Last Updated: 7/17/2026
The reality is straightforward: you cannot completely avoid Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs). Federal law requires the Social Security Administration (SSA) to review disability cases periodically to ensure you still meet eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
However, while you cannot stop CDRs from happening, you can better manage how they affect you. Programs like Ticket To Work (TTW) and working with an Employment Network like Allsup Employment Services play an important role in helping you move forward with confidence while protecting your benefits in specific situations.
What is a Continuing Disability Review?
A Continuing Disability Review is the SSA’s way of confirming that you still qualify for disability benefits based on your medical condition. These reviews are not random. They are a required part of the system designed to ensure benefits are provided to individuals who remain eligible.
There are two types of CDRs:
- Medical: This is a review to see if your medical condition has improved.
- Work: This is to review your earnings and work activity to decide if you are still eligible for cash benefits based on the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
How often your case is reviewed depends on how the SSA classifies your condition at the time of approval, as well as whether you have any earnings from work. If medical improvement is expected, you may be reviewed sooner or more frequently. If improvement is considered unlikely, reviews still happen, but less often.
What happens when a Continuing Disability Review occurs?
When a CDR occurs, the SSA evaluates whether you still meet requirements to receive disability benefits. You’ll typically receive a notice and a form asking for updated information about your condition, medical treatment and any work activity.
After you respond, for a medical CDR the SSA reviews your medical records and may request additional information or schedule an exam if needed. The key question is whether your current condition still meets the SSA’s definition of disability.
In most cases, if your medical condition remains the same and you continue receiving appropriate treatment, your benefits will continue. However, responding fully and on time—and maintaining clear medical documentation—is essential to ensure a smooth review process.
For a work CDR, the SSA reviews whether you are engaging in SGA. This means if you are earning more than a certain monthly amount (a threshold which changes annually).
Can I avoid a Continuing Disability Review?
There is no legal way to opt out of CDRs if you continue receiving SSDI benefits. SSA is required to conduct these reviews at regular intervals, regardless of your age, diagnosis or work status.
When participating in the Ticket To Work Program, medical CDRs are suspended.
There are a number of common myths about CDRs. What are the top three?
- Myth No. 1: Reaching age 55 prevents any more CDRs.
- Myth No. 2: Having a “permanent” condition eliminates CDRs.
- Myth No. 3: Avoiding work will keep the SSA from conducting a CDR.
In reality, none of these assumptions are accurate. CDRs may become less frequent over time, but they do not stop entirely, with the exception of participating in the TTW Program.
While this may sound discouraging, it’s important to know you can take steps to limit certain types of reviews and reduce the risks associated with them.
How does participating in Ticket To Work prevent certain CDRs?
As mentioned earlier, the TTW Program offers protection from medical CDRs. Once you have signed up for TTW, the SSA will not start a medical CDR solely because you begin working or increase your earnings—if you meet specific criteria.
When you use TTW, you are following an SSA-approved path to test your ability to work. This structured approach signals to the SSA that your employment activity is part of a supported return-to-work effort.
However, it is important to understand the limitations. TTW does not stop all CDRs. It can pause the medical CDR clock while someone is actively using it and progressing, but it does nothing to stop work CDRs, which continue to track SGA regardless of Ticket status.
How can an Employment Network like Allsup Employment Services support me?
Moving through CDRs and returning to work can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage it alone. An Employment Network like AES provides guidance at each step of the process.
AES helps you enroll in and use the TTW Program correctly, ensuring you meet SSA requirements and benefit from available protections. You also receive personalized support, including career counseling, resume development, job search assistance and interview preparation.
Perhaps most importantly, AES helps you understand how working affects your SSDI benefits. With expert guidance, you can make informed decisions.
To get started with Allsup Employment Services, call 866-854-5105 or request a call.
