How We Review Your Disability Benefits
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: April 14, 2016
When you receive disability benefits, Social Security will periodically conduct a review of your condition to make sure you still qualify for blind or disability benefits. With the right information, you can be prepared when this happens.
When your case comes up for review, we’ll send you a letter asking you to come to your local Social Security office. We’ll ask you about how your medical condition affects you and whether it’s improved. We’ll also ask you to bring information about your medical treatment and any work you have performed since Social Security decided you were disabled.
A disability examiner from your state’s Disability Determination Services will request reports from your medical providers, and will carefully review all the information in your case. If the medical evidence is not complete or current, we may ask you to have a medical exam at no cost to you.
Social Security conducts a disability review of your case approximately every three years depending on the nature and severity of your medical condition and whether it’s expected to improve. If we don’t expect improvement, we’ll review your case every seven years.
When we conduct a disability review, if we find that your medical condition hasn’t improved and is still preventing you from working, you’ll continue to receive benefits. Your benefits only stop if the evidence shows your medical condition has improved and you are able to work regularly.
If you disagree with our decision, you can appeal and ask us to look at your case again. When we notify you of our decision, we will explain how you can appeal that decision.
You can visit us online for more information, or read our publication What You Need to Know When You Get Social Security Disability Benefits.
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Tags: Disability
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Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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Gail T.
What amount per hour can you work so you won’t lose my benefits (SSDI)and my Medicare.
Gail T.
I am trying to go back to work at 62 years of age but, having no luck. I wondering how no jobs would hire me at my age. Is this discrimination even though I have the experience. I’m really baffled about the work force. Can you give me some insight on the job market. I want to go back to work to add to my retirement.
Gail T.
I receive SSDI and wondering how does this work for retirement. Do I lose my SSDI and be replace by my retirement. I turned 62 on 5/24/1956. Can you explain this to me.
Thanks
Gail T. Jackson-Chapman
Heather P.
I just did a review and sent everything in and now I hot to go to their doctors. Will I still receive my monthly check and why do I need to go to there doctors instead of mine?
K.O.
Hi Heather. For your security, we do not have access to individuals personal information through this venue. However, we suggest contacting your local Social Security office to find out more about your benefit payment continuation. Thanks
Angela F.
I need to know who to talk to about getting my sons back pay it has been 5 years and she wont put it in his account. I am so up set with how I am treated.
R.F.
Hello Angela. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog.
Please continue working with your local office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks.
Marie
I was contacted by phone from a company called HGI they claim they can help me get through the application process. They also said they were refuted to me by my Health insurance. Is this legitimate?
Marie
Maybe it was HIG?
Jenelle G.
I have not received a letter either way and was told today that a decision has been made and they are now in quality review, that I should know something by June 11..I feel that is a bad sign..they would have sent a approval letter instead of a quality review with now answer..I’m I correct in you professional opinion?
R.F.
Hello Jenelle. Most claims are randomly selected for a quality assurance review of the decision.
The law requires Social Security to conduct disability reviews periodically to see if individuals receiving disability benefits are still disabled. How often we review cases depends on the individual’s medical condition.
We care about our customers and are working as fast as we can. For security reasons, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue. In your situation, we encourage you to contact your local office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to one of our representatives. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
sandra l.
I am 61 and have had a stroke and can not get any benefits cause I did not work on the books enough and I own a property worth 25,000 is this right
R.F.
When it comes to qualifying for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Income or SSDI program, individuals must have worked long enough–and recently enough–under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which you have to earn within the last 10 years before you become disabled.
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits are also payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. The limit for countable resources is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Thanks.
don
If the review is denied, how long until benefits stop? I sent in the disability review paper work at the beginning of March, and have not heard anything back yet. I have no idea what to expect with rent and bills due soon.
R.F.
The law requires Social Security to conduct disability reviews periodically to see if individuals receiving disability benefits are still disabled. How often we review cases depends on the individual’s medical condition.
Click here for information on disability reviews. Thanks!
joseph r.
I am trying to find out how many hours I am allowed to work. without it affecting my benefits
R.F.
See our Benefits Planner: Getting Benefits While Working (Retirement), (Disability) and Understanding Supplemental Security Income SSI Work Incentives. Thanks!