All Social Security Disability benefits recipients are occasionally subjected to a Continuing Disability Review. These reviews are a normal part of the Social Security Disability benefits procedure, and are usually nothing to be alarmed about. Most cases receive a Continuing Disability Review every three years, though some may be reviewed more or less often.
The purpose of a Continuing Disability Review is to determine whether the medical or mental conditions which qualified you for Social Security Disability benefits have improved. If it is determined that your medical or mental condition has not improved, you will continue to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. If your condition has improved, your case is likely to be recommended for further review.
The Continuing Disability Review will also take into consideration any additional medical or mental conditions and treatments which have developed since your last review (or since your Social Security Disability benefits were first approved). It is important to keep careful records of all doctor’s visits, treatments, medications, new symptoms, and changes in existing conditions while you are collecting Social Security Disability payments, whether through SSDI, SSI or both.
Often, if your condition is not expected to improve, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will opt to review your case every seven years instead of every three years. Conversely, if it is suspected that your condition is likely to improve sooner, your case may be reviewed more often.
Generally speaking, your case will not be subject to changes in the requirements for Social Security Disability. If you qualified before, your Continuing Disability Review will not cause you to lose your benefits as long as your condition has not improved. This is true even if the current requirements would not accept your disability. The exception to this rule is when a child turns 18 and must undergo a Continuing Disability Review to determine whether his or her condition qualifies for Social Security Disability for adults.
Child cases are always reviewed when they become adults (at 18 years old). This is because many conditions which qualify children for Social Security Disability benefits do not qualify adults for similar benefits. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a good example of this, as adults with ADHD do not generally qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, but children may.
Make sure that you respond promptly to your Continuing Disability Review notice. Failure to do so can cause a loss of benefits.
