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To pass a continuing disability review (CDR) with the Social Security Administration (SSA), you should:
- Stay current on your medical treatment and follow your doctor’s orders
- Keep copies of all your medical records
- Submit evidence of any changes in your disabling condition
- Respond promptly to any requests for information and be honest in answering all the SSA’s questions
What is a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)?
A CDR is a process by which the SSA evaluates your medical condition, working ability, and other aspects of your life periodically to determine if you still meet the qualifications for receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.
Depending on which program you receive benefits from (Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)), your CDR may include an evaluation of your:
- Disabling condition and its severity
- Ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- Income
- Resources
- Living situation
How Often Do CDRs Occur?
Most disability benefits claimants must undergo a CDR at least every three years. However, the SSA may request a CDR sooner if:
- You start making more than the current SGA threshold amount (which is $1,620 per month as of 2025)
- Your doctor reports a medical improvement in your health or clears you to go back to work
- You are under the age of 50
If you have a condition that your doctor does not expect to improve, you may only need to complete a CDR every five to seven years. Once you reach retirement age, your CDRs will likely stop, as your SSD benefits will convert to retirement benefits.
What to Expect During a Continuing Disability Review
According to the SSA, the CDR process generally follows the following steps:
- You will receive a notification from the SSA requesting a CDR
- You will fill out a form and submit the requested medical evidence
- If you do not have sufficient medical documentation, the SSA may require you to undergo a consultative exam (CE)
- The SSA will review your information and determine whether you should continue receiving SSD benefits
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Is it Hard to Pass a CDR?
The CDR process can be stressful, but you can rest assured that most people pass. As long as your condition has not improved and you still cannot work, the review process should be fairly straightforward.
It is generally much easier to pass a CDR than it is to get disability benefits in the first place. As long as you’re honest and fully cooperate with the SSA, you don’t have much to worry about. An SSD benefits lawyer on your side can also help guide you through the process.
Reasons You Might Fail Your Continuing Disability Review
While most people pass their CDRs, some situations that may cause you to fail include the following:
Your Disabling Condition has Improved
If your doctor says your condition has improved enough to go back to work, you may lose your SSD benefits.
You Can Perform SGA
If you report an income amount on the CDR form that is higher than the SGA threshold, the SSA will likely discontinue your benefits.
You Were Dishonest with Your Doctor
Most humans have a tendency to say “I’m fine” even when they aren’t. However, you should be completely honest with your doctor. You should not try to hide your pain or downplay your condition. On the other hand, you should also not exaggerate your pain or claim you have symptoms you don’t have.
You Were Dishonest with the SSA
Providing any false information on your forms could result in a denial of benefits. Complete honesty is crucial to passing your CDR.
Can You Lose Your SSD Benefits After a CDR?
Yes, you may lose your SSD benefits if:
- The SSA concludes you are no longer disabled
- You are performing SGA
- You do not cooperate fully with the CDR investigation
- You provide false or misleading information to the SSA during your CDR
- The SSA learns you have not been completing all recommended medical treatment
What Should You Do if the SSA Unfairly Terminates Your Benefits After a CDR?
If the SSA discontinues your benefits after your CDR, but you still believe you cannot work due to your disability, you have 60 days to appeal the decision. The appeals process is generally the same as for initial SSD application denials and includes the following steps:
- Reconsideration
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing
- Appeals Council Review
- Federal Court Review
The SSA may reverse its decision at any point in the process. If that happens, your benefits will be reinstated.
