Social Security reviews your case on a schedule, not randomly
Social Security does not review every SSDI case at the same interval. The frequency depends on whether your condition is expected to improve, stay the same, or get worse over time. When you are first approved, Social Security assigns your case one of three review schedules: medical improvement expected, medical improvement possible, or medical improvement not expected. This assignment shapes how often you will hear from them.
You will receive a notice in the mail telling you which category Social Security placed you in and approximately when your next review will happen. This notice arrives with your approval letter. The review date is not a important date you need to meet—it is when Social Security will contact you to gather updated medical records and information about your work and income.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security assigns your case to one of three review categories based on whether your condition is expected to improve, and this determines how often they review you.
- Cases with medical improvement expected are reviewed every 6 to 18 months; cases with medical improvement possible are reviewed every 1 to 3 years; cases with medical improvement not expected are reviewed every 3 to 7 years.
- You will receive a written notice before each review telling you what information Social Security needs and when to send it.
- If your medical condition or work situation changes between scheduled reviews, you can report the change to Social Security without waiting for the next review date.
The three review categories and their timelines
Medical improvement expected means Social Security believes your condition may get better with treatment or time. Cases in this category are reviewed every 6 to 18 months. This is the most frequent review schedule. You might fall into this category if you have a condition that often improves with surgery, therapy, or medication—for example, a broken bone that is healing, or depression being treated with a new medication regimen.
Medical improvement possible means your condition could improve, but it is not the most likely outcome. These cases are reviewed every 1 to 3 years. Many people with chronic conditions fall into this category. The exact timing within that range depends on the specific condition and what your medical records show.
Medical improvement not expected means Social Security has determined that your condition is permanent and is unlikely to improve. Cases in this category are reviewed every 3 to 7 years. This category includes many people with conditions like advanced arthritis, permanent spinal cord injury, or severe mental illness that has not responded to treatment. Even in this category, Social Security still reviews your case periodically to confirm your condition has not changed and to check whether you have returned to work.
What happens during a review
When Social Security schedules a review, they send you a form in the mail asking for updated information. The form is usually called a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) form. You will be asked about your current medical treatment, any new doctors or hospitals you have visited, medications you are taking, and whether you have worked or earned income since your last report.
You are expected to return the form within a set timeframe—usually 10 days from when you receive it, though Social Security can grant extensions if you ask. Along with the form, you should send recent medical records from your doctors. If you do not have copies, you can ask your doctor's office to send them directly to Social Security, or you can authorize Social Security to request them on your behalf.
Social Security uses the information you provide to decide whether you still meet the medical criteria for SSDI. They compare your current condition to the medical evidence they have on file. If your condition has improved significantly, they may decide you no longer may have access to and your benefits will stop. If your condition remains the same or has worsened, your benefits continue.
How work and earnings affect reviews
If you have worked or earned income since your last review, report it on the CDR form. Social Security tracks work activity because SSDI has rules about how much you can earn while still receiving benefits. If you earn more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level—a dollar amount that changes each year—Social Security may conclude you are able to work and may stop your benefits.
The SGA level varies by year. In 2024, the SGA level for non-blind individuals is $1,550 per month, but this amount increases annually. If you are blind, the SGA level is higher. Even if you have not reached the SGA level, reporting work honestly during your review is important because it gives Social Security a complete picture of your current functioning.
What to do if your condition changes between reviews
You do not have to wait for your scheduled review date to report a significant change in your condition. If you have a major medical event—such as a new diagnosis, hospitalization, surgery, or a significant worsening of your existing condition—you can contact Social Security and report it. Call your local Social Security office or visit your nearest office in person to report the change.
Similarly, if your condition has improved substantially and you believe you may no longer may have access to for SSDI, you should report this as well. Social Security may initiate an unscheduled review. Reporting changes promptly protects you because it keeps your file current and prevents overpayments or underpayments based on outdated information.
Preparing for your review
When you receive your CDR notice, gather your medical records before the important date. Contact each doctor or hospital you have visited since your last review and request copies of recent visit notes, test results, and treatment summaries. If you have started new medications or stopped taking old ones, make a list with the dates. If you have been hospitalized or had surgery, collect those records as well.
Keep a copy of everything you send to Social Security. Write down the date you mailed the form and what documents you included. If Social Security later says they did not receive something, you will have proof that you sent it. If you miss the important date, contact Social Security when ready and ask for an extension—they often grant them if you have a good reason for the delay.
What happens if Social Security stops your benefits
If Social Security decides during a review that you no longer may have access to for SSDI, they will send you a written notice explaining their decision and telling you how to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal. During the appeal process, you can continue to receive benefits while your case is being reviewed, though if you ultimately lose the appeal, you may owe back the benefits you received during that time.
Many people successfully appeal benefit terminations, especially if they can provide additional medical evidence or if they believe Social Security made an error in evaluating their condition. You can represent yourself in an appeal, or you can hire a lawyer or non-lawyer representative who specializes in Social Security cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Social Security review my case more often than my assigned schedule?
Yes. Social Security can conduct an unscheduled review if they have reason to believe your condition or work situation has changed significantly. They may also review your case if you report a major change, if you return to work, or if they receive new medical information that suggests your condition has improved.
What if I do not respond to the CDR form?
If you do not return the form by the important date, Social Security may stop your benefits. They will send you a notice explaining why. You can appeal this decision, but it is much easier to respond to the form on time. If you need more time, call Social Security and ask for an extension before the important date passes.
Do I have to report small changes in my condition during a review?
You should report any changes your doctor has noted, even if they seem minor to you. Social Security needs accurate information to make their decision. What seems small to you might be significant from a medical standpoint. When in doubt, include it on the form.
How long does a review take?
Most reviews take 2 to 6 months from the time you return the form. Social Security needs time to request records from your doctors, review the medical evidence, and make a decision. You will receive a written notice telling you the outcome.
What if my review date has passed and I have not heard from Social Security?
Contact your local Social Security office to confirm whether a review is due. Sometimes notices get lost in the mail. It is better to check than to assume everything is fine, because if a review is overdue and you have not responded, your benefits could be at risk.