If you receive benefits through either the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs, be prepared to have your eligibility for benefits periodically reviewed by the Social Security Administration. The process, which is known as a “continuing disability review,” is required by law.
The frequency of a continuing disability review generally depends on the type of medical condition and the expectation that it may improve. However, certain events, such as returning to work, may also cause the Social Security Administration (SSA) to schedule your case for review. Either way, you need to be prepared, and the best way to do that is by consulting with a disability lawyer at Disability Partners, PLLC.
Social Security is required to conduct a continuing disability review at least once every three years with the primary focus being improvement in your medical condition. In other words, the SSA wants to determine whether the physical or mental impairment that allowed you to originally qualify for benefits continues to prevent you from working or engaging in substantial gainful activity.
The type of medical condition and its severity controls the scheduling of a review based on the following:
The notice you received when initially approved for SSI or SSDI benefits contains information telling you when to expect the first continuing disability review of your claim.
A continuing disability review may be scheduled at other times if the SSA receives information that you are working or that your medical condition has improved. If a new treatment for your medical condition is discovered or developed, your case may be scheduled for review to determine whether it has caused an improvement.
The purpose of the review is to determine whether you continue to meet the definition of “disability.” You will be asked to describe whether your medical condition has improved with time and treatment and how it affects your ability to engage in activities.
When preparing for an upcoming continuing disability review, be prepared to provide the names and contact information of your doctors and other health care professionals providing treatment for your medical condition. If you have worked since the last review of your claim for benefits, be prepared to provide the following:
Be prepared to produce medical and payroll records to support your statements.
You have the right to appeal a termination of disability benefits resulting from a continuing disability review, but you need to act quickly because the time to appeal is limited. Contact Disability Partners, PLLC, for a free consultation about an upcoming review or about an appeal of an adverse determination.