Social Security
Medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs)
& Age 18 Redeterminations

Download or Print this document in Microsoft Word
California Department of Rehabilitation
Spotlight on Social Security

Social Security Medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR's)
& Age 18 Redeterminations

Medical CDRs and Age-18 Redeterminations can feel overwhelming, but understanding what they are and where to find support can make the process more manageable. Use these resources to learn the basics, take informed steps, and access help when needed.

Programs and Support:

  • California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR): Offers Work Incentive Planning (WIP) Services to help you understand and navigate Medical CDRs and Age-18 Redeterminations.

  • Social Security Administration (SSA): Administers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, conducts Medical CDRs, and Age-18 Redeterminations. For more information about these processes or other topics for Understanding SSI, visit the Social Security Administration website. You can also use the Social Security Office Locator tool to find your local office if additional assistance is needed.

  • Ticket to Work (TTW) Program: A free and voluntary program for SSI/SSDI recipients with work goals. Offers help from Employment Networks (ENs) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). While your TTW is assigned, your medical CDRs are paused while you make timely progress. Visit the Choose Work Website or call the TTW Help Line at 1-866-968-7842.

  • Section 301: A work incentive that allows individuals to continue receiving SSI benefits while participating in an approved education or training program, even if SSA determines you are no longer disabled. The program must begin before the SSA decision and be expected to lead to employment. For more details, visit the Social Security website Youth Toolkit.

  • Appeals and Legal Help: If benefits are reduced or stopped, individuals have 60 days to file an appeal. Free or low-cost legal services are available and can be found at Disability Rights California (DRC) website which is home to the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Program. The LawHelpCA website is a statewide California resource for easy access to self-help information on legal problems and referrals to local legal aid providers and pro-bono services. Learn more at www.lawhelpca.org.

Practical Steps:

  • Gaining a clear understanding of Medical CDRs is an important first step in navigating the review process. A Medical CDR is a review conducted by SSA to determine whether an individual receiving disability benefits still meets the medical criteria for disability. Reviews typically occur every 3–5 years, but frequency may vary based on the individual’s condition.

  • Prepare for a CDR: Keep medical records up to date by maintaining documentation of ongoing treatment and limitations. Also, respond promptly to any mail from Social Security, especially if you receive a CDR mailer.

  • Use Special Protections: If enrolled in the TTW Program and you are making timely progress, Social Security will not initiate a medical CDR. Also, if you are in school or job training before Social Security’s decision, you may keep benefits through Social Security, even if you are found no longer disabled.

  • Age-18 Redetermination: Be ready, this automatically occurs when you turn 18. Prepare by gathering updated medical and educational records.

  • Appeal If Needed. If benefits are denied, you have the right to appeal. File within 60 days and request continuation of benefits during the appeal if eligible.

  • Stay Engaged in Work or Education: Participation in school, training, or employment programs may support continued eligibility. Keep documentation of enrollment and progress.

  • Seek Help Early: Contact an SSA representative or advocate if you receive a CDR or redetermination notice and need help. You can also use resources such as a Work Incentive Planner at the DOR or Disability Rights California for advocacy for appeals and redeterminations.

Key Takeaways:

  • Medical CDRs are reviews to confirm your disability status.

  • At age 18, SSI reviews switch from child disability rules to adult disability rules.

  • The TTW Program and Section 301 work incentive may protect your benefits during work or school.

  • Appeals are always an option if your benefits are denied or stopped.

  • Free support and advocacy programs are available to guide you.

Medical CDRs and Age-18 Redeterminations are just checkpoints; they do not mean your benefits will automatically stop. By staying informed, keeping records, and reaching out for help, you can protect your benefits. Want to learn more and stay inspired? The Department of Rehabilitation Website offers many valuable resources. One of the most powerful tools is our Spotlight on Social Security YouTube channel. There you will find webinars and workshops, including a variety of topics such as SSI and Work, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Work, Students with Disabilities, and WIP Services. These resources are designed to guide your journey, help you thrive, and support your success.

 

Resources

Benefits to Independence 101 Contact Directory Empowerment Essentials Meet the Team Spotlight on Social Security Newsletter Spotlight on Social Security Webinars Students Receiving Benefits Success Stories Ticket to Work Program Work Incentive Planning Services