1. What Is a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)?

A CDR is a periodic review conducted by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure that individuals receiving disability benefits continue to meet SSA’s definition of disability. SSA is legally required to perform these reviews to confirm recipients are still eligible based on medical conditions and work activity.

2. Why Does SSA Conduct Disability Reviews?

The SSA conducts CDRs to:

• Determine whether your medical condition has improved
• Ensure you remain medically eligible for disability benefits
• Confirm you are not engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) above allowed limits

3. When Does a Disability Review Occur in Tennessee?

The frequency of reviews depends on the likelihood of medical improvement:

• Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): Reviews occur approximately every 6-18 months.
• Medical Improvement Possible (MIP): Reviews occur every 3 years.
• Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE): Reviews occur approximately every 5-7 years.

Your award letter typically indicates your review category and estimated review schedule.

4. Types of Disability Reviews

a. Full Medical Review

A full medical review is conducted when SSA needs updated information about your condition to determine continued eligibility. You will receive:

• Form SSA-454 (Continuing Disability Review Report) asking about your medical treatment, work activity, and daily functioning since your last review
• Requests for updated medical records from your healthcare providers
• Possible consultative examinations if SSA needs further evaluation

b. Mailer Review

Also known as a “short form” or Disability Update Report, this is a brief questionnaire asking about:

• Recent doctor visits
• Hospitalizations
• Work activity
• Changes in your health condition

If your answers indicate no improvement or work activity affecting eligibility, SSA will continue your benefits without a full medical review.

5. What Does SSA Evaluate During a CDR?

During your disability review, SSA assesses:

• Current medical evidence to determine if your condition has improved to the extent that you can work
• Whether your condition still meets SSA’s severity criteria
• Any work activity or earnings that may affect your eligibility, especially if above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits

6. What Happens If SSA Finds Medical Improvement?

If SSA determines your condition has improved and you can return to work:

• You will receive a cessation notice explaining that your benefits will stop.
• You have the right to appeal this decision within 60 days.
• If you appeal within 10 days of the notice, your benefits can continue during the appeal process.

7. How to Prepare for Your Disability Review in Tennessee

To ensure a smooth review process:

• Continue regular medical treatment and follow your doctors’ recommendations
• Keep detailed records of appointments, treatments, prescriptions, and symptoms
• Update SSA about any changes in your condition, treatments, or hospitalizations
• Respond to all SSA correspondence promptly and completely

8. Can You Lose Benefits During a Disability Review?

Yes. If SSA determines:

• Your condition has medically improved, and
• You are now capable of engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

then your benefits may be stopped. However, you can appeal the decision and submit additional medical evidence to prove continued disability.

9. What If You Are Working During a CDR?

If you are working while receiving SSDI or SSI:

• SSA will evaluate whether your earnings exceed SGA limits ($1,550 per month for non-blind individuals in 2024)
• SSA will consider work incentives such as the Trial Work Period and Impairment-Related Work Expenses before making a decision
• Reporting work activity promptly is crucial to avoid overpayments and benefit suspension