When your entire life depends on the benefits you fought so hard to receive—and they’re suddenly taken away—what do you do?
This is exactly what happened to our client, a 28-year-old woman from Rochester, Michigan, who was caught off guard when the Social Security Administration (SSA) suddenly terminated both her SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and DAC (Disabled Adult Child) benefits. It wasn’t just a paperwork issue—it was a life-altering event that threatened her health care, financial stability, and independence.
She came to Disability Law Group (DLG) scared and unsure of what to do next. She left with her benefits restored, her dignity protected, and her future intact.
Understanding the Benefits: Why DAC Matters
Let’s start with some background—because most people don’t even realize DAC benefits exist until they’re told about them.
Disability Law Group (DLG) benefits are a form of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) that adults with disabilities can qualify for based on a parent’s work record—not their own. That means even if someone has never been able to work due to a disability that began before age 22, they can still receive SSDI benefits if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased.
What makes DAC benefits so powerful?
- They’re not income- or asset-restricted like SSI
- Recipients can qualify for Medicare, not just Medicaid
- DAC can be received in addition to or instead of SSI
Our client had both: SSI to help cover basic needs and DAC benefits based on her father’s Social Security record. Together, these were her financial lifeline.
Then Came the CDR – And Everything Changed
Every so often, the SSA conducts something called a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) to determine if a person still qualifies for disability benefits. These reviews can feel routine for some—but for many, they’re confusing, overwhelming, and, frankly, terrifying.
In our client’s case, the CDR resulted in a termination of both benefits. She received a letter saying she was no longer considered disabled. No explanation, no acknowledgment of the daily challenges she faces. Just a decision that could take away everything.
Learn more about CDRs and how to protect yourself by watching our DLG YouTube video.
She had already been diagnosed with endometriosis, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and a cognitive/learning disability that significantly affected her ability to function day to day. She had not gotten “better.” If anything, her impairments had continued to affect her in very real, very disabling ways.
But SSA didn’t seem to see that.
How DLG Took Action Immediately
When her family reached out to us at DLG, they were understandably shaken—but ready to fight. So were we.
First, we filed an immediate Request for Reconsideration, which is the first step in the appeal process for a CDR denial. We also ensured her Medicare coverage would continue during the appeal, and advised her family on how to protect her Medicaid in the meantime.
From there, we got to work on the most important part of the case: building the evidence.
What We Did:
- Collected updated medical records from multiple providers
- Highlighted her documented learning and cognitive impairments
- Confirmed her disability began before age 22, making her eligible for DAC
- Provided a thorough explanation of how her mental health and physical conditions impacted her daily functioning
At one point, SSA even suggested that the family obtain a new IQ evaluation from a private testing center—to the tune of nearly $3,000.
Instead of letting the family carry that burden, we stepped in and said, “Don’t worry. We’ve got this.”
We reviewed her previous psychological evaluations and compiled ample updated documentation to support her intellectual and cognitive limitations—without the extra cost.
SSA’s Mistakes — And Our Relentless Follow-Up
What made this case especially frustrating was that SSA made several major errors along the way:
- They failed to include updated records in her case file
- They overlooked crucial medical history
- Important documents were mislabeled or lost
- They nearly made a decision without a complete file
But thanks to the dedication of our legal team, we caught every single mistake before it was too late. We regularly:
- Called SSA and the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office to check the file
- Submitted corrections and resubmitted documents they failed to upload
- Advocated directly with claims representatives to ensure her case was fairly reviewed
The Outcome: Benefits Reinstated, Life Stabilized
After months of persistence, advocacy, and attention to detail, SSA reversed its decision. Our client was found still disabled, and her benefits were fully reinstated.
She will continue receiving:
- SSI, which helps cover essential daily expenses
- DAC benefits, providing long-term financial support through SSDI
- Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring she gets the health care she needs
This wasn’t just a win—it was the protection of her entire way of life.
Why This Case Matters
This story is one of many we see. People with real, lifelong disabilities are at risk of losing everything because of bureaucratic oversight, a lack of understanding, or just plain mistakes.
For adults with disabilities and their families, understanding the importance of DAC benefits, and how to fight back during a CDR, can be the difference between security and crisis.
At Disability Law Group, we don’t just handle paperwork—we step into our clients’ lives, understand what’s at stake, and fight with everything we’ve got.
💡 Need Help with a CDR or DAC Benefits?
If you or someone you love is facing a Continuing Disability Review, has been cut off from SSI or DAC, or simply needs guidance with the Social Security Disability process, don’t wait.
Let us fight for your benefits—just like we did for this incredible young woman from Rochester.
📞 Call today or visit us at DisabilityLawGroup.com
📍 Offices in Troy, Michigan – Serving clients throughout Michigan and nationwide
⚖️ Erika Riggs, Partner & Disability Attorney – Disability Law Group
