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

A Continuing Disability Review (CDR) is an evaluation conducted by the SSA to determine whether you remain disabled under their rules. CDRs are required by law to:

• Ensure only eligible individuals continue receiving benefits
• Assess whether your medical condition has improved enough to return to work

2. How Often Does SSA Conduct Disability Reviews?

The frequency of your review depends on the likelihood of medical improvement, categorized as:

• Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): Review every 6-18 months
• Medical Improvement Possible (MIP): Review approximately every 3 years
• Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE): Review approximately every 5-7 years

Your award notice typically indicates which category you fall under.

3. What Triggers a Disability Review?

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

• You return to work or report earnings
• SSA receives reports suggesting your condition has improved
• You complete a Ticket to Work program or vocational rehabilitation

4. What Happens During a Disability Review in Arizona?

A. Notification

SSA will send you a notice informing you that your disability case is being reviewed.

B. Completing Forms

You may be required to complete:

• Short Form (SSA-455): Used for less complex cases, asks about recent medical treatment, work activities, and whether your condition has changed
• Long Form (SSA-454): More detailed, requiring medical providers’ information, treatment details, hospitalizations, medications, and work activity since your last decision

C. Review of Medical Evidence

SSA reviews:

• Updated medical records
• Physician statements regarding current functional limitations
• Test results, treatment updates, or hospital records

D. Consultative Examination (If Needed)

If SSA needs more information, they may schedule you for a consultative examination (CE) with an SSA-appointed doctor.

5. How Does SSA Decide if Benefits Continue?

The SSA uses an eight-step sequential evaluation for adults during CDRs, including:

1. Whether you are working and earning above substantial gainful activity (SGA)
2. If your impairment meets or equals a listing
3. If there has been medical improvement
4. If improvement is related to your ability to work
5. If an exception to medical improvement applies
6. Whether your current impairments are severe
7. If you can perform past relevant work
8. If you can perform other work

If SSA determines no medical improvement or that improvement does not impact your ability to work, your benefits will continue.

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

If SSA decides your disability has improved enough to return to work:

• You will receive a cessation notice
• You can appeal within 60 days to continue fighting for your benefits
• You may request that your benefits continue during your appeal, but if you lose, you might have to repay them

7. How to Prepare for a Disability Review

• Continue all prescribed treatments and doctor visits
• Maintain updated medical records demonstrating ongoing symptoms and limitations
• Keep detailed notes of daily challenges and functional limitations
• Respond to SSA notices promptly and keep copies of everything you submit