1. Purpose of the Disability Review Process

The SSA conducts disability reviews to:

• Ensure only eligible recipients continue to receive benefits
• Confirm that your medical condition has not improved to the extent that you can return to work
• Comply with federal law, which requires periodic reviews for all beneficiaries

2. How Often Are Disability Reviews Conducted?

The frequency of your reviews depends on the nature and severity of your medical condition:

• Medical Improvement Expected (MIE): Review every 6 to 18 months
• Medical Improvement Possible (MIP): Review every 3 years
• Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE): Review every 5 to 7 years

Your award notice will typically indicate your expected review category.

3. The Disability Review Process in Maryland

Here is what the disability review process generally involves:

A. Receiving the Notice

• The SSA will send you a disability review notice informing you that your case is up for review.
• It will include instructions on completing the required forms and providing updated medical information.

B. Completing the Disability Update Report

Depending on your review type, SSA may send you:

• Short Form (SSA-455): Disability Update Report
• Used for standard reviews when no significant improvement is expected
• Asks about your recent medical visits, hospitalizations, work activity, and whether your condition has improved
• Long Form (SSA-454): Continuing Disability Review Report
• Used if SSA needs detailed information or if medical improvement is possible
• Requires comprehensive updates on your medical treatment, conditions, medications, and daily limitations

Return these forms by the deadline to avoid benefit suspension.

C. Medical Evidence Collection

The SSA will:

• Request medical records from your doctors, clinics, and hospitals
• Review your treatment history, recent imaging, lab results, and specialist reports
• Assess your current limitations compared to previous findings

D. Possible Consultative Examination

If SSA requires additional evidence, they may schedule a consultative examination (CE) with a contracted physician to assess your condition. Attending this appointment is mandatory for your review.

E. Determination of Continuing Disability

A disability examiner and medical consultant will:

• Review your updated records and CE results (if applicable)
• Determine whether your medical condition has improved to the extent that you can engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• Evaluate whether exceptions apply, such as failure to cooperate, fraud, or vocational factors

4. Outcomes of the Disability Review

After the review, SSA will issue a decision:

• Benefits Continue: If your condition has not improved significantly or still prevents you from working, you will continue receiving benefits.
• Benefits Cease: If SSA determines that you have improved medically and can perform substantial work, your benefits will stop after a two-month grace period.

You will receive a detailed decision letter outlining their findings.

5. Appealing an Unfavorable Disability Review Decision

If SSA stops your benefits, you have the right to appeal:

• Request Reconsideration: File within 60 days of receiving the cessation notice to appeal the decision.
• Continue Benefits During Appeal: If you appeal within 10 days, you may continue receiving benefits while your appeal is pending.

During appeals, you should submit additional medical evidence demonstrating continued disability and consider legal representation for the hearing process.

6. Tips to Prepare for Your Disability Review

To strengthen your case during reviews:

• Maintain consistent medical treatment with all your healthcare providers
• Follow prescribed treatments and therapies to demonstrate compliance
• Keep detailed records of your symptoms, limitations, and any worsening conditions
• Notify SSA of any address or phone number changes to ensure you receive all review notices promptly