How Long Are You Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

It’s always better to keep your social security disability benefits until you retire when you won’t be working. The benefits compensate for lost income due to disabilities.
You receive them as long as you have a disability that prevents you from working.
You may also periodically receive a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) while receiving your benefits. It determines if you still qualify for benefits and is usually released once every three to seven years.

Why May I Receive a CDR?

You may receive a CDR request if the social Security Administration (SSA) feels your medical condition may improve. The SSA may send a CDR:

• Six to 18 months after awarding your benefits, if they believe you may have enhanced medically
• Once in three years, if they believe you can recover
• Once in 5-7 years, if SSA feels you may not recover
• For other reasons

There’s no need to panic if you receive a CDR.
About 90% of people who receive one don’t have their benefits stopped. Avoiding these two reasons help ensure you aren’t in the 10% whose benefits end up dismissed.

1. Improvement in Disabilities

Any improvement in disabilities wherein you can start working affects your benefits eligibility criteria. This, however, rarely happens.

2. Sufficient Income

You’re working and earning more than SSA’s permitted limits.

Actions to Take after Receiving a CDR

Here’s what to do if you receive a CDR letter:

• Read and don’t ignore the letter as you may end up missing deadlines. And a denial of your benefits.
• Respond on time and request more time if necessary.
• You may have to submit documents and evidence supporting your medical condition. Keeping copies of all submitted documents when you make a claim makes this easier.

Short CDR

• It’s better to receive a short CDR because a computer reads it. An SSA personnel reviews it only if the computer spots something suspicious.
• The SSA sends these forms if they believe you have a minimal chance of disability improvements.
• Respond on time and request more time if necessary.
• Answer all questions truthfully and update any changed contact information.
• Include a list of any workplace restrictions you have if your doctor recommends returning to work.
• Don’t forget to include any new complications you may have developed as remarks.

Long CDR

• An SSA personnel will review the long, 10-pages CDR.
• Follow the same steps mentioned above while filling the form
• Carefully describe your medical conditions, any work you did, and any help rendered by the employer.
• The SSA wants to know if you have any difficulties performing normal daily activities, so give accurate details.
• And don’t forget to inform your doctor about the CDR as the SSA may contact them anytime.

How the SSA Evaluates Your CDR

Your benefits continue if the SSA notices your medical condition is the same. The SSA will determine your working abilities are affected if there’s an improvement in your medical condition.
The benefits continue if it hasn’t.
The SSA will, however, notify you about stopping your benefits if there’s enough improvement for you to start working again. You will continue to receive benefits for one or two months after the decision.

What to Do If Your Benefits Stop after the CDR

Don’t panic.
Find out why SSA stopped your benefits. Common reasons are:

• Returning to work
• Earning too much
• Acquiring multiple assets
• Reaching retirement age
• Incarceration or institutionalization

When to Turn to Your Social Security Attorney in Burbank for Help

You can appeal within two months if you feel your benefits should continue. You can even file a lawsuit with the federal court with your Burbank social security benefits lawyer’s help.