Florida recipients of disability benefits must repeatedly complete continuing disability reviews (CDRs) to ensure they stay eligible for benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does these reviews to ensure that benefits go to people who still meet the medical requirements for disability, and it is important to understand how they work.
The timing of disability reviews
CDRs don’t run on a fixed schedule but depend on the nature and expected change in a beneficiary’s medical condition. For conditions expected to improve, the first review might happen within six to 18 months after disability benefits begin.
If improvement is possible but unpredictable, the review could get scheduled every three years. For conditions that are permanent or unlikely to change, reviews generally happen every seven years.
Criteria used in the review process
The SSA looks at a beneficiary’s health during a CDR, whether it changed, and how it changed their ability to work. New medical records get examined as part of the review process. It also occasionally requires beneficiaries to undergo more medical exams. The critical factors evaluated to determine eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance include:
- Current medical condition
- Treatments received
- Any changes in the ability to perform work-related activities
Navigating the outcome of reviews
The outcome of a CDR can significantly impact a beneficiary. If the review concludes that a person’s medical condition improved enough to allow work, they could lose their benefits.
However, if the review finds that the disability still prevents the person from working, their benefits will continue. Beneficiaries must provide complete and accurate information during the review process to ensure a fair evaluation.
Reflections on the review process
Understanding how the SSA conducts these interviews can demystify the process and help beneficiaries prepare adequately. While the prospect of undergoing a review can be unsettling, knowing that the process is there to verify the need for ongoing support can provide some reassurance.