The Social Security Administration periodically conducts a “Continuing Disability Review,” which is a review of your medical condition to determine whether you still meet Social Security’s disability rules. If the SSA determines that your condition is no longer disabling, your disability benefits will stop.
SSA reviews disability cases on different schedules depending on whether medical improvement is expected, possible, or not expected. The date of your first Continuing Disability Review will be shown on your initial award notice once you are established as eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
What is considered a “disabling condition”?
The Social Security Administration uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine your initial eligibility when you first apply for disability benefits. Generally, the process is as follows:
- Are you currently working? You may be disqualified at this level if you are working and your earnings average more than what is considered “substantial gainful activity” (in 2026, $1,690 or, if you’re blind, $2,830).
- Is your condition severe? Your condition has to significantly limit your ability to perform basic activities for at least 12 consecutive months.
- Is your condition in the SSA Blue Book? The SSA contains a list of medical conditions considered severe enough to prevent gainful work. If your condition isn’t listed, the SSA will compare it to a similar qualifying disability.
- Can you do any work you used to do? If your medical condition does not prevent you from performing any of your past work, you will be disqualified at this level.
- Can you do any other work? The SSA will look at your condition, age, education, work experience and transferable skills to determine if you can perform other work.
How often do Continuing Disability Reviews occur?
The frequency of the SSA’s Continuing Disability Reviews depends on their expectation of your medical improvement. Here is the usual cadence of CDRs based on likelihood of medical improvement:
- If medical improvement is expected: the CDR takes place within six to 18 months of the initial decision.
- If medical improvement is possible: the CDR normally takes place about every three years.
- If medical improvement is not expected: the CDR normally takes place about every seven years.
The date of your first medical review should be on your initial award notice when you get disability benefits.
How does the SSA get updated information on my medical condition?
The Social Security Administration will contact you to get updated information about your condition using one of two methods: the Continuing Disability Review Report (SSA-454 form), or the Disability Update Report (SSA-455 form).
Where are Continuing Disability Reviews Performed?
SSA usually starts the process by mailing you a notice and asking you to complete a review report, which you may be able to submit online or by mail/fax. The Social Security Administration will notify you if a CDR is upcoming and request that you complete either form SSA-454 or SSA-455. If you plan to fax or mail your completed form, you must find your local Social Security field office for a mailing address or fax number. Once your form is submitted, the SSA typically forwards your case to an examiner at your state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS). The examiner may then contact you and potentially request further forms or schedule a medical exam.
A note: The SSA announced in March 2026 that it plans to transition the processing of Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) away from state DDS and to its federal processing site called Disability Case Review (DCR). The DCR currently handles initial disability claims, reconsiderations, and medical CDRs, but will soon handle medical CDRs for the entire country. Non-medical CDR-related reviews will continue to be handled by SSA field offices and processing centers.
Continuing Disability Reviews: SSDI vs SSI
The Social Security Administration runs two separate disability benefits programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is funded by payroll taxes and determines its eligibility through impact of one’s disability and history of working and paying into Social Security. Meanwhile, SSI is a needs-based program funded by general funds from the U.S. Treasury and determines eligibility based on disability, blindness, age (65 or older) and limitations on income and resources.
SSDI recipients will undergo Continuing Disability Reviews to determine if they are still eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
However, SSI recipients will also undergo a redetermination, in which the SSA reviews non-medical factors such as income, resources and living arrangements to determine if they are issued the correct amount in SSI payments. Redeterminations are conducted once every 1 to 6 years.
Continuing Disability Reviews: Adult vs Child Claims
In general, the differentiation between disabled adult and disabled child claims rests on the difference between evaluating one’s ability to work under SSA’s adult disability rules and evaluating someone’s ability to perform daily activities and school work at a developmentally appropriate level.
Continuing Disability Reviews for children are generally conducted every three years if the SSA expects the child’s medical condition to improve. If the child’s disability was based on low birth weight, the SSA will conduct a CDR by age 1, unless medical improvement is unlikely to happen by that time.
If a child is two months shy of turning eighteen and is still eligible for disability benefits, the SSA will review the child’s case using the disability requirements used for adult cases for medical determination.
What Happens During a Continuing Disability Review?
The Social Security Administration initiates the Continuing Disability Review by sending you a notice and asking you to complete a form, either SSA-454 or SSA-455. These forms will request information regarding your medical care and any recent work history.
Once you complete and submit the form, the SSA will review your forms to ensure they have all the information needed to make a determination. Your case will be forwarded to a DDS examiner, who will contact you regarding any further information. You may be asked to fill out more forms or participate in a medical exam.
The SSA will compare your current evidence – and anything else it may have requested from you – against prior disability findings to determine if you still meet the qualifications for disability benefits. This may entail updated evidence regarding your medical condition and your current ability (or lack thereof) to work.
The SSA will make a decision whether you still qualify for benefits or if your medical condition has improved enough for your benefits to stop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During a Continuing Disability Review
Your Continuing Disability Review is essential to the continuation of your disability benefits. Certain mistakes can make it harder to show that you still meet Social Security’s disability rules, including:
- Incomplete or inaccurate forms: Leaving out treatment, symptoms, limitations, doctors, or work activity can hurt your case.
- Not responding to SSA requests on time: Missing deadlines or failing to return forms can put your benefits at risk.
- Insufficient medical evidence: Gaps in treatment or a lack of updated records may make it harder to prove that your condition remains disabling.
- Statements that suggest significant medical improvement: Describing your condition carelessly or inconsistently may lead SSA to believe your ability to work has improved.
- Problems related to work activity: Returning to work or earning too much may affect your continuing eligibility, depending on the circumstances.
A disability benefits advocate can help you complete your review forms accurately, gather supporting evidence, and avoid mistakes that could negatively affect the outcome of your review.
What Happens If SSA Says Your Disability Has Ended? Can You Appeal?
Yes. If the SSA has determined that your benefits must stop due to medical improvements, you can appeal the decision. A qualified disability advocate or representative can help you appeal a denial of disability benefits at every level, including a reconsideration of the initial denial, a hearing with an administrative law judge, a hearing with an Appeals Council and finally a federal district court action.
You may not have to pursue every level of appeal to get your disability benefits back. Getting a disability representative to assist with your case can help you navigate the appeals process and get your disability benefits again.
How National Disability Alliance Can Help With Your Continuing Disability Review
Our disability advocates at National Disability Alliance can assist clients at every level of the process, from initial applications and appeals of denials to Continuing Disability Reviews and unwanted suspension of disability benefits.
If your Continuing Disability Review is coming up, or if you are appealing a denial of continued Social Security benefits, our team of former SSA professionals and disability representatives will smooth out the bumps of this complex process. Contact us for a free consultation by filling out our form or calling us at 833-693-8722.
