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

The Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts CDRs to evaluate whether your medical condition still meets its criteria for disability. The review assesses:

• Whether your condition has medically improved
• If you can now perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) despite your condition

2. How Often Are Disability Reviews Conducted?

The frequency of CDRs depends on the likelihood of medical improvement in your case:

• Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): Review 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 specify your review schedule category.

3. What Happens During a Disability Review?

A. Receiving the CDR Notice

You will receive a notice from SSA when it is time for your review. This notice will indicate the type of review you will undergo.

B. Short-Form Mailer (SSA-455)

If SSA determines your condition is stable and unlikely to have improved, you will receive a short-form Disability Update Report (SSA-455). This asks about:

• Current medical treatment
• Recent doctor visits or hospitalizations
• Work activity or training programs

If your answers show no changes in your condition, SSA may conclude the review without further evaluation.

C. Full Medical Review (SSA-454)

If SSA believes your condition may have improved or needs detailed evaluation, you will undergo a full medical review:

• You will receive the Continuing Disability Review Report (SSA-454)
• You must provide detailed updates about your:
• Current medical condition and symptoms
• Daily functioning and limitations
• Medical providers, treatments, medications, and therapy
• Work or volunteer activities
• SSA will request updated medical records from your doctors and may schedule you for a Consultative Examination (CE) to obtain additional medical evidence.

4. How Does SSA Decide Whether You Remain Eligible?

SSA uses an 8-step sequential evaluation during the review:

1. Are you working at SGA level income?
2. Is your impairment still severe?
3. Does your condition meet or equal a listed impairment?
4. Has there been medical improvement?
5. If yes, is the improvement related to your ability to work?
6. Do any exceptions apply to ending benefits?
7. Can you do past relevant work?
8. Can you do any other work in the national economy?

If your medical records show no significant improvement or continued limitations preventing work, SSA will continue your benefits.

5. What Happens If SSA Decides You Are No Longer Disabled?

If SSA determines you are no longer disabled:

• You will receive a cessation notice explaining the decision
• You have 60 days to appeal the decision if you disagree
• If you appeal within 10 days, you can request to continue receiving benefits during your appeal process

However, if the termination is upheld, you may have to repay benefits received during the appeal.

6. How to Prepare for Your Disability Review

To avoid problems during your CDR:

• Continue regular medical treatment with all doctors and specialists
• Keep detailed records of doctor visits, medications, therapies, and symptoms
• Follow all prescribed treatments and recommendations
• Notify SSA of any changes in your address or contact information to ensure you receive notices
• Respond to all SSA correspondence promptly and accurately