The Wall Street Journal recently published an article indicating the high probably of more Social Security Disability Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) in the near future: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904292504576482372637942558.html?mod=googlenews_wsj.
The key points of the article of great import to social security disability recepients in North Texas and across the nation:
- The recent budget deal includes an exemption for the Social Security Administration as to the bill’s spending cap.
- Annual CDRs are down to around 200,000 from 850,000 in 2002.
- Budget Hawks such as Tom Coburn of Oklahoma are pushing for more CDRs in a effort to trim the social security disability rolls: See http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/sen-tom-coburns-cuts-tackling-social-security/2011/08/03/gIQAcHU7uI_story.html.
The days of getting on social security disability and staying there until full retirement age may be over, especially for younger persons. Our office is advising all our former clients receiving social security disability benefits in North Texas and the DFW area as follows:
- Pay attention to when the social security administration advised you they might do a CDR (its in the Award Letter)
- Continue to get good medical care
- Talk frankly with your doctors about your condition and ability to work: would they support you if the government reviews your case?
- Carefully consider whether your condition has improved and whether you think you could return to work.