An individual already approved for disability benefits may have such disability or blindness periodically reviewed by the SSA to determine if the condition causing disability or blindness has ended. If an applicant is no longer disabled or blind, the SSA will cease paying benefits. A Continuing Disability Review (CDR) is a routine review undertaken by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure that recipients Social Security (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits are still disabled and entitled to such benefits.
The SSA proceeds differently with CDRs depending on whether the issue is related to claims for adult disability, child disability, or a redetermination of benefits for children attaining the age of 18.
Social Security examines whether an applicant has medically improved since the initial finding of disability. The SSA measures a continuing disability by establishing whether an applicant continues to meet the applicable Social Security disability standard.
The frequency of a CDR depends on the likelihood that the SSA believes a medical condition will improve. If the SSA expects medical improvement, it will review the claim in six to 18 months. If the SSA believes in the possibility of medical improvement, it will review the claim every three years. Otherwise, if medical improvement is not expected, the SSA will review the claim every five to seven years. Also, some events such as a child’s 18th birthday, the completion of a vocational rehabilitation program, when a baby turns one, and work-related income within the first 24 months of entitlement to benefits may trigger a CDR.
For adult claims (and claims involving children for that matter), Social Security follows a multi-step process. The first step applies to some SSI and SSD claims and determines, subject to exceptions, whether an applicant is performing work at substantial gainful levels.
It is then determined if applicants meet the requirements of medical conditions (Listing of Impairments) that the SSA considers the present disability. If an applicant continues to meet these requirements, benefits continue. If not, then the next step of this process is undertaken.
SSA examines whether an applicant’s condition is medically improved related to an ability to work. If not, then benefits continue unless an exception applies, such as fraud or non-cooperation. If an applicant’s condition is, in fact, medically improved and related to an ability to work, then the determination moves to the next step.
If medically improved in ways related to an ability to work, the SSA will examine whether an applicant’s medical conditions affects an applicant’s ability to do any basic work activities. If not, benefits cease. If yes, then on to the next step whereby the SSA determines if any past relevant work is possible. If so, then benefits cease. If not, on to the last step. At this time, the SSA considers if an applicant may do and sustain other substantial work. If so, benefits cease. If not, benefits continue.
Hiring a qualified disability lawyer ensures the proper evaluation of your disability matter. To improve your chances of meeting all of the requirements for the allowance of a claim (and avoiding the denial of benefits), retain the services of a qualified Kentucky Social Security Disability attorney. Contact Sullivan Law Office today. We offer free consultations, so you have absolutely nothing to lose! We look forward to hearing from you. Call 888-587-0228 or visit us online.
