Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR): What to Expect and When They Happen

A continuing disability review or CDR is SSAs way of making sure those who are receiving benefits are still disabled under the rules and should continue receiving benefits.  

CDRs are scheduled for everyone who is receiving benefits at some point.  Sometimes an ALJ will put right in their opinion that they think the claimant will show medical improvement and therefore a review should be scheduled in one year, 18 months, 2 years, whatever they feel is appropriate.  

Anyone who is receiving benefits as a child will have to be reviewed when they turn 18.  Medical requirements change from child impairments to adult impairments.  Many people who are considered disabled as a child will not be considered disabled as adults.  Many people, especially parents, do not understand how a child can be disabled but an adult, with no change in medical conditions, is no longer disabled.  

What makes the difference?  How a child performs against children their same age v. how an adult functions on the job

Children are judged against age‑appropriate expectations; how they function compared to peers.

Adults are judged against work expectations;  whether they can perform competitive employment.

So a child who can’t manage school demands may be disabled, but once they age out, SSA asks: Can they handle a simple, routine job? If yes, even with the same diagnosis, they lose eligibility.

Adult CDRs are scheduled every 3 to 7 years, depending on the medical issues, how behind SSA is and a multitude of other reasons for the gap.  This would be after any ALJ determinations, should one be made.  

It is imperative that you keep your address up to date with SSA as they mail out the CDR forms and if you do not fill them out, your benefits will be stopped.  Once stopped, they are sometimes very difficult to reinstate, even without medical changes.  Many law firms and lawyers will not take CDR matters as there is no way for an attorney to be paid on those types of claims since SSA only pays attorneys from back pay that is awarded, and if a person is receiving benefits, there is no back pay.  Thus, it is difficult to get assistance with CDRs.  

Our suggestion to those who are going through a CDR or need representation is to contact the firm or lawyer or representative that assisted the first time around and see if they can assist.  ManleyReynolds, PLLC

will assist our prior clients with any CDR that they are provided; our clients just need to contact us.  Generally, we do not accept CDR claims for people who are not previous clients.  We will, however, attempt to answer questions you may have about the CDR process.

This information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship and should not be considered advice for your specific situation. It is provided as a general discussion of issues that may arise and possible approaches that may be considered in similar cases. Because every case is different, it is always recommended that you contact an attorney to discuss the facts of your individual situation and obtain legal advice tailored to your circumstances. If you have questions or would like to speak with our office, you can contact us at (833) 438-7734.