After going through the application process and qualifying for benefits, receiving your monthly Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments can be very helpful if you are disabled. You can feel comfortable knowing that your family will receive a regular source of income. Unfortunately, even after the initial application process, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will periodically review your medical condition to see if you still qualify for benefits.
Our knowledgeable local attorneys at Schaffer & Associates can help you understand the role of continuing disability review in Findlay SSDI so that you know what to expect.
The SSA occasionally reviews the claims of every disabled individual who is receiving disability benefits to see if the individual’s medical condition has improved to the point where they are no longer considered to be disabled and therefore no longer entitled to collect benefits.
The time frame in which the SSA will conduct reviews varies based on the individual’s age and condition. If the disabled individual has a condition that is medically likely or expected to improve, their case could be reviewed just months after approval of the initial application. If the individual has a disabling condition where improvement is possible but not likely or expected, most people are subject to review every three years. If an individual is elderly or has a more serious disability that is not likely to get better, such as a lost limb or a terminal disease, the SSA might review their case less frequently, such as every seven years.
If you are subject to review, a claims examiner will review your claim. The examiner might ask you to submit updated medical evidence about your condition. They will look at any new information in your medical records in your file from your BWC physician. They may also ask you to undergo an independent medical examination to confirm the severity of your condition.
Fortunately, passing a continuing disability review is generally considerably easier than qualifying for initial disability benefits. However, if you are not properly prepared for the review, problems can occur. Our Findlay attorneys understand the role a continuing disability review plays in helping you maintain your SSDI benefits. We can answer your questions and help you prepare and submit supportive information.
Individuals can fail continuing disability reviews if they have improved medically to the degree that they are able to work.
If the claims examiner reviews your medical records and the results of an additional medical evaluation and determines that your impairments from your disability have decreased, they might determine that you have had a medical improvement. If you have returned to regular work, the claims examiner can also determine that you have had a medical improvement.
The claims examiner will also determine if you are able to engage in substantial gainful activity, which is work. To determine if you can meet that standard, the claims examiner would need to examine whether your condition allows you to earn a certain amount of money per month from working. Your medical improvements need to increase your residual functional capacity, which allows you to work.
The continuing disability review process can be confusing, but our Findlay attorneys are here to help you understand its purpose when it comes to your SSDI benefits and work with you to minimize the stress.
If you receive disability benefits, it is important to know that the SSA will periodically review your claim.
Our skilled attorneys understand the role of continuing disability review in Findlay SSDI and can help you prepare and present evidence to help you maintain your benefits. Contact us today to learn more.