The SSDI Review Period

[cutlassmama]

Does anyone know if it is as rigorous at the first time I got approved? I'm up for my 3 year evaluation. Do I have to have a lot more documentation or is it pretty straightforward?

[mrcheerful]

1. Count on it being just as bad as the first time, SSDI and SSI are in the

process of weeding out the fakes, even if a few legit get taken off. They are also sitting higher standards for those they allow on SSDI and SSI. All I can say is go prepared.

[Kindigger]

2. My first 3 year

evaluation was a five question piece of paper. My 7 year eval. was going to be one like the first reply was talking about, but I'd broken my neck so they sent a letter saying "there is no need for us to do one at this time".

I was relieved, but went hmmmm wondering how/if they'd got my medical records without me signing anything.

The most important thing is to make sure you are still being treated for your original condition. I say that, because I've been slacking off on going to the Dr. just because I feel better not lifting,standing,etc.

Good luck!

[Bitwit1234]

3. Are you sure about the SSDI part?

It stands for Social Security Death Index. I don't think the social security would have the same abbreviation for two departments. Maybe just SSI?

[fed-up]

4. SSDI-Social Security Disability Insurance-for those w/enough work history to qualify nt

[cutlassmama]

5. correct. It means both. Obviously, I meant the review. I'm not dead....yet

[happyslug]

6. Actually the "Correct" abbreviation is RSDI

RSDI = Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance, which is the "Correct" name for Social Security (Which includes Survivors and Disability Claims as while as Retirement Claims).

As to the Three Year check up, it is generally pro forma. I.e. the Social Security administration (SSA) gathers the medical records and MUST make the following two decisions:

1. There has been medical improvement. If no medical improvement, SSA can NOT deny the claim being reviewed. Now Medical Improvement can be almost anything, but it has to be something.

2. Given the Medical improvement, are you still disabled? If you are below 50 to continue to get RSDI, SSA must show you can NOT do sedentary work (Work that requires you to be on your feet NO more than 2 hours in an 8 hour day or life more then 10 pounds). If you are OVER age 50, the test is Light work (Which is EITHER, work that required you to be on your feet more than two hours per day OR jobs that requires frequent lifting of 10 pounds, and occasional lifting of 20 pounds). If you are over age 55, the test is medium work, which requires you to life up ot 50 pounds occasionally and 25 pounds frequently.

In my experience it is rare for someone over age 50 to be ruled "Not Disable" once they are ruled "Disabled" by SSA. Under age 50 is a different ballgame, but some sort of improvement MUST be shown even for people below age 50.

[happyslug]

7. Did you receive a Notice of a review ?

If you did not, your case is NOT up for Review. SSA is notorious for delaying "three year review" when cash is tight (and it always is) so that the review occurs 5 or more years after you first ruled to be disabled (Given the present economic situation, more and more people are applying for benefits, which delays any review of existing people on Social Security Disability or SSI).

If you received a Notice that your benefits are to be terminated do to a review, do NOT wait to see an attorney, file the appeal ASAP. The notice is confusing, it says you can appeal within 60 days, BUT IF YOU WANT TO CONTINUE RECEIVING BENEFITS YOU MUST FILE WITHIN 10 DAYS. Given the high reversal rates at the ALJ level, I tell my clients to file the appeal as soon as you get the notice of denial. DO NOT WAIT TO SEE YOUR LAWYER, most lawyers will not be able to see you within the ten day appeal period. On the appeal, where it says why do you object, just write in "I am still disable". Filing the appeal within the ten day period continues your benefits, you do NOT have to say why you object, but that you object.

[cutlassmama]

8. Great information to have. Thank you so much!

[hashibabba]

9. I got their 5-question form after three years. Nothing else.

Then I got the same thing for the next three-year review. Now I haven't heard from them in quite a while, so I'm guessing I'm on the 7-year review schedule. By then I'll probably be 55 and they'll be relaxing the requirements, which is good.

I also got one of those forms saying I didn't need to do anything, but I didn't even know why I got it and can't remember when, now.

Good luck.

[cutlassmama]

10. Good to hear. Hopefully, that is all that will heppen with me.

[ildemo]

11. Work and SSDI

Now what I am on disability, can anyone tell me if it would be safe to work a menial part-time job for some extra cash? Like at the corner gas station?

Or will it red-flag me?

I really need a little extra money to cover the bills, but I don't want to get cut off, especially since I have only been on SSDI for a month. Nor do I want to trigger an early review. As it is, I have 5-7 years. I would hate to screw that up.

[Silver Swan]

12. From the SSA web site

Check this for information about working while receiving SS disability benefits.

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10095.html

[Vannort54]

16. Working

I would not try to work at all remember you are disabled and can not work that's why you are on disability in the first place,it took you a Long time to get it don't chance it.

[otohara]

13. I Would Get A Letter From You MD

saying you can still not work full time, not now, not ever.

Take it with you, better yet, do your evaluation over the phone, but make sure the person has a copy of the letter when you have the evaluation.

Good Luck

[Imagevision]

14. Anyone know what the 5-question form says? I have a review coming

up in 2 months, I've been on SSDI 5 years this August and was found disabled due to a bi-polar (among other things) condition. I should get my own copies of medical reports? Also I used Disability Advocates who said they would stand by me when the review notification arrives. ->5-question form says what again? thanking you now...

[Pastiche423]

15. I began receiving SSDI 15 years ago

In that time, I have had one telephone review. And unless a cure for paralysis has been found, I doubt I'll have another. (The government considers me 100% disabled.)