs based on how disabilities are categorized when claims are approved. If officials conclude that a medical condition is likely to improve, CDRs are scheduled from six to 18 months after a claim is approved. If medical improvement is considered possible, cases are reviewed every three years or so. If a disability is thought to be permanent, at least seven years will pass before a review is scheduled.
Dealing with a CDR
If you receive Social Security Disability benefits, your case will likely be reviewed from time to time. When this happens, you will be asked to provide the agency with information about your medial treatment and income. Reviews are usually fairly straightforward, but your benefits could be stopped if your medial condition has improved significantly or your monthly income exceeds established limits.