Social Security reviews most SSDI cases every one to three years
The Continuing Disability Review (CDR) is when Social Security checks whether you still meet the medical requirements for SSDI. How often this happens depends on whether your condition is expected to improve, stay the same, or get worse over time. Social Security assigns you to one of three review schedules when your case is approved, and that schedule determines when your next review arrives.
You will receive a notice in the mail telling you when your review is scheduled. The notice explains what information Social Security needs from you and gives you a important date to respond. Missing that important date can result in your benefits being stopped, even if you still may have access to medically.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security places you on a review schedule at approval based on whether your condition is likely to improve, and reviews happen every one to three years depending on that schedule.
- A medical improvement review happens every one to two years if your condition could improve; a medical improvement expected review happens every two to three years if improvement is possible but not expected soon.
- A non-medical improvement review happens every five to seven years if your condition is not expected to improve at all.
- You must respond to the review notice by the important date Social Security gives you, or your benefits will stop regardless of whether you still may have access to.
- You can request a review sooner if your condition has gotten worse, and you can ask Social Security to delay a review if you have a good reason.
The three review schedules and what they mean
When Social Security approves your SSDI case, a doctor or psychologist reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition is likely to improve. Based on that decision, you are placed on one of three schedules.
Medical Improvement Review (MIR) happens every one to two years. You are on this schedule if your condition is expected to improve. Examples include some injuries that heal, infections that respond to treatment, or mental health conditions that often improve with medication and therapy. Social Security reviews your case frequently because the law requires them to look for medical improvement.
Medical Improvement Expected (MIE) review happens every two to three years. You are on this schedule if improvement is medically possible but not expected in the near term. Examples include some cancers in remission, degenerative conditions that may stabilize for a time, or conditions where recovery is possible but unlikely soon. The review period is longer than MIR because improvement is less likely.
Non-Medical Improvement (NMI) review happens every five to seven years. You are on this schedule if your condition is not expected to improve. Examples include permanent spinal cord injuries, advanced Parkinson's disease, or conditions where medical science has no cure. These reviews happen less often because the medical situation is unlikely to change.
What happens during a Continuing Disability Review
Social Security sends you a form called the Work Activity Report or Medical Report Form, depending on what they need to know. The form asks about your current medical treatment, any hospitalizations, medications you take, and whether you have worked. You must complete the form and return it by the important date on the notice, usually 10 days from when you receive it.
You can also submit new medical records directly. If you have seen a doctor, had surgery, or started a new treatment since your last review, send those records to Social Security along with the completed form. The more recent your medical information, the easier it is for Social Security to make a decision.
After you submit your response, Social Security reviews what you sent. If your medical condition has not improved and you are still unable to work, your benefits continue. If Social Security believes your condition may have improved, they may request a consultative examination — a medical exam paid for by Social Security to gather current information about your condition.
What to do when you receive a review notice
Open the notice when ready and write down the important date. Social Security gives you a limited time to respond, and missing the important date has serious consequences. If you do not respond by the date on the notice, Social Security will stop your benefits. You can request reinstatement later, but you will lose months of payments while the request is processed.
Gather your medical records before you fill out the form. Contact your doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers and ask them to send recent records to Social Security. Include the case number from the notice in your request so the records get to the right place. If you have had any surgeries, emergency room visits, or changes in medication, those records are especially important.
Complete the form honestly and thoroughly. If you have worked, even part-time or for a short period, report it. If your condition has gotten worse, describe it in detail. If you are still unable to work because of your medical condition, explain why. The more specific you are, the clearer the picture Social Security has of your current situation.
Submit your response well before the important date — at least one week early if possible. You can mail it, bring it to your local Social Security office, or upload it through your my Social Security account if you have one. Keep a copy for your records and note the date you sent it.
When your benefits can be stopped during a review
Social Security can stop your SSDI benefits only if they find that your condition has improved enough that you are no longer disabled. They cannot stop your benefits straightforward because you did not respond to the review notice — but they will stop them if you miss the important date, and you have to request reinstatement to get them back.
If Social Security decides your condition has improved, they send you a notice explaining their decision and telling you how to request a hearing if you disagree. You have the right to appeal, and you can continue receiving benefits while your appeal is being decided if you request that in writing within 10 days of receiving the notice.
Requesting an earlier review or asking for a delay
If your condition has gotten significantly worse since your last review, you can ask Social Security to review your case sooner. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 and explain what has changed. Social Security does not have to grant an early review, but they will consider your request if you have new medical evidence showing your condition has worsened.
If you have a good reason to delay your scheduled review — such as being in the middle of a medical treatment or having recently changed doctors — you can ask Social Security for an extension. Write to your local office or call and explain why you need more time. Social Security may grant a short extension, usually 30 to 60 days, but you must request it before the important date passes.
How work affects your review
If you have worked during the period since your last review, report it on the form. Working does not automatically disqualify you from SSDI, but Social Security uses work activity as one factor in deciding whether you are still disabled. If you earned substantial income or worked full-time, Social Security may conclude that you are able to work and stop your benefits.
SSDI includes a Trial Work Period that allows you to test your ability to work without losing benefits. During this period, you can earn money and keep your full SSDI payment. After the Trial Work Period ends, you enter the Extended may be able to access Period, during which you can work and still receive benefits as long as your earnings stay below a certain amount. Report all work honestly during your review so Social Security understands your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss the important date on my review notice?
Social Security will stop your benefits if you do not respond by the important date. You can request reinstatement, but you will lose payments while your request is being processed. Contact your local Social Security office when ready if you miss the important date to explain why and ask to have your case reopened.
Can Social Security stop my benefits without sending a notice first?
No. Social Security must send you a written notice before they stop your benefits, and the notice must explain why. You have the right to request a hearing and continue receiving benefits while your case is being reviewed if you request that within 10 days of receiving the notice.
How long does a Continuing Disability Review take?
Most reviews take 30 to 60 days from the time you submit your response. If Social Security orders a consultative examination, the review may take longer. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you the outcome and whether your benefits will continue.
Do I have to see a doctor for the consultative examination?
Yes, if Social Security requests one. The examination is paid for by Social Security, and you must attend. If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, contact Social Security to reschedule. Refusing to attend without a valid reason can result in your benefits being stopped.
Can I work and still pass my Continuing Disability Review?
Yes, if your earnings are low enough. During your Trial Work Period and Extended may be able to access Period, you can work and earn money while keeping your benefits. Report all work on your review form so Social Security can determine whether your earnings affect your benefits.