What Florida Claimants Should Know About Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs)
When a long-term disability impacts your ability to work, Social Security disability benefits can help protect your financial security. However, getting approved is often a long and complex process. Even once your claim is accepted, payments could stop at any time.
Whether your disability is physical or mental, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires regular updates to ensure that your condition hasn’t improved to the point where you can return to work. This includes regularly conducting Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs). Our Jacksonville Social Security disability lawyer explains what you need to know about these reviews and how to prepare.
What Triggers a CDR and How Often Are They Conducted?
Long-term disability benefits available through the SSA can help supplement up to two-thirds of your income if you cannot work. Of course, there are qualifying guidelines, namely that you must have earned the required work credits and suffer a diagnosed condition that falls under the SSA’s listing of impairments.
Applying is often a long and complex process, with many claims denied or delayed. Once approved, the SSA assigns you to one of three medical review categories based on the likelihood of improvement. Each category comes with its own review schedule:
- “Medical Improvement Expected” cases are reviewed every 6–18 months;
- “Medical Improvement Possible” cases are reviewed about every 3 years;
- “Medical Improvement Not Expected” cases are reviewed every 5–7 years.
In most cases, the SSA will notify you by mail and request updated medical records and information about your daily activities. However, the agency may also conduct an unscheduled CDR if you return to work or if it receives reports that your condition is improved. CDRs are handled by Disability Determination Services (DDS) and can take several months to resolve.
How to Prepare for and Respond to a CDR
It’s vitally important to respond promptly and thoroughly to Social Security disability review notices, as failing to do so may result in an automatic suspension of benefits. The outcome of a CDR largely depends on the quality of your current medical evidence. The SSA needs to see that your condition remains severe and continues to limit your ability to work. To protect your benefits, follow these steps:
- Get ongoing medical care and continue with any prescribed treatment plans.
- Keep records of all appointments, test results, medications, and therapy progress.
- Keep a disability journal and document your symptoms and how they impact your life.
- Get supporting statements from your doctor and family members.
Facing a CDR? Get Trusted Legal Guidance From Our Florida Social Security Disability Lawyer
Continuing Disability Reviews are required when receiving Social Security disability benefits in Florida. Taking steps to prepare helps to ensure your benefits continue without disruption.
Farrell Disability Law helps clients in these cases by protecting their rights through CDRs and other processes. To get the professional legal representation you need in dealing with the SSA, call or contact us online. Schedule a consultation with our experienced Florida Social Security disability lawyer in our Jacksonville or Orlando office today.
Sources:
ssa.gov/disability
ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm
ssa.gov/ssi/text-cdrs-ussi.htm
