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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: Disability
See CommentsAbout the Author
Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Darleen C.
I need to know how to do a medical review for disability, as my condition has improved some what due to a more up to date medication. I would like to get off disability. I need to know where to get the ssa-455 form. Can I go off disability or do I have to go thru a review. Thank you Darleen Chapman. 11 north st apt 22 Mexico N.Y 13114
R.F.
Hello Darleen. Your benefits will continue unless there is strong proof that your condition has improved medically and that you’re able to return to work.
Please contact the local Social Security office promptly by phone, mail, or in person and (if possible) provide medical documentation that supports the fact that your health has improved, to the point where you are no longer disabled or that you can go back to work.
For further assistance or to make an appointment with your local office, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call us later during the day or later in the week. We ask for your patience during busy periods since you may experience a higher than usual rate of busy signals and longer hold times to speak to us. Thanks!
Nevanna P.
How long after the SSD hearing is it until I receive something. Hearing was on April 29th.
Thank you.
R.F.
Hello Nevanna. The length of time it takes to get a decision after a hearing can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. Please continue working with your local hearing office on specific questions about your case. While you wait, you may want to check and see if you are eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include medical assistance, and help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office.
Thanks!
DONALD G.
NEED 20 YEAR SSI CASE REVIEW WITH-ATTORNEY EXPERICECE TO PRESENT CASE ..WENT TO INFORMAL CONFERENCE ..THEY WILL NOT EVEN TAKE COPY OF ANY DOCUMENTS ON THE MATTER ..??? DONT CALL EMAL OR LEAVE MESSAGE TO CONNTACT BACK AND TIME AND DAY ..???
Marlys r.
I am on disabily and turn 65 in October. Do I need to fill out forms for SSI or does it roll over to regular SSI?
R.F.
Hello Marlys. Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries attain their full retirement age. Benefits are not interrupted with this transition and the benefit amount will generally remains the same.
the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a needs based program that gives cash assistance to people with limited income and resources who are age 65 or older, blind or disabled.
To see if you’re eligible for SSI, you will need to speak with one of our agents. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
Robert L.
My son developed schizophrenia in 2016 he committed a felony has been in court proceedings for two years and has been absolved of any wrongdoing based on temporary insanity
He is under medical care by a psychiatrist and cannot work
Does he qualify for SS disability ?
R.F.
Hello Robert, the Social Security Act sets out a strict definition for disability. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. However, if a person believes they are disabled and meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply for disability as soon as they become disabled.
Your son can apply online, which is quick and easy. He can also apply by calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or he can contact his local Social Security office directly.
We hope this information helps!
dont b.
How long before in addition to determining a person’s ability to work.. you can determine how much of that ability they are actually using (before you can set standards of performance, or “efficiency” standard, and demand repayment for those who aren’t performing like you determined they can…
Tamie
I am trying to check on the status of my hearing
Jason M.
Why is it that we can not access our accounts at any time online?
Jason M.
Why is it that we can not access our accounts at any time online?
J.Y.
Hi Jason. Sorry you are having trouble accessing you personal my Social Security account. For assistance with your account, please call 1-800-772-1213. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” please say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Sometimes it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance. To local your office, visit https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp.
Doris C.
I have a new bank and last month my son’s check came on time this month they said there was no payment how can I find out online or get a verification letter online today
Sharon E.
Does my Disability check change if I move to another state. From Washington State to California?
R.F.
Hello Sharon, both Social Security disability & SSI benefits are federal administered programs and are transferable to other states. Remember to report your change of address to us as soon as possible. If you receive Social Security disability (SSDI), you can create a my Social Security account and simply change your address online. However, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must report any new change such as your relocation to California to the local Social Security office there. SSI beneficiaries may be eligible to receive additional benefits or payments from other local government agencies and State programs.
If you need further assistance, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
We hope this helps!