It’s a great feeling when I help a client get approved for Social Security Disability(SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income(SSI) and when they finally start getting SSI/Social Security Disability monthly benefits and back pay.

But, unfortunately, it may not be the end of the road.

In a “continuing disability review,” you will get a letter from Social Security saying that they are reviewing your case. If you get a letter like this – act right away!

In fact, I recently represented a client at a termination hearing – he was found disabled only two years ago and his case is now being reviewed again.

Even after you get approved for disability, Social Security can look at your SSI/SSDI case again anywhere from one to five years down the road. This is called “Continuing Disability Review.”

This is because Social Security wants to see if your health has improved. If your health has improved, Social Security may find that you are able to work and then cut you off of Social Security Disability.

You can also be cut off if you have been working and earning more than “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) – this is currently $1,550 gross pay per month.

In a “continuing disability review,” you will get a letter from Social Security saying that they are reviewing your case. If you get a letter like this – act right away!

You will be asked to fill out forms listing your medications, doctors, clinics, and hospitals. After looking at your latest medical records, Social Security will again decide whether or not you are disabled.

Cessation Notice

If Social Security finds you are no longer disabled you will get a letter titled “Disability Cessation Notice.”. Your monthly payments will be cut off – unless you ask for continuing benefits while you appeal the decision. You only have 10 days to ask for the payments to continue during the appeal period.

But, if you are eventually found not disabled, you will probably have to pay this money back.

The termination appeal hearing is conducted by a hearings officer at a local Security Security office. The hearing officer will ask you questions about your medical conditions and functioning. Even if you have won Social Security benefits, it’s important that you keep seeing your doctors and counselors and keep telling them about your symptoms and how they affect your ability to do everyday tasks. At the recent termination hearing, the hearing officer also made a point of telling my client how important this is.

Please feel free to call us at 651-633-4882 if you have questions about your continuing disability review or an upcoming termination hearing. We might be able to help you.

J. Asha Sharma
Attorney
Disability Partners, PLLC