Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provide individuals who are unable to work with valuable and necessary financial resources. However, even after being approved for SSD or SSI, the Social Security Administration conducts periodic reviews called Continuing Disability Reviews. In most cases, as long as a recipient’s medical and work situations remain substantially the same, his or her benefits will not be affected. However, changes in employment and health status can potentially result in the denial of benefits. Below is some additional information about Continuing Disability Reviews.
How often do continuing disability reviews take place?
If the Social Security Administration determines that a recipient’s condition is likely to improve, then a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) will be performed every three years. Otherwise, reviews generally take place every seven years. Further, if an appeal is required from an initial level denial, and an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hears the case, many times the ALJ will recommend a CDR in an approval of disability benefits (such as is often the case for ‘Partially Favorable’ or ‘Fully Favorable’ decisions). However, if the Social Security Administration determines that a recipient has gone back to work or that his or her condition has improved, then it can conduct a review at any time.
How does the process begin?
The process begins when a recipient receives a Disability Update Report or Continuing Disability Review Report. If the recipient receives a Disability Update Report, he or she will be required to provide answers to questions about his or her medical condition. Once the Social Security Administration receives this response, it will determine whether a Continuing Disability Review is necessary.
What happens during the process?
If a recipient is selected for a Continuing Disability Review, he or she must complete an additional form, and the Social Security Administration will conduct a review of the recipient’s medical records. Following the review once the CDR process begins, a number of outcomes could occur.
What are the potential consequences?
Ultimately, if the Social Security Administration determines that a recipient’s medical condition is no longer a barrier to gainful employment, then the recipient may lose his or her benefits. However, the Social Security Administration isn’t always right, and it often takes benefits from deserving individuals. Therefore, anyone whose benefits are revoked should immediately contact a Michigan disability law attorney to appeal the decision.
Disability Law Attorneys in Michigan
Whether you’re a first-time applicant or would like to appeal a benefits denial, the skilled disability law attorneys at Disability Law Group are here to help. At Disability Law Group, our experienced Michigan attorneys will assist you with every step of the process, from filing the initial disability application to appealing your denial in court, if necessary. From your very first call, and throughout the entire process, our experienced disability attorneys in Michigan will provide you with the exceptional service and compassionate treatment you deserve. So, if you live in Macomb County, Oakland County, Wayne County, or elsewhere in Michigan and would like to apply for disability benefits or fight a denial, Disability Law Group is on your side. At Disability Law Group, disability is all we do. Please contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation.