A-wheelchair-in-the-horizon-with-letters-about-Continuing-Disability-Review-CDR

Understanding the Continuing Disability Review (CDR) 

A Continuing Disability Review (CDR) is a standard process conducted by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to evaluate whether individuals receiving disability benefits under Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) still qualify for those benefits. These reviews are conducted to ensure that beneficiaries continue to meet the medical and/or income criteria for disability. 

A CDR may occur regularly depending on your medical improvement expectations, which are classified into three categories: 

  1. Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): Reviews occur more frequently, typically within 6 to 18 months.
  2. Medical Improvement Possible (MIP): Reviews are scheduled every three years. 
  3. Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE): Reviews occur every five to seven years. 

Why SSA Conducts CDRs: 

The purpose of a CDR is to ensure that benefits are provided only to individuals who continue to meet SSA's strict disability requirements. Over time, with appropriate treatment, therapy, or medical advancements, some individuals may experience improvements in their health that enable them to work or achieve self-sufficiency. 

During the CDR process, SSA normally terminates a beneficiaries’ “Ticket to Work”, reviews medical records, treatment history, and other relevant information to determine if your disability still prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). 

How Ticket to Work Can Help During a CDR 

If you believe you have made medical improvement since being approved for disability benefits, then you want to prepare yourself to potentially return to work if you can physically & mentally perform work.  Participation in SSA’s Ticket to Work program offers several advantages and is free to Social Security Disability beneficiaries.  Prior having your CDR initiated, you want to consider the following: 

  1. Protection from Medical CDRs: If you actively assign your Ticket to Work to an approved Employment Network (EN), such as Disability Services of America, and make timely progress toward your employment goals, your medical CDRs may be deferred. 
  2. Personalized Support: Through the Ticket to Work program, you receive access to resources like career counseling, job placement assistance, and support services that help you achieve your employment goals without jeopardizing your benefits. 
  3. Risk-Free Trial Work Opportunities: You can test your ability to work and earn income under SSA’s work incentives, such as the Trial Work Period (TWP), without the immediate risk of losing your benefits. 

Preparing for a CDR 

If you are undergoing a CDR, it’s important to consider how your medical and vocational circumstances align with SSA's requirements. Reflect on the following: 

  • Have you experienced medical improvement that impacts your ability to work? 
  • Do you have new certifications, education, or work experience that may open up employment opportunities? 
  • Are there jobs in your labor market that match your skills and abilities? 

These considerations can help you decide whether you’re ready to explore employment opportunities, particularly with the support of SSA’s Ticket to Work program. 

How Disability Services of America Supports You During a CDR 

At Disability Services of America, we understand the challenges of navigating the CDR process and transitioning back into the workforce. We offer tailored services to help you: 

  • Understand your rights and responsibilities during a CDR. 
  • Explore your eligibility for SSA work incentives, such as Trial Work Periods, Expedited Reinstatement (EXR), and protection from medical CDRs. 
  • Help you identify transferable skills, certifications, and job opportunities in your local labor market. 

Additional Benefits of Ticket to Work 

  • Assigning your Ticket to Work allows you to focus on your professional growth while protecting your benefits. Some key benefits include: 
  • Access to career counseling, resume support, and job search resources. 
  • Reduced risk of losing health insurance benefits like Medicaid or Medicare. 

Talk to Us About Your Ticket to Work Options

Disability Services of America is a respected and SSA-approved Employment Network offering wide-ranging Ticket to Work career development and job support services. Since 2013, we’ve helped countless SSDI and SSI beneficiaries across the country navigate the Ticket to Work program and ease back into the workforce without risking Social Security disability benefits like monthly income payments and health care coverage.

Are you ready to find out how we can help you take advantage of your Ticket to Work? Complete the contact form or call us at 888-689-6760 to get started for free.