Once you have been approved for Social Security Disability benefits, you can expect to have a continuing review periodically. Depending on the severity of your medical condition and the perceived likelihood that you will eventually be able to eventually return to work, this review could take place every year, or every few years. Typically, continuing disability reviews take place every three years (though this can vary considerably).
The SSA will use your continuing disability review to determine whether you still meet the criteria to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. In most cases, this involves filling out a form which they will send you. You will want to do this promptly. If you have specific questions about your claim and how it might be affected, consider consulting a Social Security disability lawyer.
If it is determined that you still qualify, you will continue receiving benefits, just as you have been since you were approved. If it is determined that you no longer qualify, you have the right to appeal the decision. In most cases, you can continue to receive benefits during the appeals process as long as you start the process shortly after being informed of the results of your continuing disability review.
In some cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will decide that it needs to see additional information regarding your disability. In such cases, they may ask for further medical documentation, or they may order a consultative examination. Whenever the SSA asks you to provide information or to show up to an examination, it’s in your best interests to comply. If you think the information may be used against you unfairly, consult a Social Security attorney.
The best way to prepare for a continuing disability review is to continue to see your doctors and mental health professionals as prescribed. Continue to take any medication, physical therapy, cognitive therapy, or other treatments they prescribe. Ideally, you should keep a log book of all treatments and therapies you have undergone. Not only will this help you remember when you have to provide the information, but it can stand as a form of proof that you are complying with your doctor’s orders.
If you are asked to do anything beyond filling out the continuing disability forms, it is in you interest to consult a Social Security lawyer. You will especially want to consult an attorney who is familiar with the Social Security disability process if the SSA finds that you are no longer disabled and you want to appeal their decision. You should approach an appeal to the SSA’s decision much as you would a new disability claim.
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