Changes To SSA Medical Continuing Disability Reviews
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is always thinking of ways to improve customer service and help claimants receive benefits in a timely manner. The agency recently announced that it would transition the processing of medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) from State Disability Determination Services (DDS) to its federal processing site, which is known as Disability Case Review (DCR).
Bringing CDRs in house is expected to improve service to vulnerable Americans who are unable to work. Aligning medical CDRs under SSA’s direct oversight means all CDRs are solely the agency’s responsibility. The goal of this complete ownership and accountability is to reduce improper payments. It will also allow the SSA’s state disability determination service partners to focus on initial disability claims and reconsideration cases and help eligible individuals access benefits quickly. It will also help reduce initial disability claims backlogs, which are close to reaching historic lows.
But this has not always been the case. In June 2024, the DDS initial claims backlog was actually at an all-time high, with over 1.26 million pending claims. Process improvement has reduced this backlog by more than 33% to 831,000 claims as of February 2026. The shift in responsibilities is expected to continue to significantly improve the processing times and reduce the claims backlog.
The agency’s DCR will now handle medical CDRs for the entire country. This will allow DDS sites to focus on reducing wait time on claims for residents in their own state. Non-medical CDRs will continue to be handled by the SSA’s field offices and processing centers. These CDRs are not as complex and do not require the same expertise as medical CDRs.
This change affects millions of Americans who receive Social Security disability benefits because CDRs are required to determine whether someone remains eligible for payments.
Since all medical reviews will now be overseen directly by SSA rather than split between federal and state agencies, this change could mean more consistent decision‑making and clearer accountability.
What Are Medical Continuing Disability Reviews?
CDRs are periodic evaluations conducted by the SSA to determine if a beneficiary’s medical condition has improved enough to return to work. These mandatory reviews ensure only those still meeting strict medical criteria continue receiving benefits. Most beneficiaries undergo a review every 3 to 7 years, though some with expected improvement are reviewed within 18 months and sometimes even as soon as six months.
These reviews can be stressful, but the good news is that more than 90% of those undergoing a CDR are approved for continued benefits. If your benefits are denied for some reason, you do have the right to appeal.
Learn More About Social Security Disability Benefits
The shift in accountability for medical reviews will hopefully help claims get approved more quickly so claimants obtain the benefits they deserve.
Need help with your claim? Tired of dealing with delays? Seek legal assistance from a White Plains Social Security Disability lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (914) 228-1770.
Source:
ssa.gov/news/en/press/releases/2026-03-12.html
