Continuing Disability Reviews and Termination of Benefits: What You Need to Know

Having your case reviewed for continuing eligibility to social security disability insurance benefits can be stressful. The possibility of the termination of your monthly income and medical insurance can feel overwhelming. Reviews by the Social Security Administration (SSA) may result in either continued benefits or termination. Understanding when reviews happen, what rights you have if benefits are stopped, and how work rules apply can ease the stress associated with the process.

1. When and Why SSA Does Reviews

SSA regularly conducts Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to determine if you still qualify for benefits. These reviews can happen for two reasons:

• Medical Improvement Review: If SSA believes your condition may have improved.
• Work Review: If your earnings suggest you may be engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

The timing depends on your case. Some reviews are scheduled every three years, while others may occur every seven years if improvement is considered unlikely.

Tips for handling reviews:

• Keep detailed medical records and attend all doctor visits.

• Respond quickly to any SSA notices.

• Provide honest and complete information about your work and medical history.

While Green and Greenberg typically does not assist with the initial review itself, preparation is crucial. The SSA’s own research shows outcomes vary significantly depending on whether benefits stop due to medical improvement or work. For example, those who lose benefits due to medical improvement often struggle to regain SSDI and earn below the poverty threshold. (SSA study summary)

2. If Terminated: Your Rights to Contest and Continue Benefits

If SSA terminates your benefits, you have important legal rights:

• Appeal the decision: You can request reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and even federal court review if necessary.
• Elect to continue benefits: If you appeal within 10 days of your termination notice, you may choose to continue receiving benefits while your appeal is pending. This option can protect your income while the case moves forward.

This is where Green and Greenberg can help. We represent clients whose benefits have been terminated and fight to restore them. We ensure appeals are filed on time, evidence is well-presented, and your right to continuing benefits is preserved.

Why it matters:
The SSA study found that individuals whose benefits ended due to medical improvement rarely regained SSDI, highlighting how essential it is to appeal quickly with strong representation.

3. If Working: Trial Work Period and Extended Reeligibility

For claimants who return to work, SSA offers programs to encourage attempts without immediately ending benefits:

• Trial Work Period (TWP): You can test your ability to work for up to 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) while still receiving SSDI benefits.
• Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): After the TWP, you have a 36-month safety net. During this period, if your earnings fall below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level ($1,550/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals), your benefits can restart without a new application.

These protections exist to help you re-enter the workforce gradually, without the fear of immediately losing benefits.

Be Proactive, Protect Your Benefits

SSA reviews are a normal part of disability benefits, but terminations can be devastating if not handled properly. Knowing your rights, and having the right team on your side, makes all the difference. Green and Greenberg is dedicated to helping you keep the benefits you deserve by avoiding technical or procedural pitfalls.

Our team helps you:

• Understand your risk of re-qualifying after termination
• Strengthen your medical record and reduce the chance of improper termination

If your benefits were recently terminated or you’re worried about a future review get us on your side early. A strong, strategic case can make all the difference in securing long-term support.

Contact Green and Greenberg today for a consultation tailored to your post-termination situation.