Continuing Disability Review (CDR)

A Continuing Disability Review (CDR) is SSA's periodic re-examination of whether you remain disabled after benefits are awarded. How often reviews occur depends on the diary set in your file: roughly every 6 to 18 months if medical improvement is expected, about every 3 years if improvement is possible, and about every 5 to 7 years if improvement is not expected.

Many reviews begin with the short SSA-455 mailer; higher-risk cases receive a full medical review with the long-form SSA-454. Benefits continue during the review, and SSA can only terminate them by showing medical improvement related to your ability to work. Continuing regular treatment and responding to all CDR notices on time are the best protections.