Hi:
If your disability is causing you pain, waiting for your disability benefits to be approved can be even more painful! As the backlog in cases increases, the length of time for approval continues to get longer. Social security commissioner Astrue has proposed a number of new plans, from increasing the number of appeals judges to hear cases that have been turned down one time, to turning over the initial approval process to trained lawyers; a trial that worked out well during a test in 2007.
The New York Times reported a story on December 10, 2007, about a sad case where an individual could not endure the wait nor the chance of being turned down any longer and succumbed to the depression of his situation by taking his own life. His parents are left to pick up the pieces of their life without him. Ironically, he was granted a hearing date a couple of days prior to his death.
According to the New York Times article, 2.5 million people apply for disability benefits and about 2/3’s of those applicants get turned-down at the state-level. Of those, 575,000 go on to file appeal and 2/3’s of those who appeal win a reversal. Looking at that in simple numbers:
1,091,667 Give up!
383,333 Get Approved On Appeal!
The painful reality is that there is story after story documenting the wait for disability determinations. The need is increasing, the demand is increasing, and unfortunately, the wait for an initial decision or an appeal hearing before an administrative law judge is increasing.
Helping (You) Win Disabilty Income!
Brian Therrien
PS: “To Learn How To Avoid Costly Delays and Maximize Your Chances of Winning Your Disability Claim Click Here !”
p://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/HowToWin11-max.your.chances.htm
PPS: Subscribe now and get step-by-step directions on how to blast through the Social Security Brick Wall and win your disability income, don’t miss out click here to subscribe now!
Understanding Continuing Disability Reviews: Key Updates and Guidance
Welcome to our latest blog post where we delve into the critical topic of Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs), which are essential for individuals receiving disability benefits. The focus today is on recent statistics and personal anecdotes that highlight the ongoing importance of staying informed about CDRs.
What is a Continuing Disability Review?
A Continuing Disability Review is a routine process for individuals who have been approved for disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts these reviews to determine if the health of a beneficiary has improved to the point where they can return to work, and thus no longer qualify for benefits.
Recent Case and Discussion
Recently, a case surfaced involving a person who had been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for end-stage kidney failure since they were 20. Despite their condition remaining unchanged, they received a notification of health improvement at age 50 and were at risk of losing their benefits. This situation underscores the unpredictability and significance of understanding the CDR process.
How CDRs Work
During a CDR, beneficiaries might be asked to complete a short or long form detailing their current health status. The forms are then reviewed, and if further information is needed, a full medical review may be initiated. It's crucial for recipients to respond promptly to any communications from the SSA to avoid complications or cessation of benefits.
Statistics and Trends
In 2022, approximately 1.5 million of the estimated 9 million disability recipients underwent CDRs. Of these, about 125,000 had their benefits terminated. These statistics reflect a consistent review rate, with an apparent annual increase in the number of reviews conducted, emphasizing the necessity for beneficiaries to stay vigilant.
Key Takeaways
Stay Informed: Always keep your contact information up to date and pay close attention to all correspondence from the SSA. Missing a notification or failing to respond can lead to benefit termination.
Understand the Review Frequency: Depending on the expectation of medical improvement, reviews may occur more frequently. Typically, conditions considered likely to improve are reviewed sooner and more often.
Prepare Adequately: If a review is scheduled, ensure all medical documentation is current and complete. Understanding the review process and preparing accordingly can significantly affect the outcome.
Seek Expert Advice: Engaging with professionals who specialize in disability rights and CDRs can provide crucial support and guidance. For instance, next week, we will feature an in-depth discussion with Attorney James Mitchell Brown, a veteran in the field of social security disability.
Conclusion
Continuing Disability Reviews are a standard part of the disability benefits process, but they can be daunting. By staying informed, prepared, and proactive, beneficiaries can navigate these reviews successfully. Remember, the goal is not only to retain benefits but also to ensure that the support aligns correctly with the individual’s current health needs.
Stay tuned for more updates and expert insights in our upcoming posts, and don't hesitate to reach out with your questions or for further information.
My name is Brian Therrien, and I'm a professional researcher. So when a number of my friends went through unexpected downturns in their life and required disability assistance, I left no stone unturned to try and help them.
At first, I was concerned with how to qualify for disability, ... but as I learned more about the system, I realized that people also really needed help with getting approved, maximizing their benefits, and most importantly, supplementing their income without losing their benefits when they were ready to transition back to the work force.
That's why when you subscribe to my FREE disability newsletter you'll get concrete help with ALL the issues you'll encounter in the disability system
Brian
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