1. What is a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)?

A Continuing Disability Review (CDR) is the SSA’s process to evaluate whether your medical condition still qualifies you for benefits. These reviews ensure that only individuals who remain disabled continue to receive benefits.

2. When Are Disability Reviews Conducted?

The frequency of your CDR depends on the nature and severity of your condition:

• Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): Review typically every 6 to 18 months
• Medical Improvement Possible (MIP): Review approximately every 3 years
• Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE): Review every 5 to 7 years

Your approval notice will indicate how often the SSA plans to review your case.

3. How Will You Be Notified of a Review?

You will receive a notification letter by mail indicating that your case is up for review. This letter will explain:

• The purpose of the review
• The forms you must complete
• The deadline for submitting documentation

4. Types of Disability Reviews

A. Short Form Review (Mailer) – SSA-455

• What it is: A brief questionnaire asking about recent medical treatment, work activity, and changes in your condition
• Outcome: If there is no indication of medical improvement, your benefits continue without further review

B. Long Form Review (Full Medical Review) – SSA-454

• What it is: A detailed Continuing Disability Review Report requiring extensive medical and functional information
• What’s included:
• Recent doctor visits, hospitalizations, or treatments
• Changes in your daily activities or symptoms
• Medications and treatment compliance
• Outcome: The SSA may request your medical records and could send you for a Consultative Exam (CE) with a contracted doctor if more evidence is needed

5. What Happens During a Full Medical Review?

During a full CDR:

• A Disability Determination Services (DDS) examiner reviews your medical records and functional limitations
• Your treating doctors may be contacted for updated information
• If additional information is needed, you may be required to attend a Consultative Exam to assess your current medical status
• The DDS determines whether you continue to meet SSA’s definition of disability

6. Possible Outcomes of a Disability Review

After your CDR is complete, you will receive a written notice indicating:

• Benefits Continued: If your medical condition has not improved enough to allow work, your benefits continue
• Benefits Terminated: If the SSA determines that your condition has improved and you are capable of engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA), your benefits may stop

7. If Your Benefits Are Terminated

If you disagree with the SSA’s decision to terminate your benefits:

• You can appeal within 60 days of receiving the notice
• You may request that your benefits continue during the appeals process, but you must file your appeal within 10 days of receiving the termination notice to keep payments going during your appeal

8. How to Prepare for a Disability Review

To protect your benefits during a CDR:

• Continue regular medical treatment with all providers
• Keep detailed records of your symptoms, limitations, and treatments
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations and document treatment compliance
• Respond to SSA review forms promptly and completely