Continuing Disability Review (CDR)

A Continuing Disability Review, or CDR, is a periodic review of cases where the SSA will evaluate if an individual currently receiving benefits is still deemed disabled under their rules. SSA is required by law to perform a review depending on the nature of the impairment, every 3 to 7 years. But in reality, the frequency with which these reviews take place will vary from recipient to recipient, due to the SSA’s backlog. If someone is receiving disability for an ailment that is expected to improve, then their CDR may come before 3 years. On the other hand, if it‘s an ailment that’s permanent or not expected to improve, CDRs could take place around every 7 years–or longer.

This review will not only examine the state of your disability but it will also take a close look at your income, accommodations, and other resources. This is to ensure that you’re still meeting all the non-medical requirements which come with disability benefits.

The CDR process works differently for children. Generally, they will still occur with the same frequency, but, for instance, if a child is determined to be disabled based on low birth weight, then SSA will usually do a CDR by age of one, and once the child turns 18, their status will be automatically reviewed to see if they qualify for disability benefits as an adult.