Disability, General, Online Services

How We Review Your Disability Benefits

April 14, 2016 • By

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Last Updated: April 14, 2016

Picture of a man on crutchesWhen 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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About the Author

Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

Comments

  1. lambingan

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  2. Kim

    I can’t find any info on benefits for PTSD.

    • Luis A.

      Hi Kim. Please see our internet page on Wounded Warriors for information. We hope this helps.

  3. DONNA L.

    Trying to get loan forgiven for student loan I am disabled and I’m trying to do this.

  4. Eliabeth. L.

    I’m had anckle surgery in June 15th 2019, and still have not been walking right every since then. I’m still in pain and suffering. Also I have had rashes. I believe its from the metal the doctor put in. The doctor. Never asked me if I was allergic to the metal.

  5. Cathyinkc

    So why then do I keep getting a review after 20 years of being on SSI? I just had a review 2 years ago. Do you really expect mental illness to go away after 2 years? Something I’ve had all my life? Do they think my diagnosis is going to just change?

    • Ann C.

      Hi. 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. Also, even though the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, we have work provisions that can encourage people on disability to return to the workforce and fulfill their desire to be productive. For more information about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) continuing disability reviews, visit here. We hope this helps.

  6. Ellie D.

    It’s interesting to know that when you receive disability benefits, social security will periodically conduct a review of your condition to make sure you still qualify. A friend of my brother got injured, and we are looking for advice about disability benefits. I will let him know about your article about disability benefits to help his friend. https://www.rg3law.com/practice-areas/social-security

  7. Jeffrey L.

    I a sorry but the Americans with disabilities act failed in my case. I have continued to discriminate against since 2012 I live in Indiana and the rules to get Medicaid were at the time I filed my first claim were one activity more stringent than the ssa used. Then in 2014 Indiana became a 1915 state meaning they began using the same rules as the ssa. I have been on a 24 hour a day care since 2014 which is a ssa program. I went thru Vic rehab and was approved again a ssa program. I was at fssa for a Medicaid hearing and noticed my son was mixed up in my records I told the alj and she agreed and ordered the removal of the records problem is my date last insured lapsed during the time my file was coprimised. This is an axample of discrimination that nobody cares because the first decision is followed all the though. Great law if it was used correctly.

  8. BOBBIE K.

    I have became blind and 2006. I left work in March 2007. I received a text from you know and the shelf Curity disability. When you know ran out I went to the impression that Social Security would make up the difference of what our drawing and you know him. As it turned out I lost you know them and they’re open and self security said that are not difference in what do you know him was pain and what our dying in stuff for security disability. I have always wondered why I could not draw gift French teammate cat what I was making and Social Security disability. If so could you give me an explanation as to why I didn’t get the different and you know him and Matt (Cell) Social Security disability. Thank you

  9. Bertha J.

    I’m relocating to another State and I would like for my disability check to be deposited to the other states bank account

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Bertha. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your direct deposit online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. We hope this helps.

  10. Vickie k.

    I’m on disability mc which I went to human mc
    I’ll be 65 in March so can I keep the human mc coverage ?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Vickie. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

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