What is a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)?

Once you are approved for SSDI or SSI, SSA does not simply forget about you. The agency is required by law (42 U.S.C. §421) to periodically review your case to make sure you still meet the disability standard. These reviews are called Continuing Disability Reviews, or CDRs.

CDR schedules:

• Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): Reviewed every 6–18 months.
• Medical Improvement Possible (MIP): Reviewed every 3 years.
• Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE): Reviewed every 5–7 years.

SSA initiates a CDR with a mailer — usually Form SSA-455 (short form) or SSA-454 (full medical review). You must respond. Failing to respond can result in automatic benefit termination.

During a CDR, SSA compares your current medical evidence to the records from when you were first approved. To terminate benefits, SSA must show that your condition has medically improved and that the improvement relates to your ability to work. This is called the Medical Improvement Standard under SSR 82-52 and 20 C.F.R. §404.1594.

If SSA proposes to terminate your benefits after a CDR, you have the right to appeal. Filing a timely appeal (within 10 days of the termination notice) usually lets you keep your benefits during the appeal. Do not delay — contact our office immediately if you receive a CDR notice.