What Is A Medical Continuing Disability Review?

You were relieved when you got the news that the Social Security Administration had approved your Social Security disability application. The monthly Social Security disability benefits are important to you and to your family.

Accordingly, you may be concerned when you receive notice from the SSA that your case is going to be reviewed.

Three Reasons You Shouldn’t Panic

Before you let your mind jump to the worst-case scenario or you spend your weekend deciding what assets to sell to maintain your standard of living, it is important to know three things about continuing disability reviews. Specifically, it is important to know that:

Continuing disability reviews are routine. Most adults have their claims reviewed every three to seven years. However, the SSA can decide to review a case sooner or later.
Generally, it is easier to be determined disabled during a continuing disability review than during the initial application process. If the SSA determines that you have had no medical improvement then your status will not be changed and you will continue to receive benefits. If the SSA determines that you have had medical improvement then the SSA will consider whether you have improved enough to work.
You may be able to get benefits if the SSA finds you no longer disabled and you appeal. You may have to fill out specific SSA forms depending on how you decide to pursue an appeal, but you may be able to continue receiving benefits during the appeals process.

You will be notified of a continuing disability review by mail. While it is not something to be feared, it should be something that you take seriously.