Why Does the SSA Conduct Disability Reviews?

The SSA conducts disability reviews to:

• Ensure your medical condition still prevents you from working
• Determine if your condition has improved enough for you to return to work at a level considered substantial gainful activity (SGA)

How Often Are Disability Reviews Conducted?

The frequency of your disability review depends on your medical condition and the likelihood of improvement:

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

The SSA assigns your review category when you are first approved for benefits.

What Happens During a Disability Review?

1. Receiving a Review Notice

You will receive a notice from the SSA stating that your case is under review. The notice will include forms for you to complete, which provide updates about your medical treatment, work activity, and daily limitations.

2. Completing Disability Review Forms

Depending on your review type, you may need to complete:

• Short Disability Update Report (Form SSA-455): Used for routine updates when medical improvement is not expected.
• Long Continuing Disability Review Report (Form SSA-454): Requires detailed information about your condition, treatments, medications, and any work activity since your last review.

3. Providing Updated Medical Evidence

The SSA will:

• Request updated medical records from your doctors, clinics, and hospitals
• Review your current treatments, recent test results, and physician notes
• Send you for a Consultative Examination (CE) with an SSA-appointed doctor if your records do not provide enough information about your current condition

4. Evaluating Your Work Activity

If you have returned to work, the SSA will evaluate:

• Whether your earnings exceed the SGA limit, which in 2025 is $1,550 per month ($2,590 if you are blind)
• Whether you can perform work-related tasks consistently despite your medical condition

Possible Outcomes of a Disability Review

After the SSA completes its review:

• Benefits Continue: If your condition still meets SSA’s definition of disability, your benefits will continue without changes.
• Benefits End: If the SSA determines your condition has improved enough for you to work, your benefits may be terminated. You will receive a notice explaining this decision and your appeal rights.

Appealing a Disability Termination Decision

If the SSA stops your benefits after a CDR and you disagree, you can:

• File an appeal within 60 days of receiving the termination notice
• Request that your benefits continue while your appeal is pending, but this must be done within 10 days of receiving the notice