7 Social Security Letters You Should Never Ignore

2. Continuing Disability Review Notice (Forms SSA-455 and SSA-454)

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or SSI disability payments, the government periodically checks your medical eligibility. A Continuing Disability Review (CDR) notice signals that this mandatory evaluation has begun.

Beneficiaries receive one of two forms based on their medical history. You will receive either Form SSA-455 (Disability Update Report) or Form SSA-454-BK (Continuing Disability Review Report).

Form SSA-455 is a short two-page questionnaire that asks about recent doctor visits, treatments, and work activity. In contrast, Form SSA-454-BK requires a comprehensive summary of your medical records and diagnostic tests.

Routine medical reviews occur every three years if medical improvement is possible. When medical improvement is unlikely, evaluations happen every five to seven years instead.

You must complete and return these forms within the specified deadline, which is typically 30 days. Ignoring a CDR notice results in the direct suspension and eventual termination of your disability benefits.