You should be prepared for periodic reviews of your disability if you have been receiving disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) for a condition that prevents you from working.
The SSA uses these reviews to determine whether your condition is still deserving. Depending on the outcome, your benefits may be terminated or sustained.
Usually, the extent of your disability will determine the frequency of these reviews. You are likely to get less frequent reviews if your disability has no chance of medically improving compared to someone expected to improve. Here is what you need to do in anticipation of a continuing disability review.
Have copies of your medical records
The SSA might require additional details about your disability. Therefore, it is advisable to have updated medical records that will provide the information needed.
Continue to receive medical care and follow treatment instructions
If you have any prescribed therapy, medication or other treatment, you should keep up with them. Otherwise, the SSA might conclude that you are not doing enough to improve your condition.
Update the SSA on any changes in your address
When the SSA sends a review notice, you should respond to it promptly. If you change your physical address, you need to update your records with the SSA since a lack of response could hurt your benefits.
Provide correct information
When providing details to the SSA, you need to be truthful. Any false or misleading information regarding your disability could get you in trouble with the law.
Seek assistance
While notice of a disability review should not scare you, you need to get everything right during this critical process and protect your benefits. Therefore, if you have any doubts about your upcoming review, it is advisable to seek help.