How to Pass a Continuing Disability Review

If you receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), you will periodically be subject to a continuing disability review (CDR). These reviews are used to determine whether you still meet the criteria for disability payments.

Passing a CDR doesn’t have to be stressful. Truthfully, the biggest hurdle you faced was getting approved for benefits in the first place. However, you should always prepare for your CDR. You don’t want a single slip-up to jeopardize the disability benefits you deserve.

Questions about preparing for a continuing disability review? An experienced Arizona SSD attorney from Matt Fendon Law Group can answer your questions in a free consultation. Call or contact us today.

What is a Continuing Disability Review?

The Social Security Administration must conduct a continuing disability review (CDR) at least once every three years. The administration uses CDRs to determine whether you still qualify for disability benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If the SSA finds you no longer have a disability, your benefits will end.

CDRs for individuals with disabilities with no chance of improvement occur less frequently, usually once every five to seven years.

Continuing Disability Review Process

When it comes time for your CDR, the Social Security Administration will request updated information regarding your disability or condition. You will provide this information using the SSA’s Continuing Disability Review Report or the Disability Update Report.

During the review, the SSA may complete a “redetermination.” This is a reevaluation of your current earnings, assets, and living situation to confirm whether or not you still meet the non-medical qualifications for SSI benefits. The administration may also adjust your payment if it determines you are receiving the incorrect amount.

Do I Need to Prepare for a CDR?

It’s essential to prepare for an upcoming CDR. Take these steps to ensure that you are ready when it’s time to review your disability benefits:

• Make copies of the documentation you submit to the SSA every time you go through a continuing disability review. This will provide you with a guide as you complete your next CDR.
• Maintain an active relationship with your physician and specialists. Continue with all disability-related medical treatment plans. Ask your doctor how to get copies of your medical records to show your compliance.
• If you moved since the last CDR, ensure that the Social Security Administration is aware of the address change. The SSA may stop your benefits if you don’t get the notification and fail to complete your CDR on time.

How are CDRs for Children Conducted?

A continuing disability review for disabled children shares some similarities with adult CDRs. If your child is disabled but is expected to improve over time, the SSA will conduct a CDR at least once every three years. Children living with permanent disabilities may also be subject to a recurring CDR depending on the circumstances.

For children considered disabled due to a low birth weight, the SSA will generally require the child to undergo a CDR before their first birthday. However, some children may not have a CDR scheduled until after they reach age one if their condition is not expected to improve.

If you have a disabled child and you (as the “representative payee”) receive disability benefits on their behalf, you might also need to provide proof of the ongoing medical treatment required to treat your child’s condition. If you can’t submit this evidence when requested or provide a valid reason why not, the SSA might select a new representative payee or just pay your child directly, depending on their age.

Tips to Pass a CDR

About to undergo a continuing disability review? Following these tips to protect your right to benefits:

• Stick to treatment protocols – The Social Security Administration expects you to follow all treatment protocols, even for permanent disabilities. This demonstrates that you are actively working to stay as healthy as possible. The best thing you can do to protect your disability benefits is follow your doctor’s orders. As long as the CDR shows you are still disabled despite adhering to your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan, your disability benefits will likely continue.
• Know your condition – Learn as much about your disability as possible. When the SSA conducts a CDR, they will ask you questions. If your answers don’t align with the symptoms of your diagnosis, you could lose your disability benefits or prolong the review process.
• Be honest – Whether you are filling out the short form or the long-form CDR, don’t lie. If your answers are suspicious, you may be asked to undergo a more detailed review. This could increase your chances of having your disability benefits altered or denied.
• Keep current copies of your records ready – The SSA sometimes loses documentation, so you should always have copies of your medical records and other documents you submitted in the past.

Contact an Arizona Disability Attorney for Help Today

If you have questions about an upcoming CDR or need advice on how to pass, contact one of the dedicated disability attorneys at Matt Fendon Law Group now. Our attorneys are tireless in pursuing full and fair benefits for disabled individuals. Let us put your mind at ease. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.