Step 1: Understand Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs)

The SSA conducts regular reviews to check if your condition has improved:

• Scheduled medical evaluations determine your current health status.
• Improvements might lead to benefit reductions or termination.
• Frequency of CDRs depends on your medical condition’s expected progress.

Step 2: Know the Medical Improvement Standard

Benefits can be affected if:

• Health improves enough to allow for substantial work activity.
• There is documented functional capacity increase by medical professionals.
• Medical evidence supports change in disability status.

Step 3: Report Changes to the SSA

You must inform SSA if:

• Your condition improves or worsens.
• You start working or earning income above SSA limits.
• Failing to report may cause overpayments or penalties.

Step 4: Understanding Work Incentives

SSA offers programs to help:

• Trial work periods allow you to test working without losing benefits immediately.
• Expedited reinstatement
• These provisions protect beneficiaries during health or job status changes.

Step 5: Appeal Decisions if Benefits are Terminated

If SSDI benefits are stopped:

• You have the right to request reconsideration or appeal.
• Legal representation can improve chances to maintain benefits after improvement claims.
• Timely action is critical to avoid loss of support.