A Continuing Disability Review may involve Social Security requesting information about a beneficiary’s medical condition, treatment or daily functioning.
SSA says it may use forms including the SSA-454 Continuing Disability Review Report or SSA-455 Disability Update Report.
If you receive one, don’t throw it into a pile of unopened mail.
Make sure Social Security has your correct address and contact information, and carefully follow the instructions and deadlines included with the notice.
It can also help to have updated information available about doctors, specialists, hospitals, medications, treatments and recent medical care.
Most importantly, don’t assume that receiving a review automatically means your benefits are ending.
A review is exactly that — a review.
Working While Receiving SSDI? Know These 2026 Numbers
Another area that causes enormous confusion involves employment.
Some people believe that earning any money while receiving SSDI immediately cancels disability benefits.
That’s not how the program works.
Social Security has work incentives designed to allow certain SSDI beneficiaries to test their ability to work.
In 2026, earnings of more than $1,210 in a month can generally cause that month to count toward the nine-month Trial Work Period. During the Trial Work Period, eligible SSDI beneficiaries can continue receiving their full disability payment while testing their ability to work, assuming the other program requirements are met.
After the Trial Work Period, different rules apply.
For 2026, the Substantial Gainful Activity amount is generally $1,690 per month for a non-blind individual and $2,830 for a statutorily blind individual.
The rules can become complicated depending on someone’s situation, so beneficiaries who return to work should report their work activity and understand which stage of the SSDI work-incentive process applies to them.
Veterans Can Potentially Receive VA Disability and SSDI
Here’s another issue that causes confusion online.
