Social Security’s Disability Update Report – a Primer

Social Security’s Disability Update Report – a Primer Disability benefits are paid to claimants based on chart review. Disability Update Report is used to check whether a continuing disability review is needed.

Social security disability benefits are paid to eligible claimants on the basis of chart review and other formalities. However, after a few years the SSA (Social Security Administration) needs to ensure that these beneficiaries still qualify to receive benefits. Therefore, Disability Update Report is created for those who are at present receiving disability payments from the SSA. The SSA reviews each disability case using the disability update report. In this way, they ensure that a beneficiary still complies with disability rules and is eligible to continue receiving the payments. Whatever information is given by the recipient will be compared to the information given in the previous claim. This will help the

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social

security administration

determine

whether

any additional

medical

investigation or a Continuing Disability Review is required.

The Disability Update Report is not a medical review but a form that the SSA uses to decide if a medical review is needed. When this report is sent, the SSA does not contact the beneficiary’s doctor or perform a medical record review. You have to complete the report and send it to the SSA within 30 days from the moment it has been completed.

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The form contains six questions, for which the answers must be provided in black ink.

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The questions are related to previous work activity, education, doctor’s decision regarding your future work, current health condition etc.

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The information you fill up must be accurate. If you have any doubt regarding

how

to

answer

the

questions,

contact

your

authorized

representative or social service representative.

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It is vital that all questions are answered honestly, chiefly regarding your work. The SSA checks IRS records to see if people are working and they may also check your bank accounts.

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The Disability Update Report must be signed, and dated. You must also provide your telephone number.

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You have to submit medical reports and letters from doctors that prove your present health condition.

Most Disability Update Reports are processed by a computer that scans the boxes on the form. This computer can review your form without delay if the following conditions are met.

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You have answered all the questions

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The form is completed in English

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The form is signed

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You are not working

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You have included no remarks or attachments, or written anything in the margins

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You don’t have any other unresolved social security concerns

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It is important that you fill up the form promptly once it is sent to you, and return it within the stipulated time. Minor mistakes made on the form will not be penalized, if you have answered all questions honestly. In case the computer has trouble reading your form, there is no need for concern because it will be directed to a person who will review the same.

Once the report is reviewed, you could be approved for the benefits to continue or the SSA may send you the Continuing Disability Review form. In most cases, the administration approves the Disability Update Report without asking for further review, as studies have found. In such cases, the beneficiaries will continue receiving payments from the SSA. Those who have checked the box that their condition has improved or have not listed their recent doctor’s visits may receive a form for Continuing Disability Review. Since your medical records and chart review are important considerations when considering eligibility for disability benefits, you must go for regular appointments with your doctor, and also let the doctor know about your symptoms at every consultation.

You may not be sent a long form review, but there is a chance you will be. Since you know this could happen, it’s a good idea to keep up with regular doctor’s appointments, and let your doctor know about your symptoms at every visit.

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