Receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not as straightforward as one might believe even after they have been approved. While retirement benefits are simpler, they are just a very small part of the benefits that the SSA distributes every month, as there are five types of benefits total that they administer. The ones that can cause the most trouble for beneficiaries are the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, which are distributed to those that are unable to work because of an illness or disability.
To get approved for these monthly payments you have to go through a very extensive review process that proves that you are unable to work and need the state to pick up the slack, as well as that you have sufficient work credits accumulated to qualify for the payments. But while many believe that once they qualify for SSDI they can just breathe and relax, the reality could not be more different. There are periodic revisions of your case to ensure that only those that are truly sick continue to receive these benefits and that those that can work in any capacity are not given special treatment.
This process is known as continuing medical review (CDR) and can cause a lot of uncertainty and stress in beneficiaries, especially when it comes to knowing when they will be getting payments.
How to continue receiving your SSDI payments even during a CDR
The easy answer is that your review should not impact your payment schedule unless you have received an official notice of suspension from the SSA. The review process is automatic and usually scheduled, so it should not affect any benefit distribution calendar, and unless there is something outrageously wrong with your file, there should be no reason to believe that your benefits will be compromised.
Having said that, always take the necessary precautions when it comes to the SSA, and keep your personal information up to date, like address, bank account number, email and phone number so that you are easy to contact. Ensure that your doctor is also available at the same place and contact information that your paperwork states and if contacted, try to get any additional information to the SSA as quickly as possible to avoid any delays.
Also remember that when the SSA conducts a disability review, it is trying to determine whether your condition still qualifies under its guidelines so your benefits will remain in place throughout the review process. If the outcome is not in your favor, you will still have the option to appeal and submitting your appeal on time allows payments to continue while the matter is under reconsideration.
For those who are eligible, SSDI payments are based on date of birth, so your July payment schedule will look like this:
- July 9 – for birthdays on the 1st–10th of the month and began receiving benefits after May 1997
- July 16 – for birthdays on the 11th–20th of the month and began receiving benefits after May 1997
- July 23 – for birthdays on the 21st–31st of the month and began receiving benefits after May 1997
Your benefits will never be suspended from one day to the next, so if that is one of your concerns, relax and let the process proceed as usual, as you will have plenty of opportunities to explain your case and demand the benefits you are entitled to. The revision process is not meant to take away benefits from deserving individuals, but to ensure that the SSA’s resources are allocated properly and are serving those who need it the most.