If you receive Social Security Disability (SSD), you may wonder about the review process and how your age affects it. Many recipients have questions about Social Security Disability reviews after age 50 and how the rules change as they get older. This guide explains what a continuing disability review (CDR) is, frequency of reviews, and how age impacts the process.
What Is Social Security Disability and Who Qualifies?
Social Security Disability provides financial support to people who are unable to work due to a severe medical condition. To qualify for SSD benefits, you must:
- Have a medically diagnosed condition that will last for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death
- Be unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) because of your disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to determine eligibility. They consider your current work status and medical condition severity. If your condition doesn’t meet or equal a qualifying impairment listing, they will assess your ability to do previous forms of work or adjust to other types of work.
Disabled individuals can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs have their own eligibility criteria but each provides financial support to people who can’t work due to disability.
What Are Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs)?
A CDR is when the SSA reviews your medical condition to determine if you still qualify for benefits. These periodic reviews aim to identify recipients whose medical conditions have improved enough that they no longer need benefits.
For a CDR, you’ll receive forms asking about your current health, medical treatments, and work activities. The SSA may also gather updated medical records and sometimes request a consultative examination with a doctor they select.
What Triggers a Social Security Disability Review?
Several factors can trigger a Social Security Disability review:
- Your scheduled review date arrives
- You report significant improvement in your condition
- You return to work
- A new treatment becomes available for your condition
- Someone reports that your condition has improved
- Your earnings record shows work activity
Most reviews happen on a predetermined schedule. However, the SSA can initiate a review at any time if they receive information suggesting your condition has improved.
How Frequently Do Continuing Disability Reviews Occur?
The frequency of Social Security continuing disability reviews depends on your medical improvement prognosis:
- Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): Reviews every 6-18 months
- Medical Improvement Possible (MIP): Reviews every 3 years
- Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE): Reviews every 5-7 years
Your age also plays a role in how often the SSA conducts reviews. Many claimants wonder at what age does Social Security Disability stop reviewing cases, or if there’s an age when reviews become less frequent.
How Age Impacts Continuing Disability Reviews
Age is a significant factor in the disability determination process and also affects how the SSA approaches CDRs.
Social Security Disability Reviews After Age 50
The SSA recognizes that older workers face more challenges in transitioning to new types of work. After age 50, the grid rules used in the Medical-Vocational guidelines can make it easier to qualify for disability benefits.
During a disability review after age 50, these same grid rules apply. This means that even if your condition has shown some improvement, you might still qualify for benefits because of your age. The SSA also considers your work experience, education, and transferable skills. However, they always factor in that it’s typically more difficult for older individuals to find new employment.
Social Security Disability Rules After Age 55
Social Security Disability rules after age 55 make it considerably easier to continue receiving benefits, even with some medical improvement. The SSA recognizes that at this age, transitioning to new work becomes significantly more challenging.
During a Social Security Disability review after age 55, examiners consider:
- Your age as a vocational factor
- Limited remaining work life
- Whether you need to learn entirely new skills
- The physical demands of potential jobs
Does Review Frequency Change With Age?
Many claimants ask if the SSA conducts reviews less frequently as recipients age. There’s no official policy stating that Social Security stops reviewing cases at any age. However, practical evidence suggests that as claimants approach retirement, CDRs decrease. This assumption is partly because the SSA has limited resources that it must apply to other cases.
After Retirement Age
At full retirement age (currently between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year), SSDI benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits. The amount remains the same, but you no longer face disability reviews because you’re no longer receiving disability benefits.
If you’re receiving SSI, you will begin to receive benefits as an “aged” recipient once you turn 65. The SSA will regularly review your income and available resources to check that you continue to meet eligibility requirements.
Preparing for a Continuing Disability Review
If you’re facing a continuing disability review, keep these tips in mind:
- Continue receiving regular medical care
- Keep records of all medical appointments and treatments
- Report any significant changes in your condition to the SSA
- Respond promptly to all SSA requests for information
- Consider seeking legal help if you’re concerned about the review
Get Help With Your Disability Claim
Understanding the continuing disability review process can be challenging, especially as rules change with age. At Grundy Disability Group, we help clients navigate new Social Security Disability claims and CDRs at every age.
If you’ve received notice of a review or have questions about how age affects your eligibility for disability benefits, contact us today. Our disability lawyer in Liberty, MO, is ready to help you understand your rights and protect your benefits.
