1. What Is a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)?

A Continuing Disability Review is the SSA’s process of evaluating whether your medical condition has improved enough for you to return to work.

The SSA is legally required to perform these reviews to confirm that beneficiaries still qualify for benefits under federal disability standards.

Your case is reviewed by both the SSA and the Florida Disability Determination Services (DDS) — the same state agency that evaluates new SSDI and SSI applications.

2. How Often Do Disability Reviews Occur in Florida?

The frequency of your disability reviews depends on the severity and stability of your medical condition. Typically, the SSA uses the following schedule:

• Every 6–18 months: If medical improvement is expected.
• Every 3 years: If improvement is possible but not predictable.
• Every 5–7 years: If medical improvement is not expected.

When your case is due for review, the SSA will send you a CDR notice by mail explaining what’s required.

3. The Two Types of Disability Reviews

There are two main types of disability reviews used by the SSA in Florida:

a. Short Form Review (Mail Review)

Also called the Disability Update Report (Form SSA-455), this is a short questionnaire sent to people whose conditions are not expected to improve quickly.

You’ll be asked about:

• Any recent doctor visits or hospitalizations.
• Changes in your medical condition.
• Whether you’ve returned to work.
• Current medications or treatments.

If nothing has changed, you can usually complete this form by mail or online, and your benefits will continue without interruption.

b. Long Form Review (Full Medical Review)

If the SSA determines your case needs a more detailed evaluation, they’ll initiate a full medical review.

This involves:

• Completing a Continuing Disability Review Report (Form SSA-454).
• Submitting recent medical records, test results, and treatment history.
• Providing updated information about your daily activities and work limitations.

The Florida Disability Determination Services (DDS) will then review your file and may contact your doctors or schedule a consultative medical exam if more information is needed.

4. What Happens During a Medical Review

During a full CDR, the SSA and Florida DDS evaluate whether:

1. Your medical condition has improved.
2. The improvement is related to your ability to work.
3. You can now perform any kind of substantial gainful activity (SGA).

If your condition hasn’t improved or still prevents you from working, your benefits will continue. If the SSA determines that you’re no longer disabled, they will notify you before stopping your payments, and you’ll have the right to appeal.

5. What If You’re Found No Longer Disabled?

If the SSA decides your disability has improved enough to return to work, you’ll receive a cessation notice explaining the decision and the date your benefits will end.

However, you have several options:

• File an appeal within 60 days to challenge the decision.
• Request that your benefits continue during the appeal if you file within 10 days of receiving the notice.
• Submit new medical evidence showing that your condition still limits your ability to work.

Appeals in Florida are handled through the same process as new disability claims, including reconsideration and possibly a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

6. How to Prepare for a Disability Review

To make your review go smoothly, it’s important to stay organized and maintain updated documentation throughout the year.

Here are some key tips:

• Keep regular medical appointments with your doctors and specialists.
• Follow prescribed treatments and document your compliance.
• Save all medical records, lab results, and test findings.
• Maintain detailed notes about your symptoms, limitations, and any side effects from treatment.
• Report any changes in address, contact information, or work activity to the SSA immediately.

The more complete your documentation is, the easier it will be to prove that your disability still meets SSA standards.

7. Special Considerations for Florida Residents

In Florida, disability reviews are handled by the Disability Determination Services (DDS) located in Orlando.

Florida Disability Determination Services (DDS)

• Address: 8669 Commodity Circle, Orlando, FL 32819
• Phone: (407) 897-2700

Florida DDS may contact your medical providers directly for updated reports or schedule a consultative exam at a nearby facility. If you’re scheduled for an exam, it’s crucial to attend the appointment — missing it could delay your review or result in a termination of benefits.

8. Can You Lose Benefits During a Review?

Yes, it’s possible to lose benefits if:

• Your medical condition has significantly improved.
• You’re found capable of performing substantial work.
• You fail to cooperate with the review (e.g., missing deadlines or exams).

However, many reviews result in continued benefits, especially when claimants provide consistent medical evidence and maintain communication with the SSA.