Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries must periodically undergo Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to verify their medical condition still meets disability criteria. Understanding how this process works in 2025 helps recipients prepare effectively and maintain their benefits.
The frequency of CDRs depends on the classification of your medical condition:
- Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): Reviews typically every 6-18 months
- Medical Improvement Possible (MIP): Reviews approximately every 3 years
- Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE): Reviews every 5-7 years
Your CDR diary category should be listed on your award notice. The SSA uses a profiling system to identify cases with higher likelihood of medical improvement, potentially triggering reviews outside the standard schedule.
The CDR process begins when you receive a notice from the SSA, which will include either:
- A short form (SSA-455, Disability Update Report) for cases considered low-risk for medical improvement
- A long form (SSA-454, Continuing Disability Review Report) for full medical reviews
The short form asks basic questions about recent medical treatment, work activity, and training. If your answers don't suggest medical improvement, your benefits typically continue without further review. However, if your responses indicate possible improvement or you're due for a full review, you'll receive the long form.
The long form requires comprehensive information about:
- Current medical treatment and providers
- Medications and therapy
- Changes in daily activities
- Educational or vocational training
- Work attempts or earnings
After submission, your case is sent to your state's Disability Determination Services for medical evaluation. They may request additional records or schedule a consultative examination with a contracted physician.
To successfully navigate a CDR in 2025:
- Maintain regular medical treatment, even when your condition is stable
- Keep organized records of all medical visits, treatments, and medication changes
- Promptly report any new diagnoses or complications to your providers
- Be thorough but objective when describing your limitations
- Respond to all SSA requests by the stated deadlines
- Consider consulting with a disability attorney if you receive a CDR notice
Most beneficiaries—approximately 90%—maintain their benefits through the CDR process when they continue to meet medical criteria and stay engaged with appropriate medical treatment.