Disabled Missourians who are awarded Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can feel a sense of relief, and rightly so. The monthly payments provided by this program can be a financial stabilizer, affording disabled individuals the ability to maintain their normal life as fully as possible. Yet, many fail to realize that obtaining SSD benefits does not mean that the benefits are indefinite. As will be discussed in this post, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a review process in place aimed at weeding out individuals who no longer fit the criteria for being deemed “disabled.”
These reviews are referred to as Continuing Disability Re-Evaluation, or CDR for short. They typically occur every three years for those younger than 55 and every seven years for those over the age of 55. Additionally, a CDR may take place if an individual’s earnings reach a certain amount, provided that he or she is still working while receiving SSD benefits.
While being re-evaluated, an individual’s medical condition will be assessed in a way similar to when his or her initial claim was analyzed. Any new medical documentation must be submitted, and the Social Security Administration may even ask a disabled individual to go to an examination conducted by a SSA approved doctor. If one’s medical condition has improved to the point that he or she is no longer considered disabled, then benefits may cease.
But that’s not the only way benefits can be affected. If an error is discovered that would have affected the initial determination, vocational training has been obtained to enable the individual to re-enter the workforce, or earnings are significantly high, then benefits may be adjusted or eliminated. Those who are concerned about this issue may want to consider speaking with an attorney to learn more.
Source: The National Law Review, “Passing Social Security Continuing Disability Re-Evaluation,” Leslie A. Mitnick, April 20, 2016
