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If you are collecting Social Security disability benefits, it is important to understand that you are
not guaranteed to receive those benefits for the rest of your life. After you win your case, Social
Security will periodically conduct reviews to determine whether you are still disabled. The
younger you are, the more likely you are to be reviewed, and you are likely to be reviewed
multiple times.
Most disabled individuals continue to follow up with their doctors regularly even after they have
been awarded benefits; however, some stop going as frequently because they are no longer as
concerned about having evidence for their disability case. It is extremely important to continue to
follow up with your doctors even after you have been awarded disability. Aside from the obvious
health benefits of regular medical treatment, it also will be extremely helpful if your case is
reviewed.
If the Social Security Administration decides to review someone, they will send a notice to the
disabled individual to let them know. Sometimes, the review simply involves the disabled
individual completing a questionnaire that asks about their ongoing medical issues, whether they
are working, and about the nature of their medical treatment. If the medical review proceeds
further, Social Security may go as far as to request medical records from the individual’s doctors
or may have a Social Security doctor either review those records or perform an in-person
evaluation.
If, based on the evidence, Social Security determines that the individual is no longer disabled,
they will send the person a cessation of benefits notice, advising the individual of the decision
and when their medical and monetary benefits will terminate.
Now the clock starts ticking. The individual has 60 days from the date of that notice to appeal the
decision if they disagree with it. However, there is also a choice to be made. If the individual
wants to continue to receive their disability insurance and/or monthly check through the appeals
process, they have only 10 days to notify Social Security of that choice.
There are pros and cons to continuing those benefits. Obviously, the advantage of continuation is
that the individual continues to receive income and health insurance, which most disabled
individuals need to pay their bills and get the medical treatment that they need. However, it is
important to understand that if the individual is not successful in winning their case, those
benefits may have to be repaid to Social Security so there is a financial risk.
If you are being reviewed or your benefits are being terminated, it is wise to consult with an
attorney who practices in the area of Social Security disability. As always, Chuck and I are here
for you to answer any questions that you may have.
Sarah Barkley Raaymakers