1. What is a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)?

A CDR is a routine evaluation conducted by the SSA to determine whether your disabling condition still meets the eligibility criteria for SSDI or SSI benefits. This process ensures that only individuals who remain disabled continue to receive payments.

2. How Often Will My Case Be Reviewed?

The frequency of your disability review depends on your medical condition and its likelihood of improvement:

• Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): Review every 6 to 18 months
• Medical Improvement Possible (MIP): Review approximately every 3 years
• Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE): Review approximately every 7 years

The SSA assigns your category based on medical evidence at the time of your approval.

3. What Triggers a Disability Review?

In addition to scheduled reviews, a CDR may be triggered if:

• You return to work and report earnings
• Someone reports that your condition has improved
• You complete a vocational rehabilitation program
• There is medical evidence suggesting your condition has improved

4. The Disability Review Process in Idaho

A. Receiving the Review Notice

You will receive a CDR notice in the mail from SSA notifying you of the upcoming review and requesting updated medical information.

B. Completing the Disability Update Report

For most reviews, you will complete one of two forms:

• Short Form (SSA-455): Disability Update Report used if your condition is unlikely to have improved
• Long Form (SSA-454): Continuing Disability Review Report used if improvement is possible or expected

The form will ask about:

• Your current medical condition
• Recent doctor visits, tests, or treatments
• Any changes in daily functioning
• Work activity since your last review

C. Medical Record Review

The SSA will:

• Request updated medical records from your doctors and treatment facilities
• Evaluate whether your condition still prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• Determine if there has been medical improvement, and if so, whether that improvement impacts your ability to work

D. Possible Consultative Exam

If SSA requires further evidence, they may schedule a consultative examination (CE) with an SSA-approved doctor. This exam is free to you and is used to gather objective medical evidence about your condition.

E. Decision

After the review:

• If your disability has not medically improved, your benefits will continue.
• If SSA determines that your disability has improved sufficiently for you to work, your benefits may be terminated, but you have the right to appeal this decision.

5. What Happens If SSA Decides You Are No Longer Disabled?

If your benefits are scheduled to end:

• You will receive a cessation notice explaining the reason
• You have 60 days to appeal the decision and can request benefits continue during the appeal, but this request must be filed within 10 days of receiving the notice

6. How to Prepare for a Disability Review

To improve your chances of continuing benefits:

• Maintain Regular Medical Treatment: Keep consistent appointments and follow all prescribed treatments.
• Update Your Records: Ensure your doctors maintain detailed records of your condition, symptoms, and limitations.
• Inform SSA of Changes: Promptly report any changes in your address, income, or health status.
• Keep Daily Logs: Document how your condition affects your daily life and work abilities.

7. Why Reviews Are Important

While disability reviews may feel stressful, they are part of SSA’s program to ensure benefits reach those who continue to need them. Being proactive with your medical care and documentation can help you navigate reviews with confidence.