Once you have your Social Security disability application approved, you might think that you can relax a bit. You should understand, however, that the medical condition that qualified you for your benefits will be periodically reviewed. You may only have a few years of benefits before you are reviewed, so read on to find out more about continuing disability reviews (CDR).

How often will you be reviewed?

The answer varies depending on several factors, such as your disability and your age. While it may seem unfair, younger people may face reviews more frequently than older people. The Social Security Administration (SSA) expects younger people to recover from illnesses and conditions quicker than older people.

On the other hand, people with more serious or life-threatening conditions may not be reviewed as often. If a person has a permanent injury, such as blindness or an amputation, the SSA does not expect their condition to change very much, therefore it is not checked as often.

Even if you don't fall into the young or serious category, you may face a review by being chosen at random. These reviews occur approximately every 3-7 years or so. Those who have medical conditions that could have improved enough for them to return to work, such as a back injury, might be reviewed in as little as three years.

What are other CDR triggers?

The SSA may also conduct a review of your current medical condition based on one of the following:

1. You've been reported by a third party for earning money or working without reporting it.
2. You are working at your previous job.
3. You are earning more money than allowed.
4. You tell the SSA that your condition has improved and that you wish to return to work.

What happens when you are asked to complete a CDR?

You may only have to actually visit the doctor if you have not had recent treatment, but you will need to fill out a packet of forms and return them to the SSA. These forms ask for information about any recent medical treatments, diagnostic testing, medications, therapy, and more. Once complete, you will hear from the SSA (by mail) in a few weeks with the results.

If you are denied

You may be facing a denial of benefits after your most recent CDR, but if you are still unable to work at your job you must not give up. You are entitled to request an appeal hearing for your adverse action, where you will be able to plead your case. Be sure to seek out the services of a Social Security attorney to represent you at that hearing and to get your benefits started back again.

For more information, contact a company like Van Gilder & Trzynka PC.