Social Security Disability Re-evaluationsMany people who win Social Security Disability (SSD) or SSI, a.k.a. supplemental security income benefits do not realize that their claims will be subject to periodic review, generally every 3 to 7 years. On one hand, this makes perfect sense, as just about any medical condition might improve, particularly in light of continuing advances in medical treatment, new medications on the market, etc. On the other hand, given the hoops people jump through to prove they are eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI, this might seem unfair. After all, in order to collect benefits a claimant must be diagnosed with a severe, ongoing medical condition (or combination of conditions) that is unlikely to improve over a period of 12 months or more and that prevents him from earning a living. However, when a disability claim is approved, a date is automatically set for periodic review. When that review actually occurs depends on two factors. The first is the diary date of the claim, or the date that the claim is set for review (usually 3 to 7 years, although it may be even sooner depending upon the medical condition that was the basis of the claim). The second is the existing backlog within the local social security office when the diary date arrives. If there are a lot of cases waiting to be reviewed, it could take a while for a claims representative (CR) at the social security field office to send the case over to DDS (disability determination services) for review. In fact, some continuing disability reviews (CDRs) are years behind schedule. But don't count on it. When too many CDRs are behind schedule, Social Security tends to make them a higher priority, in which case they move to the top of a CRs to-do list and are expedited. Re-evaluations are a part of collecting social security, but the frequency at which they occur is not set in stone, and the only thing claimants can be sure of is that, at some point in the future, they will be called upon to update the social security administration about the current state of their medical condition. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How do you get proof of your disability from your doctor? When does Social Security send you for a neurological exam? Should I get representation for my disability hearing? Social Security Disability Re-evaluations If I get disability, will they look at my case later? How long can you receive SSI or Social Security Disability benefits? How Long Do I Get To Keep My Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits? What determines how long I can keep my Disability Benefits under SSD or SSI? Does Social Security Disability Have a Time Limit? For Social Security Disability or SSI, What Does It Mean When Your Case Gets Sent Out For Review? How often will my disability claim be reviewed? Do You have A Chance Of Losing Disability Benefits If Your Case Gets Reviewed? Can You Lose Your Social Security Disability Benefits after You get Them? Will I qualify for disability Benefits in New York Getting a Disability Lawyer in New York How do Disability Lawyers in New York get paid their fees? |