What is a Social Security Continuing Disability Review (CDR)? 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability income to qualifying individuals and their families. If you are receiving these benefits, the SSA might choose to conduct a Social Security Continuing Disability Review (CDR) to closely examine your situation.

CDRs for Adults

The SSA will periodically review a person’s medical impairment to see whether they are still considered disabled. If the SSA determines that someone is no longer disabled, their benefits will stop. A CDR is required by law at least once every three years. However, if a medical condition is expected to improve sooner, CDRs will be conducted more frequently. If the medical condition is not expected to improve, the case will be reviewed once every five to seven years.

A CDR examines a person’s income, resources, and living arrangements to determine whether they are meeting all the non-medical requirements for disability benefits. If a CDR shows that an individual is no longer disabled, they will stop receiving disability benefits from the SSA.

Continuing Disability Reviews for Children

The CDR process is slightly different for minors. The SSA will conduct a CDR at least once every three years, regardless of whether they expect the condition to improve. If the child was considered disabled due to a birth defect, a CDR would typically be started by their first birthday. However, if improvement is unlikely to occur by age one, then a CDR will not be scheduled until after their first birthday.

Other Situations that Could Trigger a CDR

There are other circumstances that could trigger a CDR, including:

• The recipient of benefits returns to work;
• The recipient informs the SSA that their condition improved;
• Medical evidence indicates an improved condition;
• The SSA is informed that the individual is not following proper treatment protocol; or
• A new treatment for the disabling condition has been introduced.

Any of these scenarios could cause someone to become ineligible to continue receiving benefits.

How the Khaki Law Firm Can Help

While undergoing a CDR does not automatically mean your disability benefits will be terminated, it can still be a confusing process. The legal team at the Khaki Law Firm focuses on disability law and could help you prepare for a continuing disability review if you are facing this situation. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn more.