Losing Your Social Security Benefits

If you have already been approved for Social Security Disability benefits, the challenge is only partially over. To continue to receive those monthly payments, you may be periodically asked to undergo more evaluations. Some medical conditions do improve, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) needs to ensure that benefits go only to those unable to work at their jobs. Part of their checks on your condition involve a Continuing Disability Review (CDR), so read on to learn more about what a CDR could mean to your ability to collect benefits.

Are there CDR triggers?

The SSA usually requests a CDR every few years as a matter of routine, without any particular reason other than it is time for it. Those who are somewhat younger and receiving benefits may be a little more likely to undergo a CDR more often, since they might have a greater potential to recover from their conditions. Other factors include the severity of your qualifying medical condition. For those with permanent conditions, such as amputations and terminal diseases, the requests for a CDR may be seldom, if ever. Other motivating factors for a CDR include:

  1. A return to work.
  2. You let the SSA know that your condition has improved.
  3. A third party has informed the SSA that your condition has improved.

What happens with a CDR?

You will receive forms through the mail to fill out and return to the SSA, which could range from 2 pages to a longer 10 page form. These forms will contain questions about your condition, your treatments and medications, your lab tests and your doctors visits. The SSA will review these forms and make a determination on whether or not you will continue to qualify for benefits.

Appeals

You do have the right to appeal a negative finding that your condition has improved and that your benefits must come to a stop. You are allowed to continue to receive benefits while your appeal is in process, so don't delay in filing the request in a timely manner. You must file for a reconsideration no later than 15 days after the negative ruling. If you fail to appeal in time, you must begin the lengthy application process from the beginning again.

If you are in danger of losing your benefits, need help getting benefits or have been turned down for any reason, contact a Social Security attorney at Cohen & Siegel LLP or a similar firm.


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