When you are struggling with a disability that prevents you from working, it can have a huge impact on your life and your ability to afford even the most basic of needs. That’s why it can be such a huge help to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. However, the application and review processes for obtaining SSD benefits can be quite lengthy. Yet, there is still good news: once you are approved for SSD benefits, you will receive monthly payments without having to worry about reapplying annually.
While you don’t have to reapply annually for your SSD benefits, you will face re-evaluations every so often to ensure that you are still eligible to be receiving benefits. These re-evaluations are conducted as a standard part of disability regulations by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
How Often Must You Be Re-evaluated?
While everyone will face re-evaluations, the frequency with which these reviews occur is based upon the severity of your medical condition. Eligibility reviews are generally held on a one-, three-, or seven-year basis. However, you will continue to receive SSD benefits so long as your disability remains at the same level and continues preventing you from working. So, while you do not need to submit to the full application process once approved, you will still be subject to evaluations.
Preventing Fraud
The SSA keeps an eye on SSD benefit recipients in order to try to prevent fraud and make sure that those who do qualify receive their benefits. Some disabilities are able to improve with treatment, and some people are able to return to work. Your first re-evaluation may begin 6-18 months after you begin receiving your benefits. If you are found to have the type of disability that can improve, you will likely be placed on a one-year re-evaluation schedule. Many types of cancer that respond well to treatment and many chronic conditions will be re-evaluated on a three-year basis. Those who receive a diagnosis that is never expected to improve are often re-evaluated every seven years. This often includes progressively worsening disorders and genetic disorders. These types of severe disability cases are not looked at as closely.
Reviewing Your Claim
When it’s time for the SSA to review your claim, you will receive a notice in the mail that requests that you report to your local field office where you will engage in a short interview. During this interview you will be asked to provide the following:
- Information surrounding your current condition and daily limitations
- Contact information for your doctors, medical facilities, etc. at which you have been treated
- Any information regarding contact details for employers you’ve worked for since you were approved for disability
Your local SSA office will then forward all of the information that they receive to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office responsible for your initial benefits claim. DDS will decide whether your benefits will continue or cease and you will receive a notice in the mail. However, this decision is not necessarily the final say. A qualified Nevada disability attorney can help you to file or appeal a claim.
The Las Vegas SSD Attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC Can Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with a disability that prevents you from working, you may not know how to proceed. Fortunately, the attorneys at Roeschke Law, LLC can help. We understand the impact that a disability can have on your physical, emotional, and financial health. That’s why it’s our mission to help you. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!