Once your SSI or SSDI benefits have been approved, you breathe a sigh of relief. You had to submit a lot of evidence to get to this point and it took a lot of work, but now you’re done—right? Unfortunately, you’re not out of the woods. The SSA does check up on recipients on a regular basis to verify their disabled status and ensure that non-qualifying individuals aren’t receiving benefits.
If you’ve been notified of a Continuing Disability Review, don’t panic. This is a completely normal part of the disability benefits process. Learn more about what to expect and how to prepare by calling The Dansby Law Firm at 334-326-0352.
An Overview of the CDR
The Continuing Disability Review is a basic process that ensures that people who are receiving disability benefits are qualified to do so. A big part of the CDR is checking your medical information. The SSA will want to see if you have received treatment since your last review if your condition has worsened, or if you have seen any improvement.
The review doesn’t stop there, however. Since both SSI and SSDI have other requirements, the SSA may also look into other aspects of your life. You may have to provide information on your income, living arrangements, and activities.
If you receive SSDI, any income earned may be further investigated by the SSA so they can find out if you are able to earn a regular income. Someone who receives SSI but starts receiving free or reduced rent may no longer qualify or may qualify for less, depending on how much the reduced rent is worth.
Preparing for a Continuing Disability Review
If you receive a notice in the mail that you will be undergoing a CDR, don’t panic. This is to be expected. If the SSA expects your condition to improve, they may check on you every three years or even more frequently. If they do not expect your condition to improve, they may do a review every five to seven years.
The amount of work you have to put in depends on which type of review you’re subject to. If you receive a Disability Update Report, the process is fairly short. You simply fill out the questionnaire and return it. You can also do this one online now. Depending on your responses to these questions, you may be flagged for a more in-depth review.
The more in-depth review is the Continuing Disability Review Report. If you receive this in the mail, either on its own or after filling out the Disability Update Report, your responses will be reviewed thoroughly by the SSA. This is a 10-page document, so be prepared to spend some time on it.
You’ll want to be extremely detailed when explaining your medical conditions and how they affect your ability to work or engage in any substantial gainful activity. Be clear about how any of your diagnoses have changed since you began receiving benefits.
You must also report any work you have done since you started receiving benefits. Don’t forget to describe any assistance or accommodations you needed in order to complete your work. You should also explain how your disability affects your ability to engage in daily tasks.
How the SSA Handles Your CDR Documentation
People often worry that receiving a CDR form means that their benefits are likely to be terminated. The SSA doesn’t send these out with the goal of terminating benefits for people who qualify for them. They are essentially trying to ensure that their program’s funds are being used wisely and appropriately.
Because of this, the majority of people who are selected for a CDR do continue to receive benefits. Having said that, you should still take this seriously. Failing to respond or rushing your responses could lead to the termination of your benefits.
Reach Out to The Dansby Law Firm for Assistance
If you’re struggling with your CDR or your benefits have been wrongfully terminated, it’s time to talk to a lawyer. Call The Dansby Law Firm at 334-326-6449 or send us a message online to learn more about how we can help you.