Millions of Americans receive a harsh message from the SSA: Pay attention to this about SSDI

In the US, millions of people rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to cover their basic needs when a disability prevents them from working. However, obtaining and keeping these benefits is not an easy task. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires meeting strict medical requirements and undergoing periodic reviews to ensure the continuity of assistance.

Social Security makes it clear: what SSDI is and how you can obtain it

SSDI is a federal program that provides financial benefits to workers who, due to a physical or mental disability, can't perform substantial work activity. To qualify, it is necessary to have worked long enough and contributed to the Social Security system.

In addition, it must be shown that the disability prevents working for at least 12 months or that it is terminal. Once benefits are approved, the SSA conducts periodic reviews, known as "Continuing Disability Reviews" (CDR), to verify whether the beneficiary still meets the disability criteria. 

The SSDI medical review: a rigorous process

The frequency of these reviews depends on the expectation of the patient's improvement. If improvement is expected, the review is conducted between 6 and 18 months after the initial approval.

If improvement is possible but uncertain, the review occurs approximately every 3 years, and if no improvement is expected, the review is carried out every 7 years. During the review, updated medical information is requested, details about treatments received, and, in some cases, an additional medical evaluation is required. The process can take between 3 and 6 months, or longer if appeals are needed.

Who passes the medical review and why is it not easy to be approved?

Approximately 90% of beneficiaries pass the medical reviews and continue receiving their benefits. This is because, once approved, cases are carefully monitored and SSA needs clear evidence of significant improvement to suspend payments.

The review process is strict because SSA must ensure that only people who truly can't work receive benefits. This involves a detailed assessment of the individual's functional capacity, medical history, and any improvement in their condition. In addition, SSA faces challenges in conducting these reviews in a timely manner due to resource and staffing limitations.

This is what SSDI beneficiaries in the United States think

Many beneficiaries express concern and anxiety about the medical reviews. Some comment that, despite not having improved, they fear losing their benefits due to errors in documentation or medical evaluations that do not adequately reflect their situation. The uncertainty and stress associated with this process are common among those who depend on SSDI for their livelihood.